15 Sep 2023

Local phone numbers serve as a valuable tool for businesses aiming to establish a presence in a specific area without the need for a physical office. Area codes like 020 play a vital role in connecting people and businesses to specific geographic locations. One such area code that carries significant cultural and economic weight is the 020 area code, predominantly associated with London, United Kingdom. This is especially advantageous for businesses targeting customers in the Greater London area, as having a 020 area code phone number signals to potential customers that your business operates within the local community.

In this blog, we will look into the 020 area code, its history, significance, coverage, and why it matters in the modern digital age.

What is an 020 area code?

The 020 telephone area code, associated with London, UK, encompasses Central London and nearby districts like Westminster, Bromley, Greenwich, Southwark, Islington, Lambeth, Redbridge, Southwark, Barnet and Merton. Acquiring a London phone number with the 020 STD area code is a strategic choice for businesses looking to establish a local presence, reaching a population of over 9750,000 people in London and its environs. A local phone number enhances business credibility and appeals to customers who value local connections.

History of 020 area code,

The 020 area code has a history that dates back to the early days of telephony in London. The first exchange in the area, Central, was opened in 1902, and was followed by many others over the years. The Director system was developed to allow subscribers in London to call each other in a linked numbering scheme, regardless of whether they were on a manual or an automatic exchange. By 1934, there were 147 exchanges within 12.5 miles of Oxford Circus, and by 1950, there were 237 exchanges within 20 miles of Oxford Circus.

The 020 area code was introduced on 1 June 1999, as part of a major reorganisation of the UK’s numbering system. It replaced the previous codes of 0171 and 0181, which were used for inner and outer London respectively.

Some interesting facts about 020 area code

The 020 area code is one of the most widely used and recognised dialing codes in the UK. It is associated with the capital city of London, and covers a large area that includes parts of Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey. But how much do you really know about this area code? Here are some facts that you might find interesting:

  1. Unlike some other cities, 020 does not have sub-areas or districts, so any number starting with 020 can be located anywhere within its boundary, which extends beyond Greater London.
  2. It's used for non-geographic services, like private networks or virtual numbers, meaning some 020 numbers may not have a physical presence in the area.
  3. Surprisingly, the 020 area code is used for telephone services on the remote Tristan da Cunha island in the South Atlantic, a British overseas territory known for its extreme isolation.

Tips for using an 020 area code phone number

 

1. Local market reach

Launch highly effective local marketing campaigns in London with a 020 number, targeting potential customers, bolstering brand recognition, and facilitating memorability.

2. Enhanced customer service

Elevate your reputation in the London area by adopting a 020 area code phone number for customer service, providing a more personable experience and enhancing customer retention.

3. Direct communication

Utilise a 020 business phone number as a direct line for colleagues, partners, or suppliers to reach you directly, improving internal communication and accessibility for local contacts.

4. Sales department efficiency

Enhance your cold calling success by using a local 020 number for call campaigns, increasing answer rates, boosting the efficacy of sales pitches, and augmenting lead generation and deal closures.

5. Reputation building

Establishing a local presence with a 020 number enhances your reputation as a London-based business, building trust and approachability with local clientele and setting you apart from competitors lacking a local presence.

6. Virtual business presence

If a physical London office is not feasible for your small business, a local virtual number offers a cost-effective means of maintaining a professional image, attracting customers, and working remotely while maintaining a local presence.

7. Financial savings

Opting for a virtual number allows you to save on the expense of renting a physical London address, reducing overhead costs, enabling increased investment in your business, and ultimately improving your bottom line.

London 020 Area Code: VoIP features for your Business Phone Number.

Here are the VOIP features available for your London area code business phone number:

Call forwarding

Redirect incoming calls from your London phone number to any device, ensuring you're always reachable.

Power dialer

Boost productivity with an auto-dialing system Hub UC, making more calls quickly from your 020 number.

Call recording

Archive crucial business conversations from your 020 number for future reference, quality control, or legal compliance.

Video conferencing

Host video conferences and screen sharing for business meetings, even if participants are outside London.

Multi-device and apps

Manage business calls on various devices like desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

Interactive voice response (IVR)

Implement an automated voice menu to direct calls to the appropriate department or person, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing wait times.

Call queuing

Let callers wait in a queue until an agent is available, minimising missed calls and improving customer service.

Voicemail to email

Receive voicemails in your email inbox as audio files, enabling convenient access from anywhere.

Call analytics

Analyse call data, including volume, duration, and location, to identify patterns, optimise workflow, and enhance customer service.

Business SMS

Send and receive text messages with your 020 number to communicate with customers, suppliers, and partners, centralising your business communication.

Get 020 London Area Phone Number from Wavetel Business in just 3 Easy Steps

Obtaining a 020 area code from Wavetel Business in under 5 minutes is a breeze with these three simple steps:

  1. Sign Up: Start by signing up for Wavetel Business services.
  1. Customer support assistance: Our dedicated customer support team will guide you through the process.
  1. Ready to use: Once assisted, you're all set to use your new local business number.

Wrapping it up

The 020 area code, a symbol of London's rich history and vibrant culture, serves as a significant gateway for businesses aiming to establish a local presence in this thriving metropolis. With its extensive coverage encompassing Central London and neighboring districts, a phone number bearing the 020 STD area code is a powerful tool for connecting with London's diverse population of over 9750,000 residents.

As we've explored in this blog, the 020 area code has a fascinating history that dates back to the early days of telephony in London, undergoing significant changes over the years to adapt to evolving communication needs. Today, it not only represents a local connection but also a strategic advantage for businesses targeting the Greater London area.

From direct communication channels to enhanced customer service, local marketing prowess, and cost-effective virtual presence options, a 020 area code phone number offers a multitude of benefits for businesses. Coupled with advanced VoIP features and seamless setup through providers like Wavetel Business, it's never been easier to establish and expand your business presence in London.

In a world where digital connectivity knows no bounds, the 020 area code continues to be a beacon of local identity and a testament to London's enduring significance in the modern digital age. When you acquire a local number through Wavetel Business, you gain access to a comprehensive set of features and services beyond just a VoIP phone number.

 

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