Business directories are all very well. But when it comes to sourcing a service provider, at the end of the day you can never be quite sure that the choice you make has got what it takes to meet your requirements.

ServiceWanted.com is a website designed to button this up. It's a virtual message board where people anonymously 'post a request' for services, anything from babysitters to barristers.

For example, if you are looking for a 'builder in Barnsley', you simply post a request with a brief description. Builders in Barnsley are then immediately notified of the request for their service; they read it and offer their services if they are in a position to help. So it cuts out the cowboys and provides that important peace of mind that you've got someone who can do a good job!

With ServiceWanted the service provider approaches the consumer, rather than the other way round. Unlike directories, which provide impersonal lists of business contacts, the ServiceWanted system filters service providers down to those that are available, with the right skills and who are sufficiently keen to make an effort to win the business.

The most important part of the system is the BusinessProfile. When you look for services you want to know about the people you're putting your trust. For instance, what they've done in the past and whether they are suitably qualified, reliable, trustworthy and honest?

All ServiceWanted business members complete a 'BusinessProfile' comprising contact details, location map, mission statement, service information, qualifications, appropriate photos etc all presented in an easy-to-navigate format for their potential customers/clients to view, which is extremely helpful when choosing a suitable service provider.

There is also an "endorsement" facility for comments by people for whom they've successfully provided their services in the past.

Nigel Hindle, managing director of ServiceWanted.com says: "We believe our system will not only make it much easier to find a service provider it will also help eliminate rogue traders. Most people I know have had a bad experience with a dodgy tradesman or a company which charges the earth for a mediocre job.

"I decided to launch ServiceWanted because I was fed up with having to randomly choose a service provider from the usual selection of business directories, spend ages phoning round and then take a flyer on which one to use.

"If all service providers were required to prove their 'business credentials' rogue traders couldn't survive. It was time to turn the situation around."

ServiceWanted ensures that when consumers need a service they can now cut out all the chasing round by just posting a request because suitable service providers will respond and show them their business credentials.

It's easy to post requests for a whole array of home improvement services in a matter of minutes - saving consumers a great deal of time.

What's more, it works for the people providing the service to. The ServiceWanted system of precisely targeted 'pay-as-you-go' advertising provides businesses with cheap, minimum-risk marketing with no commitment - they can see what their potential customers want before they pay anything.

For a limited period, ServiceWanted is allowing newly registered service provider businesses to respond free so they can try the system with no risk.

ServiceWanted users can also support charities without it costing them anything - they introduce people to ServiceWanted and their favourite charity receives a donation whenever those people use the site to find a service provider.

Contact www.servicewanted.com