does anyone know an alternative number to ringing them?
The number I have to ring is 0870 102274 and they keep me waitnig for 15 -20 mins before i've even spoken to anyone!!!!
Also the internet helpline for business banking is 08453001171
any alternatives .... please!!!!!!!!!

Alliance are a hard nut to crack. When I opened my account a few years ago they operated out of Birmingham on a Geographic number.

Two weeks after starting with them they went 0870. A smug manager said there would be no alternative numbers but he would not charge me if I chose to close my account.

The Birmingham call centre was absolutely appalling and they closed it. Accounts are now operated out of Liverpool.

I have adjusted my operating needs so that I only communicate with them on a geographic fax number ( 0151 966-4101).

I only got this because they had forgotton to re-program the ID number on their fax machine.

I gave up trying to talk to them. However if you really want to talk note that their leading prefixes are 0151 966 4--- or 0151 966 3---.

If you try some random dialling (0151 966-4000?) you might get someone who puts you through.

Be warned though. Alliance consider premium rate revenue as in integral part of their business model.

I managed to obtain some geographic numbers when they were in Birmingham and they used to get very cross when I used them. "How did you get this number" "You are not supposed to use this number"

Trouble is that their account is actually pretty good particularly their excellent Merchant Services operation and their very convenient Post Office counter service. I saved a lot of money by moving to them.

My normal communications consist of one or two faxes per month. If I had to speak to them regularly I might try harder to get a geographic number. However it is galling that even if I did have to talk to them and pay 0870 it would still be a lot cheaper than, say, Barclays.

I think they know this hence their determination to use 0870.

I, too, was told off as if I were a naughty schoolboy once for using a geographic number to get through to customer services for my A&L premier a/c. 

I have since tried putting 1-4-1, so as to withold the number, before dialling 18866 and the geographic number, and have had no more attitude or questions. 

If they still ask where you are calling from, just reply the Irish Republic - they have no means of knowing. 

I had no end of problems when I moved. Sat on the 0870 only to be told I must change address in writing. I might as well have used the shredder instead of the post box for all the good the two letters did. All the time regularly sitting on the 0870 number listening to on hold music trying to sort this out.

Then came faxes, I sent three in all but stuff was still hitting the redirect.

Then I went into the branch with all forms of ID but they couldn’t help, all such admin is done up in the Liverpool area BUT I was informed that they have over a two week backlog of work. Starting to make sense a bit. Then they faxed off copies of everything AND posted copies on internal mail.

Approximately 3 weeks after this I got my first mail to my new address. VERY USELESS CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Now I also fax instructions to them but there is no acknowledgement mechanism so you constantly have to check up on all instructions. If there are problems you'll not be informed, again this is very poor.

The clunky website is ALMOST SATISFACTORY. You have to wait a day for acknowledgement that instant transactions have gone through. Getting interim statements is possible but there are no balances! Great for reconciling month end!!!

The SINGLE positive thing I have to say about them is the 3.85% (was 4%) on the business reserve account. It is such a hassle to change business banks but if I find another bank with that rate I'll move. The 0870 thing wouldn’t bother me so much if it was my fault I was ringing them!!!