0118 Reading Numbers

Why an 0118 number helps your business

Reading sits in the Thames Valley, close to London, on the M4 and on main rail routes to the west. Many technology, software and telecoms companies have offices in and around the town, along with insurance, finance and professional services firms. It also has a university and a busy retail centre that draws shoppers from across Berkshire.

Businesses in the Thames Valley often prefer suppliers they can meet easily. An 0118 number tells them you are close by and ready to help, which makes them more likely to pick up the phone. You can have one without an office in Reading. It is a simple way for a firm in London or Oxford to show a local face to Berkshire customers.

About the 0118 area code

0118 covers Reading and nearby areas, including Caversham, Tilehurst, Earley, Woodley, Shinfield, Wokingham and Theale. Bracknell and Newbury use different codes. Reading numbers are written 0118 xxx xxxx, with a seven-digit local number after the code.

Reading's current code dates from April 2000, when the old 01734 code was replaced by 0118 and local numbers gained an extra digit. From abroad, callers dial +44 118 and then the seven digits.

Who uses Reading numbers

Technology and software firms

Start-ups and IT support companies that serve Thames Valley clients can show an 0118 number, even if the team works from home or from a London office.

London firms reaching Berkshire

Businesses based in London can add a Reading number for clients along the M4. Calls go straight to the existing team, but local customers see a code they recognise.

Consultants and sole traders

A consultant who spends the week on client sites can divert a Reading number to a mobile during the day and to voicemail in the evening, with messages sent by email.

How your 0118 number works

Calls to your 0118 number divert to any UK landline, any UK mobile or Alphatalk's cloud phone system. Change the destination at any time in myAlphaTalk, our customer portal. With time-of-day routing you decide where calls go during office hours, evenings and weekends. Voicemail is sent to your email, and call statistics show how many calls you receive and when. Every number costs £4.99 a month and includes 1,000 free UK minutes. You can buy your number online and our UK team sets it up. Standard numbers have no setup fee, and Silver and Gold numbers carry a one-off charge.