By the Renewminder Talent team · Updated 20 October 2026
A receptionist you employ costs at least about £2,359 a month full-time at the National Living Wage (£12.71 an hour), with employer National Insurance and pension, and you cover holidays and sick days. An answering service takes a message, usually from a shared team who don't know your business. A virtual receptionist answers in your business's name, knows your services and can book appointments: with Renewminder Talent it's £200 a month for up to 100 calls, then £1.50 a call.
Hiring a receptionist
Best when someone needs to be at a front desk.
They're there in person and can do other office work between calls. You pay at least the National Living Wage of £12.71 an hour from April 2026 for workers aged 21 and over, plus employer National Insurance (15% above £5,000 a year) and a workplace pension. At the minimum wage, full-time, that's about £2,359 a month, before holiday cover. The full cost of an employee.
An answering service
Best for occasional overflow.
A shared team picks up when you can't and emails you the message. Good as a safety net. They usually can't answer questions about your services, book appointments in your calendar or follow up.
A virtual receptionist
Best when the phone brings in work.
Calls are answered in your business's name by people who know your services, prices and opening hours. They take messages, book appointments and pass on anything urgent straight away. With Renewminder Talent you get your own phone number that forwards to the team, £200 a month for up to 100 answered calls, then £1.50 for each extra call. How our virtual receptionist works.
Which one suits you
- You need someone at a front desk: hire.
- You miss a few calls a week and only need a message: an answering service.
- Calls bring in bookings or sales, and you want them handled properly: a virtual receptionist.
- You also need email, bookings and admin done: a dedicated assistant can take calls as part of their day.
Sources
Checked 20 October 2026. Rules change, so check the source before you rely on it.
Quick answers
How much does a virtual receptionist cost?
With Renewminder Talent, £200 a month for up to 100 answered calls, then £1.50 a call.
How much does it cost to employ a receptionist in the UK?
At least about £2,359 a month full-time at the National Living Wage of £12.71 an hour, with employer National Insurance and pension, before holiday cover.
What's the difference between an answering service and a virtual receptionist?
An answering service usually takes a message from a shared team. A virtual receptionist answers in your business's name, knows your services and can book appointments.
Can a virtual receptionist book appointments?
Yes, into your calendar or booking system, and they confirm with the caller.