Bristol is fast becoming a hub for innovation, green technology, and culture, making it an attractive base for ambitious businesses looking to grow. With a thriving local economy and strong community feel, it’s no surprise that more start-ups and SMEs are choosing to set up here.
But building a trusted local presence takes more than just a Bristol postcode. The way your business communicates with customers plays a vital role in shaping how you’re seen within the city’s busy commercial scene.
That’s where our Bristol telephone answering service comes in. Tailored to your exact requirements, it helps you stay connected and professional at all times. And when you sign up, we’ll include a free 0117 local number, perfect for establishing your business as part of the Bristol network.

What Are The Benefits of a Local Bristol Phone Number?
Using a Bristol telephone answering service offers more than a warm welcome for your callers; it gives your business a recognisable 0117 phone number and a professional local image. In a city where strong community ties are valued, this added layer of familiarity helps you build trust and position your company as a credible part of the Bristol business landscape.
Ready to establish your local presence in Bristol?
Contact us to find out how you can get your 0117 local phone number.
Increase Trust and Credibility - A local number can give potential customers the confidence that they are dealing with a local business. This familiarity is particularly important for service-based companies.
Gain Real-Time Insights - We'll provide you with access to real-time call data, including ring times, call durations, and call peaks. This data helps you understand customer behaviour and optimise your call handling processes.
Enjoy Flexible Call Handling - Easily manage multiple numbers under a single service, all for single setup and monthly fee. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility to route calls to up to four different numbers, ensuring every call reaches the right destination.
About the 0117 Area Code
The 0117 area code covers the vibrant city of Bristol and extends to nearby areas.
Key Locations:
City Centre and Business Districts - Perfect for businesses operating in the bustling city centre.
Cultural Hubs - Engage with customers in areas like Clifton, known for the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, or around the bustling Harbourside.
Residential Areas - Reach clients in well-known neighbourhoods like Redland, Cotham, and Bishopston.
Other areas covered by the 0117 code include: Bedminster, Brislington, Clifton, Easton, Filton, Kingswood, Redland, Southville, St George, and Stoke Bishop.
Contact us to find out how you can get your 0117 local phone number.
Bristol's Business Landscape
Bristol is a dynamic and rapidly growing city known for its strong ties to the aerospace, creative, and tech industries. The city’s economy has also diversified recently, with key industries now including green technology, financial services, and media.
As a major city in the South West, Bristol continues to play a crucial role in the region's economy, making it a hub for businesses looking to connect both locally and globally.
This business-friendly environment is supported by excellent transport links, a rich talent pool from local universities, and a strong sense of community.
Bristol Facts and Figures
- Dialling Code: 0117
- Postal Code: BS1 - BS40
- Population: Approximately 463,000 residents
- SMEs: 16,000+
- Key Industries: Aerospace, Green Technology, Creative Industries, Financial Services
Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Bristol is a dynamic city in the southwest of England, known for its strong economy and vibrant business community. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides interesting data points highlighting its economic significance. These data points highlight Bristol's strengths in aerospace, financial services, creative industries, and green technologies. The city's ongoing investments in infrastructure and innovation continue to enhance its economic prospects and attract businesses from across the country and beyond.
Here are some key highlights with specific figures:
Gross Value Added (GVA)
Bristol contributes approximately £33 billion to the UK's Gross Value Added (GVA), making it one of the top-performing cities outside London. This represents about 2% of the total UK GVA.
The city's economy is diverse, with solid contributions from the aerospace, financial services, creative industries, and technology sectors.
Active Businesses
Bristol has over 16,000 active businesses, reflecting a robust and varied business environment. The city has a thriving start-up scene, particularly in technology, digital media, and creative industries.
Business Registrations
In recent years, Bristol has seen the registration of around 4,000 new businesses annually, underscoring its attractiveness as a business destination.
Employment Rate
Bristol's employment rate is high, at around 78%, which is above the UK national average. This indicates a strong labour market with low unemployment.
Education
Bristol's workforce is highly educated, with over 50% of residents holding a degree-level qualification or higher, supporting the city's knowledge-based industries.
Aerospace and Advanced Engineering
Bristol is a significant centre for aerospace in the UK, with companies like Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and BAE Systems operating in the area. The aerospace sector employs over 10,000 people and contributes significantly to the city's GVA.
Financial Services
The financial and professional services sector is another key contributor to Bristol's economy, employing over 60,000 people. The city is a regional hub for banking, insurance, and legal services.
Creative and Digital
Bristol has a vibrant creative sector known for its strengths in film, animation, and digital media. The city is home to several renowned production companies and digital agencies, and the creative industries employ over 16,000 people.
Green Technologies
Bristol has been recognised as a leading city in environmental sustainability, with a growing green technology sector. The city was named the European Green Capital in 2015, and it continues to lead in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction.
Universities
Bristol is home to two major universities, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE), which are key drivers of research and innovation. These institutions contribute to the city's skilled workforce and support its thriving technology and engineering sectors.
R&D
The city is also a leader in research and development, particularly in fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and environmental science.
Cultural Attractions
Bristol is a popular tourist destination, contributing over £1.3 billion annually to the local economy. The city's rich history, cultural attractions, and events like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta attract millions of visitors each year.
The city's hospitality and retail sectors are significant employers, benefiting from its strong tourism industry.
Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone
Bristol has seen substantial investment in infrastructure, including significant developments in transport, business spaces, and urban regeneration projects. For example, the city's Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone is one of the UK's most significant urban regeneration projects, expected to create thousands of jobs and attract significant investment.
Smart City
The city is also investing in its digital infrastructure, aiming to become a leading smart city with advanced connectivity and data-driven services.
24/7 Telephone Answering Services for Bristol
Bristol’s business community is both vibrant and diverse. Answer4u is here to ensure that your business is always accessible, no matter the time of day. Our 24/7 services are designed to meet the needs of Bristol’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Pay As You Go
Simple, fixed-cost call handling in under 15 minutes.
- Get 24/7 call handling
- Only pay for calls handled
- Fixed cost plans
- Instant notifications
- Go live in under 15 minutes
Bespoke Services
Tailored support matching your in-house process.
- Flexible, scalable packages
- Fully customised call scripts
- Seamless brand experience
- CRM & ticketing integration
- Custom dashboards & KPIs
Dedicated Agents
A fully-outsourced call-centre team, trained on your brand.
- Exclusive fully trained team
- Multi-channel support
- Smooth system integration
- Team & account management
- Specialised onboarding
Frequently Asked Questions
A virtual phone number is a telephone number that isn’t directly tied to a physical phone line. It can be used to route calls to any device, such as a mobile phone, landline, or computer.
This flexibility allows businesses to manage their calls from anywhere, making it easier to stay connected with customers, regardless of location. You can also use virtual numbers with local area codes to establish a business presence in different regions.
The 0117 area code covers the city of Bristol and its surrounding areas, including key locations such as Bedminster, Brislington, Clifton, Easton, Filton, Kingswood, Redland, Southville, St George, and Stoke Bishop. This code is widely recognised as the primary contact point for businesses and residents in the Bristol area.
Yes. Many businesses choose an 0117 number to establish a local presence in Bristol, even if they’re based elsewhere. This strategy is particularly effective if you’re looking to expand into the Bristol market or if you want to appear local to customers in the area.
With our Numbers4u platform, you can easily manage calls from anywhere while maintaining the appearance of a Bristol-based business.
Using a Bristol 0117 phone number boosts your brand’s local recognition across the Bristol area - helping your business build trust and credibility with local customers
You can get your dedicated 0117 Bristol phone number as soon as you sign up to one of our services. We make the process seamless so you can start using your new number in your marketing materials right away.
In addition, any number we provide that is not attached to an Answer4u service and through our Numbers4u platform is usually available for your business to use on the same working day.
Answer4u supports Bristol businesses during busy periods by providing reliable, 24/7 call-handling services. Whether your business is facing increased demand during events like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta or the busy holiday season, our team will make sure your calls are always answered professionally and efficiently.
This allows your staff to focus on core tasks, while we manage the surge in customer enquiries, meaning you never miss an opportunity.
Yes, the local prefix 0117 can be viewed as a landline number. It is the area code for Bristol and the surrounding areas and is typically associated with a physical address in the region.
However, 0117 can also be used to prefix a virtual number that can be rerouted to a landline, mobile, or VoIP number of your choice. Using a 0117 virtual number for your business enables you to give the appearance of a local presence.
Yes, having a local 0117 phone number is important for green technology businesses in Bristol. It helps establish your business as a key player in the local green tech community, which is a rapidly growing sector in the city.
A local number signals your commitment to the area and makes your business more accessible to local clients, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing your brand’s credibility and trustworthiness in this innovative industry.
Yes, all our telephone answering packages include a complimentary 0117 Bristol number at no additional cost. This local number helps your business appear firmly rooted in the area, even if you’re based elsewhere in the UK.
Telephone Answering Services Across the UK
No matter where your business is located or where you want to make an impact, we provide professional call handling services tailored to your specific region. With a dedicated virtual number linked to your preferred UK city, you can create a strong local presence and build trust from the very first conversation.
Pick from the locations listed below, or let us know if you need a number for a different area. We’ll help you find the right fit for your business.

Get In Touch
Contact us today to get your free consultation.
Call us on 08008223344 or fill in the contact form and we'll get back to you to discuss how we can help your business.