Guides · Updated 2026-10-15

How to answer calls while you're on a job (UK trades, 2026)

You can't answer the phone with a grinder in your hand, under a sink or on a roof. But a missed call from a new customer often means they ring the next name on the list. This guide sets out the options, from free to paid, and how to choose. Prices were checked on each provider's own pricing page on 15 October 2026.

Start by counting what you miss

Before paying for anything, look at your phone's call log for the last month. Count the missed calls from numbers that aren't in your contacts, and how many of those you never got back to. That number, multiplied by what a typical job is worth to you, tells you how much it's worth spending. The AI tool break-even calculator does the sum.

Option 1: free fixes

• A voicemail that asks for the right things. Ask for name, address or postcode, what the job is and how urgent it is. Say when you return calls ("I call back at lunchtime and after 5pm").
• Text-back. Many phones and business apps can send an automatic text to missed callers. A short "Sorry I missed you, I'm on a job. What do you need and where are you?" gets more replies than voicemail.
• Fixed callback times. Two set times a day are easier to stick to than "as soon as I can".

These cost nothing and are enough if you miss only a handful of calls a week.

Option 2: a human answering service

UK answering companies have real people take messages in your business name. They're the most natural for callers, but usually the most expensive per call, and most price by quote. Moneypenny offers both people and an AI receptionist; its AI Receptionist page says from £49 a month.

Option 3: an AI receptionist

An AI receptionist answers in your business name, asks your questions, and sends you a summary by text or email. Some book appointments or transfer urgent calls.

Several of these are US companies pricing in dollars. Before you pay, check you can get a UK number or forward calls from your mobile, and test it with your own local street names and postcodes.

Which suits your trade?

• Lots of urgent calls (plumbers, heating engineers, locksmiths, roofers after storms): you need urgent-call alerts and ideally live transfer. See AI receptionists for plumbers, heating engineers, locksmiths and roofers.
• Fewer, higher-value enquiries (builders, joiners, removals): you need good qualifying questions. See builders and removals.
• Lots of short calls from regulars (window cleaners, cleaners, garages): per-minute or per-customer pricing often works out cheaper. See window cleaners and garages.

Safety-critical calls

If you're a gas engineer, write the emergency script word for word: a caller who smells gas should be told to leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 (National Gas), and not be booked in. Test it with a practice call before going live.

Customer data

Call recordings and transcripts include names, addresses and phone numbers. Check where they're stored, how long they're kept and how to delete them, as you would for any customer data under UK GDPR.

FAQ

What's the cheapest way to stop missing calls?

A good voicemail and an automatic text-back, both free. If you still miss jobs, try Smith.ai's free plan (25 calls a month, checked 15 October 2026) for a month.

Do AI receptionists sound robotic?

They vary. Most offer a trial or demo, so ring it yourself with a realistic job before you commit.

Can an AI receptionist give prices?

Only what you tell it. Give it your callout charge or fixed prices, and tell it not to estimate anything else.