Starting a business in the UK used to mean choosing an office address before choosing anything else, largely because a proper phone number depended on it. That’s no longer true.

A UK virtual number lets an entrepreneur present a genuine local presence to customers, suppliers, and partners without a physical premises anywhere near the number’s area code. And for a growing share of UK small businesses, that shift has quietly become the default rather than the exception.

What a Virtual Number Actually Is

The virtual UK phone number is a UK-based phone number without being connected to any actual SIM card or fixed line entering into the building where it is located. The UK virtual phone number is simply a routing system whereby the call or text message will enter the phone number and be redirected based on the instructions that the business owner gives regarding the number, such as to a mobile phone, team inbox, or call handling software.

For a businessman who works from home, a co-working office, or even from abroad, this is an important aspect since customers will call a UK number and deal with a UK-based business.

Why UK Entrepreneurs Are Adopting Virtual Numbers

A handful of practical drivers explain why this has become common practice rather than a niche workaround:

• to be able to separate business calls from personal calls without the need to have two handsets or SIM cards;
• to establish a local presence in a certain location in the UK before having an office in that area;
• to easily scale a line whether upward or downward without having to order new equipment each time;
• to have the same number regardless of office change or personnel change;
• and finally, to avoid the costly and time-consuming installation of a business line.

The above statement has become increasingly pertinent in recent times. In fact, the UK’s existing telecom network is currently undergoing a fundamental transition to move completely away from copper wiring, with Openreach announcing that the national decommissioning process will take place in January 2027, moving even the conventional telephonic systems towards the same IP-based structure used by virtual numbers for years.

Setting Up a Virtual Number: What to Expect

The process is considerably simpler than setting up a traditional business line, and it doesn’t require any physical installation. In practice, it usually breaks down into a few steps:

1. Select the appropriate type of number based on whether you require a traditional UK geographic number allocated to an area code or a national non-geographic number.
2. Pick a provider and find out what kind of call forwarding is available, as some services will not forward to other destinations equally effectively.
3. Make arrangements for the call forwarding setup by choosing to forward calls to your mobile, your landline, a group of operators, or an application.
4. If required, set business hours during which all calls will be forwarded to voicemail or to a voice message, while no answer is given.
5. Before publishing the number, make sure it works through a test of both call forwarding and messaging if necessary.

None of these steps requires a technician visit or a lengthy contract commitment with most providers, which is a meaningful contrast to how business phone lines traditionally got set up.

What to Check Before Choosing a Provider

Not every virtual number provider offers the same reliability or feature set, and a few details are worth confirming before committing:

Weighing these five factors against actual usage patterns, rather than picking the cheapest headline price, tends to save more money over the first year than the upfront savings would suggest.

Where Virtual Numbers Fit Into a Growing Business

The virtual number will not remain alone for too long. When the business evolves, it usually gets surrounded by other types of light infrastructure – a virtual office address, accounting done online, work done remotely, and a payment system without the need to have a physical cash register in the office. Thus, the business is represented by its virtual number and other features that are necessary to demonstrate professionalism to the client without any need to create a real location for all of these aspects.

This tendency is especially frequent among UK sole traders and limited companies which exist only for a year or two and thus do not have enough cash flow and cannot make big investments, a pattern reflected in Companies House data showing a large share of newly incorporated UK businesses dissolve or restructure within their first two years. In addition, there is a high risk of signing a contract to rent the serviced office together with a phone number since the requirements might become different in a few months.

The Bottom Line for UK Entrepreneurs

For a UK company, the need to have a telephone number resulting from a leasing agreement, a scheduled installation, and a long-term contract is a thing of the past. For most newly formed UK companies, the requirement for a local presence can now be met using a virtual number without the added costs and restrictions that traditionally went with it. The fact that the United Kingdom’s communications network is moving further away from the use of copper connections means that the distinction between traditional and virtual business phone numbers will continue to get smaller.

CHICAGO — Mondelez International, Inc. is introducing its Grenade brand of protein bars in the United States. Grenade products initially will be available at Amazon.com, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe and Bodybuilding.com with plans to expand retail distribution later this year.

“We know today’s consumers want products that deliver on both taste and function, and that’s exactly what Grenade was built for,” said Alan Barratt, co-founder. “As we continue to grow our presence in the US, we’re excited to bring more consumers the bold flavors, high-protein nutrition and unapologetic attitude that have made Grenade a favorite with fans around the world.”

Grenade bars feature 20 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar. The US launch will feature four flavors, including a collaboration with Mondelez’s Oreo brand, the company said.

Grenade was founded in the United Kingdom in 2010 by Alan and Juliet Barratt. Mondelez International acquired the business in 2021.

In an interview with Food Business News earlier this year, Dirk Van de Put, Mondelez International’s chairman and chief executive officer, identified the company’s bar business as a growth opportunity.

“It’s not just in the US, but it’s also in the rest of the world,” he said this past February. “We have a bar in the UK called Grenade, a very good tasting protein bar that probably would beat anything in the US market. I think that is going to be the one that for us is going to be giving the biggest growth.”

Other bar brands in Mondelez’s portfolio include Perfect Bar, Hu and Clif.

Is this the opening move of a new bull cycle? BTC ripped past $79K, ETH reclaimed $2,400, $2.75 billion in shorts were wiped out, and ETF inflows hit record highs. We break down whether the drivers behind this rally can last and, from

LOS ANGELES — Pop star Sabrina Carpenter marked the second anniversary of her breakthrough album “Short n’ Sweet” with a personal message to fans and a cryptic tease that left supporters eagerly awaiting the next development.

In an email newsletter sent over the weekend, the 27-year-old singer reflected on the rapid passage of time since the album’s release and the role fans played in its lasting impact. “Short n’ Sweet, an album that completely changed my life. I feel like I blinked!! 2 years since this little album that once was mine, became ours,” Carpenter wrote.

She continued by weaving in references to the album’s themes and her own experiences: “2 years of working late cuz I’m a singer, 2 years of asking if you’ve ever tried this one. 2 years of five foot representation (still there btw), 2 years of innuendos, laughter, and love. Thank you for the way you keep her alive as the days go on.”

Carpenter closed the note with affection and a pointed postscript. “It’s all because of you! Happy anniversary my sweeeeets Love you for life! x Sabrina.” The final line read: “P.S. something sweet drops tomorrow, see ya then!”

She also posted on Instagram, sharing the album’s Spotify cover art with the caption “2 very sweet years. thank you for all of it.”

Released on Aug. 23, 2024, through Island Records, “Short n’ Sweet” marked a pivotal moment in Carpenter’s career. The project delivered major commercial hits including “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” helping elevate her from a steadily rising artist to a dominant force in contemporary pop. The album’s blend of sharp songwriting, playful innuendo and confident production resonated widely, leading to chart success, awards recognition and an extensive touring run.

By the time of its second anniversary, the record had maintained notable longevity on major charts and continued to generate cultural conversation. Carpenter has frequently acknowledged the connection with her audience as central to the album’s endurance, framing the project as something that evolved from a personal statement into a shared experience.

The anniversary message arrived as Carpenter remains active following the release of subsequent material. Fans immediately began speculating about the nature of the promised “something sweet.” Theories circulated online about possible unreleased tracks, special physical editions, visual content or other commemorative items tied to the “Short n’ Sweet” era.

Subsequent updates from official channels indicated the surprise involved a new collector’s edition vinyl of the album, made available through Carpenter’s website. The release aligned with the anniversary timing and offered fans a tangible way to mark the milestone.

Carpenter’s approach to the anniversary fits a pattern of direct engagement with her audience. Rather than a formal press statement, she chose a conversational email and social media post that mixed nostalgia, gratitude and light humor. The references to late-night work, signature height jokes and the album’s witty tone reinforced the persona that helped the project stand out.

Industry observers have noted that “Short n’ Sweet” succeeded in part by balancing mainstream accessibility with a distinctive personality. Songs that mixed romantic frustration, humor and self-assurance found a broad audience while still feeling specific to Carpenter’s voice. The album’s commercial performance and critical reception opened doors for larger tours, high-profile collaborations and expanded media presence.

Two years later, the project continues to serve as a reference point in discussions of her career trajectory. Tracks from the album remain staples in live sets and streaming playlists, and the visual and promotional aesthetics associated with the era still influence fan culture and merchandise.

The tease of new material or product tied to the anniversary generated immediate interest among dedicated followers. In the hours after the email circulated, social media filled with predictions and expressions of anticipation. Some focused on the possibility of expanded physical formats, while others hoped for previously unheard recordings or documentary-style content from the tour cycle.

Carpenter has not issued extensive additional commentary beyond the anniversary notes themselves. The restraint left room for the eventual reveal to land as a focused celebration rather than a broader career announcement. Official fan accounts highlighted the availability of the special vinyl edition once it went live, directing supporters to the artist’s site.

The anniversary arrives at a moment when Carpenter’s catalog spans multiple eras, yet “Short n’ Sweet” retains a distinct place as the project that significantly broadened her reach. Its songs captured a particular cultural moment while establishing a template for the witty, melodic pop that has defined much of her subsequent output.

For many listeners, the album represented both a commercial breakthrough and a creative statement that felt personal. Carpenter’s anniversary message leaned into that dual quality, emphasizing shared ownership of the music while acknowledging how quickly the intervening years have passed.

As the special edition vinyl became available and fans continued to revisit the original tracks, the two-year mark underscored the album’s staying power. Streaming numbers, social engagement and ongoing live performances of the material all point to a body of work that has not faded from view.

Carpenter’s decision to mark the occasion with a direct, affectionate note rather than a large-scale campaign reflected the intimate tone many associate with the record. The closing tease ensured that the celebration carried a sense of forward motion, giving fans something immediate to look forward to while looking back on the previous two years.

In the broader pop landscape, anniversary celebrations often serve as opportunities to reintroduce catalogs to new listeners or to reward long-term supporters with exclusive items. The “Short n’ Sweet” observance followed that model while remaining consistent with Carpenter’s established style of communication—warm, slightly irreverent and closely tied to the music itself.

The coming weeks and months will show whether the anniversary activity remains a self-contained commemorative moment or forms part of a larger pattern of releases and appearances. For now, the combination of reflective gratitude and a timely product drop has given fans a concrete way to mark the occasion and keep the album’s spirit present.

Carpenter’s career continues to unfold with new projects and performances, yet the second anniversary of “Short n’ Sweet” offered a pause to recognize the foundation that album provided. Through a simple email and social media post, she reminded listeners of the laughter, the late nights and the connection that turned a personal collection of songs into a widely shared cultural touchstone.

A charity which offers free school uniforms says it has helped more than 100 children prepare for the new school year.

Doreen’s, based at North Point Shopping Centre in Hull, repurposes unwanted uniforms and gives them to families across the city free of charge.

Ashleigh Hirst, the charity’s co-founder, said: “The demand is so high so we are just wanting to help with whatever we can.”

New limits on branded school uniform come into force from September, in a bid to reduce costs for parents.

Hirst, 34, said the charity had been particularly busy this week, with people queuing outside the shop before it had opened.

“We knew that there was a need, but we didn’t realise how big of a need there actually was,” she said.

Gamingtec’s new licence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) highlights the opportunities on offer for United Kingdom-based gaming companies.

The London-headquartered firm already has links with some of the operators of reputable online casinos in Dubai and the wider UAE market.

Its latest move provides a useful case study of how established UK technology businesses can participate in the UAE without needing to become casino operators themselves.

Gamingtec Offers a Blueprint for UK Suppliers

Gamingtec has secured a Gaming-Related Vendor Licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), allowing its technology to be supplied to appropriately licensed businesses in the UAE

Its offering includes player-account management, casino and sportsbook technology, back-office tools, affiliate systems and third-party integrations, giving operators much of the infrastructure required to launch and manage an online gaming brand.

That is important because the UAE is not simply creating demand for sportsbooks and casinos – it is creating an entire supply chain around them.

The GCGRA states that anyone seeking to conduct commercial gaming business in the country must obtain the appropriate licence, and its framework covers operators, gaming-related vendors and other participants supporting the industry.

That creates openings in areas including platform development, payments, fraud detection, geolocation, cybersecurity, game content, data analytics and regulatory technology.

Gamingtec has demonstrated that firms do not need to own a consumer brand or build a physical casino to benefit from the UAE’s expansion.

A company supplying the infrastructure behind those businesses can potentially participate across several operators at once, making the opportunity particularly attractive.

UK Gaming Experience Travels Well

The UK has spent decades developing expertise around player verification, safer-gambling systems, anti-money-laundering procedures, technical testing, payments and platform security, all of which are important components of the UAE model.

The GCGRA has deliberately placed compliance at the centre of its framework rather than allowing a market to develop first and regulating it afterwards.

Its licensed operators and vendors must meet formal requirements, while independent approved testing laboratories form part of the certification structure surrounding gaming systems.

That should favour experienced companies capable of demonstrating mature systems rather than suppliers trying to enter commercial gaming for the first time.

It does not mean UK regulatory approval automatically transfers to the UAE, because GCGRA licensing remains a separate process and every applicant must satisfy their requirements.

However, companies accustomed to sophisticated compliance systems should have more of the underlying technology, documentation and operational culture needed to make that transition.

A Growing Market Needs an International Supply Chain

The GCGRA’s public register includes companies working across gaming equipment, lottery technology, location verification and digital services, while suppliers such as Games Global have obtained permission to provide online gaming content.

UK roulette technology manufacturer Cammegh has also secured a vendor licence, strengthening the argument that opportunities span online and land-based gaming.

Gamingtec’s approval adds another category – complete digital platforms capable of supporting operators from account creation through to sportsbook and casino management.

The development of the consumer side is accelerating at the same time.

The UAE has progressed from establishing the GCGRA in 2023 to licensing lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based commercial gaming, while a joint venture involving Fanatics and UAE operator Momentum received regulatory approval in July 2026.

That matters for suppliers because each additional licensed operator generates demand for several businesses behind the scenes.

A sportsbook needs odds and data feeds, identity verification, payments, customer-management software and integrity monitoring, while an online casino requires game aggregation, certified content, cybersecurity, responsible-gaming systems and payment infrastructure.

The UAE Could Become a Valuable UK Export Market

The longer-term attraction for UK businesses is that the UAE appears to be building a deliberately international market rather than protecting an entirely domestic technology ecosystem.

Its regulator has made licensing the gateway to participation, but international suppliers that clear that standard are demonstrably being allowed inside. That combination of restricted entry and growing demand can be commercially powerful.

Licensing limits competition to businesses prepared to make substantial compliance investments, while companies approved early can build relationships before the sector reaches maturity. There is also scope beyond the UAE.

If the Emirates establish a successful regulated model, technology developed for its particular requirements could become valuable elsewhere in the Middle East if neighbouring markets establish comparable frameworks.

A UK supplier that secures UAE experience now would consequently possess something more valuable than another overseas client – an early operating record inside the Arab world’s most advanced regulated commercial gaming market.

With the GCGRA continuing to populate its vendor ecosystem and regulated gaming moving from policy into actual operations, UK companies specialising in the technology, compliance and services behind gambling have access a potentially lucrative new export market.