Source: http://www.legalweek.com/ViewItem.asp?id=26131

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It is clear what makes a successful national firm. No, it is not being able to boast unparalleled local knowledge of the UK’s various regional markets, or even offering City quality advice at bargain-basement rates.

The key to national dominance is having a non geographic 0870 phone number — so clients don’t have to waste valuable nanoseconds worrying about those pesky regional dialling codes.

{We are a national firm and we wanted to market ourselves as such with the use of a national number,{ explained a spokeswoman for Hammonds which, like an array of other national firms, has operated 0870 numbers for years.

As is the case for many firms and companies, including Wragge & Co, Hammonds’ use of the 0870 number also allows it to earn a little cash.

But a decision by telecoms industry watchdog Ofcom could change all that.

It has decided to force companies that use the 0870 number and want to charge above the standard rate to spell out just how much the call is costing by means of a recorded message.

It is enough to send a chill down the spine of any bill-hungry lawyer.
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