How we decide who's independent

Every listing passes the same checks. No one can pay to skip them, and no one can pay to rank higher.

Where listings come from

We bring together several sources of business information, refresh them every week, and add businesses that owners and visitors suggest.

The checks

1. No known brand. Every business is checked against thousands of chain and franchise brands, and the list keeps growing.
2. Its own website. Social media pages, directories, booking sites, delivery apps and lead-generation sites (the “find a trader” sites) don't count.
3. One website, one place. If the same website turns up at several locations, it's treated as a chain, even if it's too small to be a well-known brand.
4. Open and real. Places that look closed or doubtful are left out, and websites are checked to be live.
5. People keep it honest. Anyone can report a listing. When several different people report the same chain, franchise or closure, it's hidden until reviewed.

What the labels mean

Listed

Passed the checks above. Not yet confirmed by the owner.

Owner confirmed

The owner proved they control the website and declared the business independent.

Verified independent

A person checked it against official records.

How results are ordered

Businesses in the town you searched come first. Then verified, owner-confirmed and listed, in that order. Within each, businesses whose name says what you searched for come first, then the nearest. That's it: no advertising, no paid placement, no reviews to game.

Where we get it wrong

Automatic checks miss things, especially small regional chains. If you spot one, use “Report” on its page. Missing an independent you love? Suggest it.