Thomson Local

Company History
1966 - Thomson Yellow Pages were sales contractors for Post Office Telecommunications which introduced its first classified ‘Yellow Pages' directory into the UK.

1980 – the company recognised a need in the local marketplace for a local directory. Thomson Directories Ltd was set up as an independent directory publisher and piloted local directories in six regions.

1981 – National rollout of the Thomson Local.

1994 – A5 directories were introduced in selected areas.

1998 – ThomWeb.co.uk goes online offering classified advertising on the Internet.

1999 – Full colour classified advertising introduced to 39 Thomson Local directories.

2000 – Thomson Directories bought by SEAT Pagine Gialle, the leading European publisher of telephone directories (view press release).

2002 – ThomsonLocal.com goes online. WebFinder.com goes online offering pay per click advertising.

2003 – Full colour advertising made available in all (non A5) directories. New ‘Localplus' lifestyle section introduced in print and online.

2004 – Pioneering Agreement with the Department of Health and NHS Direct, sees the inclusion of the NHS Direct Self Help guide in 18 million Thomson Local directories throughout England . The Thomson Directories' database achieves the ISO 9001:2000 standard.

2005 – Thomson Directories becomes a 'Sunday Times Best Company to Work For', at the first attempt to qualify.

2005 - Thomson Directories awarded Investors In People ‘Champion' status, one of only 24 companies in the country to achieve this standard.

2006 - Retained status as a ‘Sunday Times Best Company to Work For'.

Today, Thomson Directories also produces a variety of online and new media products and services for businesses, using its regularly updated database of 2.2 million listings.

Thomson Directories is based at Farnborough in Hampshire, with over 500 head office staff and a further 500 employees located throughout the UK at 10 regional sales offices.