How a business earns the Verified stamp.

The gold Verified stamp means we checked that a business is real, reachable and honest about what it offers. Every business is checked against the same 8 points below.

• Free, alwaysNo business pays to be verified, and the stamp can't be bought.
• Same checks for everyoneThe full checklist is on this page. A business either passes all 8, or not yet.
• Re-checked every yearAnd straight away if a customer reports a problem.
• A website is not requiredWe check trust, not marketing. A good business with no website can be verified.

The 8 checks

1. RegisteredWe've seen a BIPA registration, or a town council business licence or fitness certificate. For sole traders, a municipal licence is enough.
2. Phone answeredThe phone number on the listing reaches the business during its opening hours.
3. Messages answeredIf an email or WhatsApp is listed, messages get a reply within 2 working days.
4. Location is realThe address is on Google Maps, or we've seen the premises or signage. Home-based businesses confirm the area they serve.
5. Details matchThe name, services, hours and prices on the listing are what the business really offers.
6. Links workAny website or social media pages listed load and belong to the business.
7. No red flagsWe find no scam warnings online, and no pattern of reviews about non-delivery or fraud.
8. The owner agreesThe owner confirms the listing is accurate and accepts the yearly re-check and our complaint process.

How it works

1. List your business free, if you haven't yet.
2. Ask for verification by email. We'll get in touch to arrange the checks, which take about 30 minutes in total.
3. Passed: your listing gets the Verified stamp and shows above unverified businesses in search results.
4. Not yet: we email you exactly what to fix. You stay listed, and we check again once you're ready.

Something wrong with a verified business?

If a verified business didn't deliver, or its details are wrong, email hello@businessnam.com with the business name and what happened. We re-check it, and remove the stamp if it no longer passes.