Welcome to Bee Local!
Welcome to Bee Local, the UK's premier platform for discovering authentic, independent local businesses. Whether you're looking for artisan food producers, skilled tradespeople, or unique vintage finds, we're here to connect you with the best local businesses in your area.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started and make the most of our platform.
What is Bee Local?
Bee Local is a comprehensive directory and marketplace designed to showcase the best of UK's independent business community. We focus on three main categories that represent the heart of local commerce:
Local Produce
Discover farm shops, artisan food producers, organic suppliers, honey farms, butchers, greengrocers, and specialty food makers. Support local agriculture and enjoy the freshest, highest-quality products.
Local Services
Find skilled tradespeople, professional consultants, repair services, home improvement specialists, and creative professionals. Connect with experts who understand your local area.
Pre-Loved
Explore vintage shops, antiques dealers, second-hand stores, and specialists in refurbished goods. Find unique items while supporting sustainable shopping practices.
Key Features
For Customers
- Advanced Search: Find businesses by name, location, service type, or specific needs
- Detailed Profiles: View comprehensive business information, photos, and contact details
- Customer Reviews: Read authentic reviews from other customers
- Marketplace Shopping: Buy products directly from verified local vendors
- Voice Search: Use voice commands to find what you need quickly
- Favorites System: Save businesses you love for easy access
- Mobile Optimized: Full functionality on all devices
For Business Owners
- Free Basic Listings: Create your business profile at no cost
- Premium Features: AI-generated websites, enhanced listings, and advanced analytics
- Marketplace Integration: Sell products online through our marketplace
- Customer Management: Track inquiries, manage reviews, and build relationships
- Business Dashboard: Comprehensive tools for managing your online presence
Your First Search
Let's get you familiar with searching for businesses on Bee Local:
Use the Search Bar
From our homepage, enter what you're looking for in the main search bar. You can search for:
- Business types: "handyman", "honey farm", "antique shop"
- Services: "kitchen renovation", "wedding catering", "appliance repair"
- Products: "organic vegetables", "handmade furniture", "antiques"
- Business names: "Smith's Farm Shop", "Jones Plumbing"
Add Your Location
Enter your postcode, city, or area to find businesses near you:
- Full postcodes: "SW1A 1AA", "M1 4AE"
- Area codes: "SW1", "M1", "B1"
- City names: "Manchester", "Birmingham", "Leeds"
- Use "Near me" if location services are enabled
Browse Results
Review the search results to find businesses that match your needs. Each result shows:
- Business name and category
- Location and distance from you
- Contact information
- Customer ratings and reviews
- Photos and business description
Use Voice Search (Optional)
Press the 'V' key or click the microphone icon to search by voice. Simply say what you're looking for:
- "Find honey farms near Manchester"
- "Show me handyman in Birmingham"
- "Local organic food shops"
Creating Your Account
While you can browse businesses without an account, signing up unlocks additional features:
Account Benefits
- Save favorite businesses for quick access
- Leave reviews and ratings
- Track your search history
- Receive notifications about new businesses
- Shop in our marketplace
- Get personalized recommendations
How to Register
- Click "Join Free" in the top navigation or mobile menu
- Enter your name, email address, and create a secure password
- Verify your email address (check your inbox for our welcome email)
- Complete your profile with location preferences
- Start exploring with your new account!
Registration is completely free and takes less than 2 minutes. We never share your information with third parties.
Exploring Categories
Beyond search, you can explore businesses by category:
Local Produce Exploration
- Farm Shops: Fresh, locally-grown produce and artisan products
- Honey Producers: Local apiaries and honey specialists
- Butchers: Traditional butcher shops with locally-sourced meat
- Cake Makers: Artisan cake makers and specialty bakers
- Cheese Makers: Local dairies and cheese specialists
Local Services Discovery
- Home Services: Handyman, appliance repair, carpet cleaning, and pest control
- Professional Services: Accountants, lawyers, consultants, and advisors
- Creative Services: Designers, photographers, and marketing specialists
- Health & Wellness: Personal trainers, therapists, and health practitioners
- Automotive: Mechanics, MOT centers, and car care specialists
Pre-Loved Treasures
- Antique Shops: Vintage furniture, collectibles, and historical items
- Second-Hand Stores: Quality used goods and bargain finds
- Furniture Makers: Custom and handmade furniture pieces
- Upcyclers: Restored furniture and sustainable goods
- Refurbishment Specialists: Restored furniture and upcycled goods
What's Next?
Now that you understand the basics, here are some suggested next steps:
Continue Learning
For Business Owners
If you own a business and want to get listed:
Get Support
Need help? We're here for you:
- Contact our support team
- Email us directly at support@beelocal.uk
- Browse our complete knowledge base
Ready to Start Exploring?
You now have everything you need to discover amazing local businesses. Start your journey with Bee Local today!