If you’re currently running a small business, then you’re bound to have plenty on your plate. It’s therefore easy to understand why updating your phone system may feel like another task or decision at the end of a very long list. However, whilst on the face of it, taking the plunge and getting it sorted may seem like a drain on your resources and time, it actually needn’t be. VoIP phone systems have been proven to save small businesses across the region time, money and resources.

Here’s five stats that you need to know about as a business owner…

VoIP can help improve those thin profit margins

Only 30.6% of SMEs reported an increase in profit over the second quarter of 2019, with 42% reporting a decrease. There’s no easier way of increasing profits than by cutting on costs; a VoIP system can save a business up for 80% on existing costs spent on a traditional phone system — making that bottom line look a lot healthier.

Broadband coverage in the South West is better than you think

Going against common conception, ThinkBroadband states that superfast broadband is now available to 94.5% of the South West region. VoIP requires a decent internet connection but it doesn’t even have to be superfast. This makes VoIP suitable for the vast majority of businesses currently operating in the region. If your internet is too slow, we can suggest different options for you.

South West SMEs are growing — VoIP can help aid organic growth

The statistics say that business is the West Country is booming, so if you’re one of those that are growing by an estimated 3-4% then you’re likely to be facing some key decisions, one of which relates to your phone system; more people means more lines, which in turn means more costs on top of their wages and other associated benefits. The ease with which lines can be added or removed makes VoIP particularly attractive for growing businesses. When compared with adding hard telephone lines to your offices, the speed of installation and cost to the company is like night and day when compared with VoIP’s simple plug in technology.

Cut down on your fuel expenses by working remotely

We live in an area of the world that is beautiful but can also be remote. Many of us will spend hours in the car attending meetings, visiting clients and perhaps even other members of staff. It’s therefore easy to understand why many businesses have cited increasing fuel prices as a potential road block to their profitability. In the second quarter of 2019, 32.1% of small businesses have cited it as a source of financial pressure, a 5.6% point rise from the first quarter.

VoIP makes remote working easier, cutting those travel costs; as soon as a VoIP phone is connected to the internet, it can be used as it normally would, allowing people to work from home, or wherever they need to.

Be more mobile with VoIP

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and tourism are the four biggest employment sectors in the South West. If you’re working in those industries, you will likely spend plenty of time away from the desk.

VoIP can keep you connected to your business number on your mobile phone, easily allowing you to take calls to the office number through your mobile phone. No matter if you’re at the beach, in the field or out at sea, as long as you have reasonable mobile coverage, you’ll always be connected to your customers.

VoIP is an ideal phone system for small businesses, offering flexibility of use, great value for money and other fantastic features, including video conferencing, call forwarding and more. If you’d like to find out more and talk through your options, call Equations Voice and Data on 01237 420010.