Smart Numbers, also known as Smart Comms, has long provided business phone systems in the UK. While the company trades under the Smart Comms brand, many customers still encounter it through the smart-numbers.net website.
As the UK moves closer to the PSTN switch-off in 2027, many small and medium-sized companies are beginning to review their options. For some, this means looking at Smart Numbers alternatives or Smart Comms alternatives. Concerns often centre on factors such as pricing structures, feature sets, or independence from investment partners and acquisitions. Publicly available reviews and complaints also influence these decisions, even if experiences vary from business to business.
That’s where Plexatalk comes in. As an independent provider of VoIP phone systems in the UK, Plexatalk is focused solely on modern, cloud-based communications. With transparent pricing, flexible features, and a commitment to straightforward support, Plexatalk aims to provide a safer move for organisations seeking clarity and control. By keeping its focus on VoIP technology rather than multiple business brands, Plexatalk offers a fresh option for companies considering the switch.
Who Are Smart Numbers / Smart Comms?
Smart Numbers, also trading as Smart Comms, has been a part of the UK telecoms landscape since its founding in 2005 by entrepreneur Scott Woolaway. The business began by supplying non-geographic business phone numbers and later expanded into wider communications services. Today, the company markets a mix of solutions including Smart Numbers phone systems, VoIP, broadband, website design, hosting, and online marketing.
In February 2024, Smart Numbers underwent a significant change when YFM Equity Partners backed a management buyout (MBO). As part of the deal, founder Scott Woolaway moved into the role of Vice Chair, while Richard Last, former Chair of Gamma Communications, was appointed as Non-Executive Chair. The move signalled an increased focus on scaling the company, supported by private equity investment.
Smart Numbers has historically been based in Dibden Purlieu, near Southampton, but company records now list Eastleigh as its primary office location. This shift is reflected in recent documents and communications, though the smart-numbers.net website remains a key point of contact for prospective customers.
Positioning itself as more than just a VoIP provider, Smart Numbers / Smart Comms presents a broad portfolio for businesses. However, this wider service offering – spanning from telecoms to websites – is one reason why some UK companies compare Smart Numbers vs Plexatalk, particularly if they are looking for a specialist VoIP phone system provider.
Why Customers Consider Switching
For many UK organisations, the decision to switch from Smart Numbers or switch from Smart Comms isn’t taken lightly. Businesses typically review their options when specific triggers arise – whether that’s the cost of handsets, the length of contracts, the level of support responsiveness, or a growing need for deeper integrations with tools like CRMs, collaboration platforms, or call analytics.
In some cases, these reviews are driven by the upcoming PSTN switch-off in 2027, as companies look to ensure their systems are future-ready and aligned with the latest VoIP technology. For those evaluating Smart Numbers alternatives, one of the main considerations is whether their current provider offers the transparency and flexibility needed in a fast-changing communications market.
An early 2025 example illustrates this point. A business approached Plexatalk after being quoted by Smart Numbers for six phones. On a like-for-like basis, Plexatalk was able to provide a solution at around half the cost, while maintaining comparable features. The customer valued the savings as well as the independence Plexatalk offered as an independent VoIP provider in the UK.
It’s important to note that this outcome may not apply to every situation. Pricing can vary, and this case may have been a one-off where Plexatalk was able to offer a particularly competitive proposal from the outset. Still, it highlights why some businesses explore their options.
Smart Numbers vs Plexatalk
Both providers offer VoIP solutions designed for modern communications. Smart Numbers / Smart Comms has a broader service portfolio, including broadband, websites, and marketing services. Plexatalk, by contrast, focuses exclusively on hosted VoIP in the UK, positioning itself as a specialist in cloud phone systems UK. This narrower focus often appeals to businesses that want a dedicated provider for their telephony needs. That being said we do offer websites through our sister company Plexaweb and we are able to offer Broadband and WiFi.
Ownership Models: Independent vs Equity-Backed
When comparing Smart Numbers vs Plexatalk or Smart Comms vs Plexatalk, one key difference lies in how the businesses are owned and operated. This ownership model can influence pricing, long-term strategy, and customer experience.
In 2024, Smart Numbers / Smart Comms completed a management buyout backed by YFM Equity Partners. This type of private equity involvement often brings additional capital, enabling faster expansion and investment in new services. The advantage for customers is that the company may have more resources to scale quickly. On the other hand, equity-backed firms are ultimately accountable to investors. That can sometimes mean a stronger focus on financial returns, which may influence pricing structures, contract terms, or strategic direction.
By contrast, Plexatalk is an independent, founder-led provider. Independence brings a different set of advantages: agility, closer alignment with customer needs, and direct access to decision-makers. Pricing tends to remain more stable because there are no external shareholders demanding returns. Customers often appreciate being able to speak directly with UK-based engineers and support staff rather than navigating multiple layers of management. The trade-off is that Plexatalk operates at a smaller scale compared to equity-backed competitors, which may have larger marketing budgets or broader product portfolios.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what a business values most: the resources of a larger, investor-backed organisation or the personalised service of an independent provider. Many of our customers value dealing with an independent provider where decisions are made locally and support is always UK-based.
Websites & Hosting Under One Roof
Alongside telecoms, Smart Comms has also positioned itself as a provider of wider business services, including website design, hosting, and online marketing. For some organisations, this “all-in-one” approach can be appealing, as it allows them to source both their communications and digital services from a single supplier.
At Plexatalk, a similar joined-up approach is possible through our sister company, Plexaweb. Founded in 2016, Plexaweb provides websites, hosting, SEO, and digital marketing services to businesses across the UK. The close relationship between Plexaweb and Plexatalk creates opportunities for integration, where a company’s VoIP phone system can be aligned with its website and marketing tools for a more seamless experience.
In fact, Plexatalk was born out of Plexaweb’s own needs. Back in 2016, while building and hosting websites, the team at Plexaweb searched for an affordable, feature-rich phone system that could meet their requirements. Finding the market lacking, they developed what became Plexatalk — an independent, cloud phone system UK businesses can trust.
This origin story means Plexatalk is closely tied to the day-to-day needs of small and medium businesses. By working with one supplier for websites, hosting, and VoIP, organisations benefit from a joined-up service that covers both digital presence and communication systems — without the complexity of managing multiple vendors.
Migration Plan: How We Switch You Over
For many businesses, the idea of moving from one phone system to another can feel daunting. That’s why Plexatalk has developed a straightforward migration plan to make the switch from Smart Numbers or Smart Comms as smooth as possible. Our process is designed to minimise disruption and ensure continuity at every step.
1. Audit
We begin with a review of your current setup, including handsets, numbers, and features. This allows us to understand your requirements and design a solution that fits your business.
2. Build
Next, we configure your new VoIP phone system within our platform. Features, call flows, and integrations are all set up in advance, so your system is ready to go from day one.
3. Port
We arrange the transfer of your existing numbers using regulated number porting in the UK, ensuring your business keeps the numbers your customers already know.
4. Prove
Finally, we test and validate the system, making sure every line and feature works as expected before you fully switch over.
Where possible, migrations are scheduled as weekend cutovers, with our zero-lost-calls guarantee providing peace of mind. This means you can arrive on Monday with your new system live, confident that no calls were missed in the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my numbers?
Yes — through regulated number porting in the UK, we transfer your existing business numbers so your customers can keep dialling the same lines.
Will my handsets work?
In many cases, yes. If your existing phones are SIP-compatible, they can be reconfigured for Plexatalk. If not, we can recommend affordable, compatible handsets.
Can Plexatalk mirror my IVR/queues?
Absolutely. We can replicate your existing menus, call queues, and voicemail setup — or improve them with new features if you prefer.
Do you integrate with my CRM/Teams?
Yes. Plexatalk supports integrations with popular CRMs – speak to us to find out more.
Can you host our website too?
Yes, through our sister company Plexaweb, we offer website hosting, design, SEO, and digital marketing, creating a joined-up service with your phone system.
Looking for an alternative to Smart Numbers (Smart Comms) or thinking about switching?
Thinking of switching from Smart Numbers / Smart Comms?
Talk to Plexatalk for a transparent, independent alternative with fair pricing, flexible features, and UK-based support.
👉 Get in touch with Plexatalk today
Need a website too?
Our sister company Plexaweb can design, build, and host your site — with seamless integration into your VoIP phone system for a joined-up service.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for comparison and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information and our own customer experience at the time of writing. Ownership, branding, pricing and service details may change without notice. All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners.
Any pricing examples or savings described are illustrative and relate to a single customer scenario from early 2025; your costs and outcomes may vary. Nothing here constitutes financial, legal or contractual advice. If you represent one of the companies mentioned and believe a detail is inaccurate, please contact us and we will review and update promptly.
Last updated: 27 September 2025 (UK)
Sources
- YFM Equity Partners – “Our investment in Smart Numbers” (management buyout / ownership details): yfmep.com
- Smart Numbers – About Us (services overview, branding): smart-numbers.net/about-us/
- Smart Numbers – Privacy/Legal (registered details / address references): smart-numbers.net/terms/privacy-policy/
- Companies House – Company filings & registered office (verify current registration details): find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk
Note: Third-party websites may update content and URLs over time. Where possible, we have used official or primary sources.