Call forwarding for businesses
Never miss another important business call again. Call forwarding (also called call divert) lets you redirect incoming calls to any device, anywhere, keeping you connected to customers and opportunities 24/7.
What is call forwarding?
Call forwarding lets you send incoming calls from your main business phone number to another phone — like your mobile, home line, or even a colleague’s number. So if someone rings your office and you’re not there, the call gets sent straight to wherever you are. It’s a bit like having someone on hand to say, “Hang on, I’ll put you through.”
It’s a simple feature, but incredibly useful. Whether you’re working from home, out meeting clients, or just away from your desk, call diverts makes sure you never miss an important call.
With modern VoIP systems like B4BC’s VoIPSure platform, it’s super easy to manage too. You can update your call forwarding rules anytime through a web portal or mobile app — no tech skills required.
The benefits of call forwarding for your business
Call forwarding transforms how your business handles incoming calls. Here’s why thousands of UK companies rely on this essential feature:
Every missed call could be a new customer or something urgent. With call forwarding, you can divert calls to your mobile or another device, so you’re always reachable, even when you’re not in the office.
People want quick responses, and they don’t like waiting. Forwarding calls to available team members means you can pick up faster and give a better experience. No more voicemail tag or frustrated hang-ups.
Whether you’re fully remote, hybrid, or on the move, call forwarding keeps things running smoothly. Your business number works wherever you are — no need to juggle different phones or numbers.
You don’t need loads of phone lines or a full-time receptionist. Just forward calls to the phones you already have. It’s a smart way to stay covered without overspending.
6 essential call forwarding features
Modern VoIP systems give you flexible options that fit the way your business actually works. From routing calls by time of day to ringing multiple devices at once, here are the features that make the biggest impact.
1. Always forward
Send every incoming call to another number automatically. Whether that’s your mobile, home phone, or another office, callers will always get through. It’s a simple option that keeps you connected, even if you’re away from your desk or working remotely. No missed calls, no lost opportunities.
2. Selective forwarding
Choose which calls to forward based on rules you set. For example, forward calls from certain numbers, departments or during specific times of day. It gives you complete control over how your calls are handled and ensures the right people answer at the right time.
3. Simultaneous ringing
Never miss a call by ringing multiple devices at once. Your desk phone, mobile and softphone can all ring together when someone dials your business number. The first person to pick up takes the call, giving customers a faster response and making sure no enquiry slips through the cracks.
4. Sequential forwarding (hunt groups)
Forward calls in a set order until someone answers. For example, the call could ring your desk phone first, then your mobile, then a colleague if you’re unavailable. This type of setup is sometimes known as call groups and means customers don’t wait long and calls always reach the right person.
5. Time-based rules
Control where your calls go depending on the time of day. During office hours, forward calls to your desk or team. After hours, send them to your mobile, voicemail or an out-of-hours service. You can even set different rules for weekends and holidays to cover every scenario.
6. Failover forwarding
Stay connected even if your internet or VoIP service goes down. Failover forwarding automatically routes calls to a backup number, like a mobile or landline, so your business is always reachable. It’s a safety net that ensures your customers never hit a dead end.
Advanced call forwarding features
Beyond the basics, modern call forwarding systems offer advanced options that give your business even more flexibility and control.
Geographic flexibility
Forward calls to local or international numbers with ease. Your team can be based in the UK or worldwide, it doesn’t matter. You can route calls to wherever people are working. Customers still dial your main business number, but your team can answer from any location without extra effort or cost confusion.
Caller ID control
Decide what your team sees when they pick up a forwarded call. Some systems let you show the original caller’s number, while others display your company’s main line. Having this control makes it easier for staff to answer confidently and keeps communication smooth and professional across every interaction.
Voicemail integration
Unanswered calls don’t have to vanish into individual mobile inboxes. With voicemail integration, forwarded calls can drop into a central business voicemail, accessible by your team. This ensures no enquiry is missed, messages are kept in one place, and customer service stays consistent, even if calls go unanswered.
Do Not Disturb / Presence settings
With Do Not Disturb or presence settings, calls only forward when you’re marked as unavailable or busy. It keeps your focus uninterrupted while making sure customers still reach someone else who can help. Perfect for busy teams balancing priorities.
How much does call forwarding cost?
The good news is that with most modern VoIP business phone systems, call forwarding is included as a standard feature — no extra subscription or setup fee required. You typically only pay for the actual forwarded leg of the call, which is billed at standard call rates.
With B4BC’s VoIPSure platform, unlimited UK call forwarding is built in. That means you can divert calls to mobiles, landlines, or other devices within the UK without worrying about unexpected charges. It doesn’t matter if you’re keeping your current number or setting up a brand-new one — the feature is included either way.
Need to forward calls overseas? No problem. International call forwarding is also available, with transparent pricing based on the destination country. So if you’ve got remote team members abroad or you’re taking calls while travelling, we’ll keep you connected — without the bill shock.
Why UK businesses choose B4BC
Award-winning reliability
Our VoIPSure platform delivers 99.999% uptime, so your call forwarding works when you need it most. We’ve won multiple industry awards for service quality and customer satisfaction.
UK-based support team
Get help from real people in the UK, not overseas call centres. Our support team answers calls in seconds and resolves issues quickly. Available 24/7/365 for complete peace of mind.
Same-day installation
Need call forwarding set up urgently? We can install and configure your system the same day across most of the UK. No waiting weeks for engineers or complicated setup processes.
All-in-one communications
Bundle call forwarding with business broadband, mobiles, and security services. One provider, one bill, one point of contact for all your communications needs.
Flexible contracts
Choose monthly rolling contracts or longer terms with better pricing. Scale up or down as your business grows. No hidden fees or surprise charges.
Expert guidance
Not sure which call forwarding features you need? Our consultants will assess your business and recommend the perfect solution. We’re here to help, not just sell.
What our customers say
Ready to set up call forwarding for your business?
Smart call forwarding puts you in control — keeping your team reachable, your customers happy, and your business running smoothly, no matter where you work. From simple diverts to advanced routing features, it’s one of the easiest ways to improve communication without adding complexity.
With B4BC’s award-winning VoIPSure platform, you’ll get unlimited UK call forwarding, same-day setup, and expert support from a UK-based team who knows your business. Flexible, reliable, and built for modern working.
Get in touch today and discover how easy it is to forward calls your way.
Frequently asked questions
Setting up call forwarding depends on the type of phone system you use. For traditional landlines, it usually involves dialling a specific code followed by the number you want to forward calls to. For VoIP or cloud-based phone systems, you can typically manage forwarding settings through an online portal or mobile app — allowing you to update rules instantly from anywhere.
B4BC’s VoIPSure platform includes user-friendly tools to help UK businesses set up and adjust call forwarding in just a few clicks.
The best call forwarding setups in 2025 go beyond simply redirecting calls. Features like time-based rules, sequential or simultaneous ringing, failover routing, and caller ID control offer more flexibility and control. These options help ensure calls are always answered by the right person, at the right time, even across remote or hybrid teams.
Providers like B4BC offer all of these advanced features as part of their standard VoIP service, without needing extra equipment or setup complexity.
To forward calls based on time or schedule, you’ll need a phone system that supports time-based call routing. This feature allows you to set different rules for working hours, evenings, weekends, or holidays. For example, you might forward calls to a desk phone during business hours and to a mobile or voicemail after hours.
B4BC’s call forwarding tools include flexible scheduling options built into the admin portal, so you can adjust routing at any time.
Some free apps or mobile providers offer basic call forwarding, but they often come with limitations — such as no scheduling, lack of voicemail integration, or hidden call charges. For most businesses, especially those handling multiple calls or team members, a VoIP-based solution offers better value and control.
B4BC includes unlimited UK call forwarding as part of its VoIPSure business phone system, so you only pay for what you use, with no surprise costs.