Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly does First Class PAs Ltd do?
Simply put, we answer your calls for you, in your company's name, when you cannot. We will answer intuitively and will answer as many questions as possible, take a message for you and/or we can screen your calls, and put them through to you (if appropriate) - in other words, we do exactly what you ask us to!

How does it work?
Almost all phone systems can be set to divert in just a few moments. We provide you with a dedicated phone number for your business, which you divert your calls to when you are in a meeting, on another line or simply unavailable. You can even do it on a full time basis. When your caller telephones your business, the call is seamlessly diverted to your First Class PA who will instantly know that the call is for your company. We will then answer in your company’s name and deal with the call as per your instructions.

Can I decide when to divert my calls to you?
Yes. If you use the BT Divert service to divert your calls to First Class PAs Ltd then simply enter *21* to divert all of your calls to us, or *67*(overflow) to only divert when your line is busy. If you wish to advertise the telephone number that is supplied by First Class PAs Ltd rather than a diverted number then First Class PAs Ltd will answer all of your calls.

I currently divert to my mobile - what is the advantage of using this service?
We offer you a constant service without interruption from passers-by, noise, interference or, worst of all, the times when you are in a meeting and have to send calls to voicemail. With First Class PAs Ltd, they will always be answered by YOUR professional receptionist.

When should I divert my calls?
You can always trust us to handle your diverted calls but in truth whenever you wish! We recommend that the “divert on busy/no reply” setting is always activated, so that you get the most out of your First Class PAs, but how you use it, is entirely up to you. You may find that on days when you’re in meetings, you want all calls to come to First Class PAs Ltd. Again, this can be activated and deactivated in seconds with ease.

How can you get messages to me?
There are a number of options, and we can tailor the service to suit your specific requirements. One option is for the First Class PAs operator to seamlessly transfer and announce the call to you at any location (e.g. home or mobile number). This gives the caller the impression that you have your own receptionist in your own building.

Alternatively, we can simply send you messages by email, fax or SMS (text) message. Or if you would prefer us to take a message, then, we can do that and put the message onto your personal voicemail box. You may ring in to your voicemail at any time and collect your messages. The choice is yours.

What happens out of office hours?
Out of office hours you can either stop diverting your number to First Class PAs Ltd or else have your calls answered by our voicemail system. Your voicemail box will have a greeting personalised for your company and you may change this at any time.

What hours are you able to take my calls?
Our normal hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday but if you have any special requirements beyond this, please let us know and we will do our utmost to adapt to your needs. We operate 50 weeks of the year and are only closed for 2 weeks (Christmas week and New Year’s week).

How long does it take to set up?
Normally we can set the service up within 5-6 days.

Do I need to change my phone number?
No. You can retain your existing number and phone provider. We are also happy to provide a number for you should you wish.

Can you provide 0800/0845/0207 or other geographic telephone numbers?
Yes - please ask for more information.

Can you screen sales calls?
Yes, we offer this service free of charge.

How long do I need to sign up for?
We ask for a minimum of just 90 days notice if you wish to leave, thus enabling us to ensure appropriate staffing levels.

How do you know the calls are for my company?
You will be given a line with a number, direct into our offices and it is dedicated to you and your business. That number is unique to your company so any calls that come through on that line are presented to your PA with your company’s name, details and script automatically.

Can I put more than one company through First Class PAs Ltd?
Yes, you can present yourself in as many ways as you wish. This service is offered at a reduced monthly fee of £25, plus the usual call rates for each additional telephone number.

Are there additional costs for multiple contacts in my company?
No. You can have as many contacts as you wish. In order to provide a professional service, we advise that you keep us up to date with new starters, contact details etc. You can change this as often as required for free.

How do you greet my callers?
However you would like us to, normally along the line of “Good Morning/Afternoon, [Your Company Name], how can I help you”.... but it is up to you.

I’m a small business so how can I justify costs?
What is the cost of a single lost customer to your business? Our prices are very competitive and, in almost any business, if we can save our clients one customer that would have called the next company in the phone book, our service is already generating a profit.

What is the advantage over using agency staff during busy periods?
Apart from the fact that a First Class PAs Ltd customer will receive a consistent, quality service, the cost factor alone justifies using our service over agency staff. Couple this with the flexibility we offer, the ongoing client relationship and knowledge of your business, it’s unlikely that temporary agency staff will even come close.

Do you offer an out-of-hours service?
This is a service we hope to offer in the future but presently we do offer a voicemail service, where any messages we receive for you outside hours can be picked up by you wherever you are.

Can you receive faxes on my behalf?
Yes. We are happy to provide you with a fax number. We will then email your faxes directly to you.