If you run a business in the UK, chances are you’ve felt the squeeze recently — and now there’s something else to add to the list. From April 2025, the cost of hiring staff has just gone up again thanks to increases in employer National Insurance contributions.

The rate has jumped to 15%, and employers now start paying NICs when an employee earns just £5,000 a year. Add that to wages, holiday pay, sick leave, pensions, training, equipment… and suddenly that part-time admin or receptionist doesn’t feel so part-time anymore.

It’s no wonder more and more businesses are turning to outsourced call answering services like ours.

The true cost of a “quick hire”

Let’s say you’re considering hiring someone to answer the phones, take messages, and handle the odd admin task. Sounds simple, right?

But when you factor in National Insurance, onboarding time, holiday cover, and all the other hidden bits and pieces, it quickly adds up. And that’s before you even think about whether your new hire is off sick, stuck in traffic, or tied up on another call.

Outsourced call answering = predictable costs, professional results

With a virtual receptionist service like Answer My Phone, you get all the benefits of a professional, friendly person answering your calls — without the headache of hiring.

✅ No payroll tax
✅ No recruitment fees
✅ No holiday or sick cover to worry about
✅ No office space or equipment needed
✅ Just professional call handling, every working day

We become part of your team — greeting your callers by name, taking detailed messages, and making sure you never miss an opportunity. Your business looks polished and responsive, and you can focus on the stuff that really drives growth.

Ideal for small businesses, start-ups, and growing teams

Whether you’re a one-person-band trying to do it all, or a growing company not quite ready to bring in a full-time admin, outsourced call handling gives you the breathing space to focus on what you do best — without overstretching your budget.

And the best part? We’re flexible. We grow with you. Need more support? We’re here. Want to scale back during quieter months? That’s fine too.

Let’s be honest — your time is too valuable to be glued to the phone

Don’t get us wrong — answering the phone is important. But is it the best use of your time, or your team’s?

Let us handle it. We’ll make sure every call gets answered promptly and professionally, while you crack on with running your business.

📞 Ready to find out how much time — and money — you could save?

Give us a ring or try us free for 14 days. No pressure, no pushy sales — just friendly people making your life easier.