Can a foreign company find their VAT number before the certificate arrives?

I have applied for and been issued a VAT number in the UK, however I have not received the certificate. I am not able to access the certificate on the government gateway as I am not set up for any taxes there. I have called the VAT office and they have confirmed that I have a VAT number and they can see it, but they are not allowed tell me it I have stock waiting to move to the UK and I am very eager to find my number as soon as possible, is there any way to do this other than wait for the certificate to arrive to our offices outside the UK?

Hi.
Unfortunately you will need to wait for the VAT Certificate to arrive by post.
Thank you.