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Business Tools

Best Virtual Business Phone Number for UK Sole Traders

Giving clients your personal mobile number is common when you start out — but it blurs work and personal life, makes it hard to track business calls, and looks less professional as you grow. A virtual business phone number solves all three problems without needing a second phone.

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Reviewed by SoleTraderGuide Editorial TeamUK Business Tools SpecialistsLast reviewed 20 April 2026

Our Top Pick

KrispCall

Cloud VoIP platform with UK virtual numbers, call management, and a clean mobile app. 30% lifetime recurring commission makes it one of the best-value virtual phone options for sole traders. Set business hours, forward calls, and keep your personal number completely separate.

Try KrispCall free

Why Sole Traders Need a Separate Business Number

Using your personal mobile for business calls works fine at the start. But it creates real problems as your business grows:

  • You can't tell at a glance whether an incoming call is personal or business
  • Your personal number appears on business invoices and emails
  • You can't set business hours — calls come at any time
  • You lose all call history when you change devices or phone contracts
  • It looks less professional than having a dedicated business line

A virtual business number costs a fraction of a second SIM and gives you professional separation without adding hardware or complexity.

What KrispCall Offers Sole Traders

UK virtual number

Get a local UK number (01/02) or a non-geographic number (03/08) that rings on your existing mobile — no extra SIM or handset needed.

Keep your personal number private

Your clients call your business number. Your personal mobile number stays private. You answer on the same phone, but with clear separation.

Work from anywhere

Answer calls on your mobile, laptop, or desktop app. Forward calls automatically when you're unavailable. Set business hours so calls don't come through at 11pm.

Call history and analytics

See missed calls, call duration, and call history in one place. Know who called and when — without digging through your personal call log.

KrispCall: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • UK local and national virtual numbers available
  • Works on existing mobile — no second SIM needed
  • Set business hours to stop work calls out of hours
  • Clean mobile and desktop apps
  • Call recording and history
  • Competitive pricing for sole traders
  • International numbers if you have overseas clients

Cons

  • Call quality depends on internet connection
  • Less well-known than established UK telecoms providers
  • Some advanced features only on higher plans
  • Number porting availability varies

Virtual Phone Options Compared

ProviderUK numbersBusiness hoursBest for
KrispCall ★YesYesSole traders & small teams
GrasshopperUS/Canada onlyYesUS-based businesses
Google VoiceUS onlyYesPersonal use / US only
VonageYesYesLarger business teams
UK number availability
Most US-focused VoIP providers do not offer UK local area code numbers. If you need a recognisable UK local number (e.g. a 0161 Manchester or 0207 London number), verify UK number availability before signing up to any provider.

Ready to try KrispCall?

Get a UK virtual business number and keep your personal number private.

Try KrispCall free

Frequently Asked Questions

Editorial note: This review was produced by the SoleTraderGuide editorial team. We may earn a commission if you sign up via our links. This never affects our scores or recommendations. Read our editorial policy.

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