BT launches AI receptionist for businesses on any UK network

BT Business has launched an AI receptionist that answers calls, books appointments and captures customer enquiries around the clock, without businesses having to change their existing phone number or provider. 

The launch comes as BT-commissioned research suggests 67 per cent of small businesses miss at least one call on an average day that they believe costs them business.

BT estimates annual revenue lost through unanswered calls at £3.7 billion, based on survey responses extrapolated across the UK business population.

The service works across any UK fixed or mobile network and is aimed at businesses whose staff cannot always answer the phone, including tradespeople, retailers, estate agents and hospitality operators.

It handles routine questions, transcribes conversations and integrates with Outlook and Google Calendar. Businesses can configure it through a self-service portal using their own business information and choose different voices and accents.

BT says customer data remains private and is not used to train AI models. The service is available on flexible contracts, although pricing was not included in the announcement.

AI Receptionist forms part of a new “AI from BT” portfolio, alongside a free adoption hub offering practical guides and examples. A national advertising campaign will support the launch.