How do you find out about local business?

[Oola]

Just wondering how people generally find out about their local businesses? For instance, if you hire a window cleaner, need a skilled craftsmen, need to get some invitations made etc, how do you find someone? Dip into the yellow pages, look in your local newspaper, word of mouth, the parish newsletter...? Would be interested to know!

[Gentian]

We have a really good booklet delivered once a month called "Look Local" and it is full of adverts for local businesses. There is also a page where local clubs can advertise for free and we (The WI) have had 6 new members in the last year because of it.

[jazzactivist]

Hi Oola! I look in the classified section of the local newspaper and also keep a copy of the local trade booklet. I have also contacted tradespeople through our parish newsletter and asked local people for recommendations. I found a window cleaner who also cleans gutters from an ad on the village notice board. I never bother with the Yellow Pages or large paper classifieds as they are too much hassle to wade through.

[baab95]

I tend to consult the local paper or ask a neighbour/friend/family member for a recommendation.

[Crocus]

Of course things are a bit different in our country, but our village has a little booklet of , all the businesses in town, which gets updated quite regularly. And of course by word of mouth. xx

[dragonfly]

When we moved here I asked neighbours and work collegues who recommended all the people we needed so I would have to say word of mouth. If they hadn't I would have used the local village magazine.