Most venues need three layers: a cloud phone system for bookings and enquiries, with call queues and out-of-hours messages; instant, hands-free communication on the floor, usually two-way radios; and managed business mobiles for duty managers and event teams. Microsoft Teams ties the office together. With the analogue phone network closing on 31 January 2027, any venue still on old lines needs to move now.
Booking calls: the revenue you can't see
Parties, functions, hospitality packages and group bookings often start with a phone call, and they tend to come in when staff are busiest. A missed call rarely rings back. A cloud phone system helps by:
- Queuing calls and ringing several people at once, on desk phones, laptops or mobiles
- Routing calls by time, so out-of-hours callers hear opening times and a booking link
- Reporting on missed calls and busy periods, so you can staff the phones properly
- Keeping your numbers when you move, since numbers can be ported to a new system
Radios or mobiles on the floor?
It isn't usually one or the other.
| Two-way radios | Business mobiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Instant, one-to-many talk on the floor: security, stewards, bar and floor staff | Duty managers, event teams, anyone who moves between sites or calls out |
| Strengths | Push a button and everyone hears it; works when mobile signal is poor inside the building | Calls, messages, email, apps and Teams; reaches anyone, anywhere |
| Watch out for | No record or reach beyond the venue; batteries and chargers to manage | Coverage inside large buildings; needs central management |
Many venues use radios for live operations and mobiles for managers. Some add push-to-talk apps to business mobiles, which can suit smaller teams where signal is good. Check mobile coverage inside the building before relying on phones: concrete stands and basements often block signal.
Business mobiles for venue teams
Treat mobiles as operational equipment, not perks. Buy centrally, choose the network by checking coverage at each venue, enrol every phone in mobile device management so it can be wiped if lost, and review the bill regularly. Rugged handsets suit outdoor, stadium and warehouse staff.
Microsoft Teams for the back office
Teams gives office, marketing, events and finance staff chat, meetings and shared files in one place. With Teams Phone, it can also carry your phone numbers, so managers take booking calls on a laptop or mobile wherever they are.
Don't forget the PSTN switch-off
The UK's analogue phone network closes on 31 January 2027. That affects old phone systems and ISDN, and also card machines, alarms, lift emergency phones and door entry that use an analogue line. Run our free PSTN switch-off check to see what needs to move.
Frequently asked questions
What phone system suits a leisure venue?
A cloud phone system with call queues, out-of-hours routing and reporting suits most venues. The right platform depends on call volumes, how many sites you have and whether you already use Microsoft Teams. Fully hosted systems start from about £10 per user per month for a single handset.
Can we switch phone systems without disrupting the venue?
Yes. New phones can be installed during working hours and run alongside the old system, so there's no downtime. Number transfers are scheduled by Openreach between 9am and 5pm.
How Indigo does this. Indigo Unified Communications supports 8x8, 3CX and Microsoft Teams Phone, so we recommend the platform that fits your venue rather than one product, and every review prices both a fully hosted system and SIP options (internet-based lines for a phone system on your premises). We supply business mobiles on EE, O2 and Vodafone, managed with Microsoft Intune, and we've been the official mobile supplier to Celtic Football Club since March 2022. Our Glasgow team sends a phone system review within 2 working days. See our leisure sector page.
Sources: ISPreview, Openreach confirm post-January 2027 measures for UK analogue phone switch-off, 24 September 2026 · Celtic FC, New official mobile supplier to the club, 1 March 2022, https://www.celticfc.com/news/2022/march/01/new-official-mobile-supplier-to-the-club/
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