The UK trades directories that matter in 2026: Checkatrade, TrustATrader, MyBuilder, Rated People, TrustMark, Gas Safe and more, for homeowners and trades.
How Homeowners Find Tradesmen in the UK
When a boiler fails or a kitchen needs fitting, UK homeowners search "plumber near me" or "builders [town]", ask neighbours on Nextdoor or Facebook, and check trade directories for reviews and vetting. For many jobs, they also check a trade is registered, such as a Gas Safe engineer for gas work.
This guide covers the UK trades directories that matter in 2026, for homeowners choosing a trade and for tradespeople who want more work.
To see which directories already list your practice or firm, run the free Local Citation Checker: it searches the major directories for your business name and town, links every listing it finds and flags any with the wrong phone number.
UK Trades Directories at a Glance
| Directory | Listing | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | Free | Map results and reviews for local trade searches |
| Checkatrade | Paid membership | Vetted trades with homeowner reviews |
| TrustATrader | Paid membership | Vetted trades with homeowner reviews |
| MyBuilder | Paid per lead | Homeowners posting jobs for trades to quote |
| Rated People | Paid per lead | Homeowners posting jobs for trades to quote |
| Bark | Paid per lead | Service requests across many trades |
| TrustMark | Paid registration | Government-endorsed quality scheme |
| Gas Safe Register | Required for gas work | Checking a gas engineer is registered |
| NICEIC / NAPIT | Paid registration | Registered electricians |
| Federation of Master Builders | Paid membership | Finding vetted builders |
| Which? Trusted Traders | Paid endorsement | Traders assessed by Which? |
| Nextdoor / Facebook | Free | Neighbour recommendations |
| Yell | Free advertising is paid | General UK business searches |
For Homeowners: How to Find a Good Tradesperson
Ask neighbours first, then compare reviews on Google and a vetting directory such as Checkatrade or TrustATrader. For gas work, check the engineer on the Gas Safe Register, which is a legal requirement; for electrical work, look for NICEIC or NAPIT registration; for building work, the Federation of Master Builders and TrustMark list vetted firms. Get at least two written quotes, and if you would rather have trades come to you, post the job on MyBuilder, Rated People or Bark.
For Tradespeople: Where to Get Listed
Google Business Profile is free and usually brings the best enquiries. Choose your exact trade as the primary category, set your service area rather than showing a home address, add photos of finished jobs every week, and ask every happy customer for a review.
Checkatrade and TrustATrader are paid memberships, but homeowners trust their vetting and they rank well for trade searches; they suit trades who want steady local work. MyBuilder, Rated People and Bark charge per lead, so price your time carefully and respond fast.
Registration schemes such as Gas Safe (mandatory for gas work), NICEIC, NAPIT and TrustMark double as directories homeowners search, so keep your entry and your website badge current. Nextdoor and local Facebook groups bring word-of-mouth work, and Yell adds a consistent citation.
How to List Your Trade So It Ranks
Use one master version of your details
Write your business name, address and phone number exactly as they appear on your Google Business Profile, and use that version on every directory. Small differences, such as "Ltd" on one site and not another, or an old phone number, weaken the signal search engines rely on.
Claim before you create
Many directories build listings from public registers. Search for yourself first and claim what exists, rather than creating a duplicate that splits your reviews.
Complete every field and collect reviews
Add services, opening hours, photos of your premises and team, and a description written for the people you serve. Then ask satisfied clients for reviews on Google and on the one or two directories that matter most in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best directory to find tradesmen in the UK?
Google reviews and neighbour recommendations are the most common starting points, followed by vetting directories such as Checkatrade and TrustATrader. For gas work always check the Gas Safe Register.
Is Checkatrade free for tradespeople?
No. Checkatrade and TrustATrader are paid memberships. A Google Business Profile is free and is usually the best first listing.
How do I check a gas engineer is registered?
Search the Gas Safe Register by name, business or registration number. By law, anyone working on gas appliances in the UK must be on it.
Which directories should a new tradesperson join first?
Start with a free Google Business Profile and any registration your trade requires, then add one vetting directory and test one pay-per-lead platform while you build reviews.