An AI receptionist is a phone assistant that answers your business calls, talks to callers in natural language, takes messages, answers common questions and books appointments. AI receptionists have gone mainstream in the UK. BT Business launched one in October 2026, according to ISPreview.
How it works
- Calls are forwarded from your existing number when you're busy, after hours, or all the time.
- The assistant answers in your business's name and introduces itself as an automated assistant.
- It answers common questions from information you've approved, such as hours, prices and areas covered.
- It takes details, books appointments into your calendar, or passes urgent calls straight to you.
- You get a summary of every call by email or WhatsApp.
Why businesses are using them
Missed calls cost work. BT says 67% of businesses miss at least one call on an average day that they believe loses them business. For a tradesperson on a job or a therapist with a client, answering every call simply isn't possible.
What it's good at, and what it isn't
AI receptionists are great at routine calls: enquiries, bookings, messages and FAQs. They're less suited to complex, emotional or high-value conversations, which is why a good setup always lets callers reach a person.
Who it suits
- Trades who are on the tools all day
- Clinics, salons and gyms with busy front desks
- Estate agents and professional firms with lots of enquiries
- Any business that gets calls out of hours
Getting it right
The difference between a helpful AI receptionist and an annoying one is the setup: good scripts, accurate information, clear handover to a person, and someone checking calls and improving it. That's the part we handle.