0844 numbers will be replacing the 0845 number range as the most popular UK business number in the coming year. Here are a few reasons why your business should consider using

0844 numbers

one.

1. No Connection Charge – Unlike the 0845 number range that has a 6p connection charge, 0844 numbers are connection charge free. The customer only pays for the amount of time spent on the call.

2. Memorable Numbers – Gives your customer a professional, easy to remember 08 number to call.

3. No Call Charges To Your Business – Your business will receive no call charges on any calls received.

4. Take Your Number With You – Once you have chosen and registered your 0844 number it’s yours. Even if you decide to relocate, you can take your number with you.

5. Built In Disaster Recovery – In the event of a disaster, 0844 numbers can have an in built disaster recovery system that immediately diverts incoming calls, potentially saving you money, and making sure you don’t lose out on business.

Its never easy starting your own business. Here’s 10 important hints and tips for you to consider before you decide to take the plunge!

1. Assess and Analyse

Starting up and ultimately running a business is very time consuming, so you need to assess whether what your doing is something you love or not. Analyse your personality; you need to ask yourself if you’re the right person to start up a business, can you work long hours? Can you take criticism? Will you be able to cope with financial insecurities? These are just some of the things you need to consider. Write down a list of all the reasons why you’re starting up your own business, as they are essential in contributing to your success.

2. Research and know your market better than your competitors

Before you begin, it is vital to examine your market, look at the demand for your product/services. Research into likely competitors, become an expert in your industry. Identify key differences in what you have to offer that others don’t, as it can be used as a unique selling point once your up and running.

3. Take advice and get professional help

As with anything you do it is always important to seek professional advice and help. This will allow you to look at your business objectively and ensures that you are doing things correctly, which is difficult when you are so closely involved.

4. Don’t do it alone and always remain professional

Be professional from the off. Everything about you needs to let people know that you’re a professional running a serious business. This means getting business cards, business numbers e.g 0844 Numbers, a business email address and always treating people in a professional and courteous manner. It is vital to have a support network, when starting up your business. Experienced guidance is the best support system of all.

5. Create a detailed and exceptional business plan

One of the main reasons for doing a business plan first is that it can help you avoid wasting time, effort and money into a business that isn’t going to succeed. The SBA website has lots of good information on how to put together an exceptional business plan.

6. Be flexible and take everything one-step at a time

Always be flexible and be ready to move quickly when an opportunity arises. Never get ahead of yourself by trying to do too much when working through the process of setting up your business. Try to structure tasks and box things off methodically.

7. Start up when your still employed/ Toe-dip

It may be a long time before your business actually makes any money. Being employed when you actually start your business means money in your pocket while your going through your business start-up. So you still have the financial security until your business is up and running. Toe dipping means you basically test your idea without risking everything.

8. Always be honest about your weaknesses

Identify what you do well and what you do badly, dividing it into areas such as financial, marketing, operational and general management. Be honest with yourself and always be realistic.

9. Justify every assumption in your business plan

You should make sure your business plan has long-term objectives, estimates and forecasts. It will help you keep your business on a planned course so you can spot when things are not going to plan.

10. Don’t give up if things aren’t moving as fast as you anticipated

If you want your own business you have to be willing to work hard, work smart and keep on going until you get it. There is no other way.

Ministers increase pressure on GP’s to stop using 0845 and 0844 numbers in their surgeries.

Ministers have launched an England-wide consultation to ask the public whether they want GP surgeries to keep their 08 numbers.

Over 1000 surgeries across the UK are now using 0844 and 0845 numbers. These numbers generate a small amount of income for the practices, which is then spent on improving patient services.

These lo-call rate 08 numbers cost up to 5 pence a minute from a landline, and up to 20 pence a minute from a mobile.

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “We are concerned that some people are paying over the odds to contact the NHS. For people on low incomes who need to contact their local doctor or hospital regularly, these costs can soon mount up.”

Both GP’s and the British Medical Association are defending the use of 08 numbers in general practice. Dr Laurence Buckman, GPC chair, said: ‘Where 0845 numbers are used by the NHS there is good evidence that patient satisfaction has improved, with better and quicker access to services because of the additional functions within the telephone system.’

In 2005 the Department of Health put pressure on GP’s to change from 0870 numbers, which cost the caller significantly more than the 0845 range.

An official review is being conducted into whether surgeries and governing bodies should be made to use the 03 number range. These numbers cost the same as a local call but will not contribute to funding the telephone systems currently installed in surgeries across the UK.

Ministers have failed to highlight how these services can be funded if these changes do take place.