Give customers a clear local starting point
The Sunderland Directory brings together shops, trades, garages, professional services, health providers, pet businesses and community organisations. A useful listing explains what you do, where you are based and how someone can contact you about the next step.
A Roker shop with a public counter needs different location details from a plumber travelling across the city. Use the real base and describe the service area honestly. Working in Washington or Houghton-le-Spring does not mean you have a staffed office in each place.
Describe the work people are searching for
Write a short, specific description in your own words. A roofer might identify repairs, flat roofs and chimney work; a garage might distinguish MOTs, servicing and body repairs. Choose the category and service tags that match the work you actually offer.
Include a working phone number, your own website and a suitable logo or business photograph. A complete, readable logo helps customers recognise you. Avoid squeezing several promotional messages into an image when the description can explain the services more clearly.
Make contact and visit arrangements useful
Give clear appointment or access information where it matters. A home-based service, mobile business or correspondence address should not look like a walk-in shop. If customers need to arrange a visit, say so, and keep the phone number and website up to date.
The submission email supports contact about the listing. It is kept private unless you choose to show it publicly. Listing management uses the email address on file, so use an address the business can continue to access rather than a temporary contact.
Use local support alongside your listing
The Business & IP Centre’s Sunderland library service offers business information and support through Culture House. It can be a useful starting point for someone developing an idea or looking for relevant resources, alongside the practical task of preparing a business listing.
A directory entry gives customers another way to find and understand the business; it does not promise search rankings or enquiries. Keep your own website and contact details current, and update the listing when your services, base or opening arrangements change.
Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
More local guides
- About Sunderland: coast, river and local neighbourhoods
- Things to do in Sunderland: coast, culture and local outings
- Sunderland community contacts: local help and ways to get involved
- Shopping in Sunderland: independent shops, homewares and local stops
- What’s on in Sunderland: November and December 2026