Non-geographic numbers (NGNs) offer UK businesses a myriad of benefits. The first and most obvious is that they do not have areas codes, which means that customers do not know where the company is located. Why is this important? Survey after survey has confirmed what businesses have long suspected — customers are far more likely to buy goods or services from a national chain rather than a small regional company.

But what non-geographic numbers do is eliminate that unfair advantage and level the playing field a bit. This gives companies increased access to customers outside of their region. It is not at all uncommon for companies with NGNs to receive international orders.

What's the catch? Okay, these numbers are not, in fact, perfect. The main complaint about NGNs is that they charge customers to use them. However, all of these numbers charge different rates. One number in particular, the 0845 phone number, is popular with both customers and companies alike.

The reason that companies like them is that they receive a monthly share of phone revenues from their service provider. They can use this money to pay bills or to improve their operations. That may be why the 0845 number outsells the famous 0800 number nearly three to one.

The reason that customers don't mind these numbers is that they are only charged at the rate of a local call. And since most clients understand that small businesses have expenses, they don't mind paying as long as they receive a good service.