B2B directories in the UK: where trade suppliers should list

One of the businesses we build listings for sells security hardware. Its buyers are contractors, facilities managers and councils.

That changes where it's worth being listed. A homeowner looking for a locksmith searches Google Maps or Yell. A facilities manager who needs 200 matching locks searches for the product, checks an approved supplier list, or posts a tender. Consumer directories still matter for that business, because they confirm its name, address and phone. But they won't put it in front of a buyer.

So here's where a UK business that sells to other businesses should be listed, what's free, and what's worth paying for. Prices are as shown on each site on 11 October 2026, before VAT.

Start with the base every business needs

B2B or not, get the foundations right first: Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Apple Maps and a handful of general UK directories, all with identical details. Our post on how many citations a UK business needs lists the 20 I'd start with.

For B2B, add a LinkedIn company page. It's free, it's where business buyers check you out, and LinkedIn only asks you to confirm you have the right to act for the company.

Free B2B directories worth a listing

BusinessMagnet is a UK directory for business and industrial suppliers. In September 2025 it bought the Applegate domain, so the old Applegate directory now sends its visitors to BusinessMagnet. The free listing costs nothing, but it carries no link to your website. Paid plans start at £49 a month and add the link and more. Their editorial team checks your profile before it goes live.

Europages is a B2B marketplace aimed at buyers across Europe, with a UK site. A basic supplier profile is free and self-serve. There's a paid premium profile, but you don't need it to be listed. It suits manufacturers and suppliers who'd take orders from abroad.

All.biz is an international B2B marketplace with a UK section priced in pounds. Registration is free. Treat it as one more consistent citation; whether it brings UK orders depends on what you sell.

Kompass is a long-standing global company database. Its UK site offers a free user account, but I couldn't confirm whether the company listing itself is still free in the UK. Its US site now charges $40 a year for a company profile. Check the current terms before you spend time on it.

Public sector supplier registration

If you sell to councils, the NHS, schools or government, this matters more than any directory.

Since 24 February 2025, under the Procurement Act 2023, public sector tenders run through Find a Tender, which the government now calls the central digital platform. Suppliers who registered on it before then had to register again.

What you need to know:

• It's free. The government's guide is clear that you should never pay to view public sector opportunities.
• Register when you want to bid. You don't need to do it in advance.
• How: create a GOV.UK One Login, choose to register an organisation as a supplier, and enter your Companies House number, address, a shared email address and whether you're an SME. You get a unique identifier to share with buyers.
• Contracts Finder is still live, for contracts over £12,000. Larger contracts, usually above £139,688 including VAT, go on Find a Tender.

Make sure the name and address you register match your other listings exactly. A buyer checking you out will see both.

Paid memberships that work as proof

These cost money, and they work as qualifications. Each includes a listing, but the reason to join is that buyers ask for them.

• Made in Britain. For manufacturers only: you need to control a factory, studio or workshop in the UK, and they may visit. Membership runs from £195 a year (turnover up to £1m) to £1,950 (over £15m).
• Constructionline. The accreditation many main contractors ask subcontractors for. At the lowest turnover band, Bronze is £399 a year plus a £99 joining fee, rising with turnover and level.
• CHAS. Another health and safety accreditation used across construction, from £429 a year.
• Your local chamber of commerce. Membership usually includes a place in the member directory, plus networking and export help. Fees vary by chamber. As one example, the London Chamber's Premier Plus membership showed £590 a year plus a £50 registration fee.

If you're not sure whether to join, ask your 3 biggest customers which of these they check.

If you sell to retailers

The Wholesaler UK connects wholesalers and trade suppliers with independent shops. It's paid only: £395 a year, or £25 for a one-month trial. Buyers use it free. It says it vets suppliers and wants UK stock.

What to skip

• Thomasnet. It's a big industrial directory, but it's built for North American suppliers and buyers.
• Scoot. It's winding down in October 2026.
• Paid "featured" placements before the free basics. Get the free listings done and consistent first, then see where enquiries come from.
• Any site that wants payment to show you tenders. Public sector opportunities are free to view.

A starting plan for a B2B business

1. Settle your details once. These 7 decisions take 10 minutes.
2. Build the general base: Google, Bing, Apple Maps, the main UK directories, and a LinkedIn company page.
3. Add the free B2B listings: BusinessMagnet, Europages and All.biz.
4. Register on Find a Tender if you sell, or want to sell, to the public sector.
5. Join a paid scheme only when buyers ask for it.

Our Complete build covers step 2 and the B2B directories on our list, including Europages and BusinessMagnet. Supplier registration and memberships are yours to do, because they need your Companies House details, your signature or your accounts. The local citation building guide explains what's included.