- New deal with 118 118 provides TouchLocal customers with access to millions more business leads

London, September 13th, 2010: TouchLocal, the local business directory, has exclusively partnered with the directory enquiry service 118 118, to provide their affordable and flexible marketing solutions for local small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to TouchLocal customers.
 
The advertising packages from 118 118 allow SMEs to promote their businesses to the tens of millions of people who call 118 118 every year. Businesses can take advantage of two advertising solutions: a Priority Listing package providing access to the directory enquiries channel; and a text based advertising package allowing you to piggy back on requests for your competitors’ numbers.

118 118 is the leading directory enquiries provider in the UK receiving tens of millions of calls in 2009 as Britain’s most called number. This new development raises the bar for the directory business sector, by taking 118 118 advertising solutions to a wider market. The partnership provides TouchLocal’s customers, who have tripled in the last two years, with a unique and complimentary new channel for driving sales leads and complements the company’s wide range of existing services. This promises to give SMEs a much needed boost during the current financial climate.

Mark Livingstone, CEO of TouchLocal, commented:
“SMEs are the foot soldiers in the battle towards economic recovery. The work we are doing with 118 118 equips us with yet another tool to offer to our small to medium business clients, for whom local exposure and results are key. During periods of economic downturn, small businesses need as much support as they can get, but it needs to be cost effective and deliver proven results. This service, in addition to what we already offer, will do just that.”

Brian Harrison, CEO of The Number UK Ltd (118 118, kgbdeals.co.uk), said:
“This partnership represents a great opportunity for 118 118 and TouchLocal. Our products are truly unique and a powerful addition to the marketing tool kit of the small business. Through partnering with TouchLocal we can reach a much larger market and deliver great returns to even more businesses across the UK.”

A vital resource for SMEs, TouchLocal provides a sensibly priced marketing presence, offering a simple toolbox of options from priority listings on AOL, to video uploads. Following on from recent partnerships brokered with The Independent, Bauer Radio, Ask and Scoot, the addition of 118 118 means TouchLocal is now even better positioned to provide the best possible integrated mix of strong marketing solutions for SMEs.

TouchLocal’s growth over the last twelve months has been significant, extending its services further into local communities across the UK, offering its member businesses a strong web and integrated presence. This locally focussed service gives smaller businesses, some with little or no online footprint, the ability to compete, levelling the playing field for independent operators and sole traders.

TouchLocal is part-funded by Balderton Capital, the leading European venture capital firm that has provided financial backing for adjug, Betfair, Bebo and LOVEFilm, among others.