Find suppliers you can trust
The best suppliers rarely come from a search result. They come from another business owner who has used them and would use them again. Here is how to find them, the checks worth doing, and where GrowthSync fits.
The short answer
Ask business owners in your own industry who they use and would use again, then check the supplier yourself: their company details on Companies House, references from current customers, insurance, and a small first order. On GrowthSync, members list the services their business sells and take enquiries against them, and you can post the work you need so suppliers come to you.
Start with people who have used them
A recommendation from someone in your industry is worth more than any review site, because they have the same problems you have and they have already paid for the lesson. The question to ask is not "do you know a good accountant" but "who do you use for this, and would you use them again".
Industry communities are good for this because the answer arrives with context: what the supplier was good at, where they struggled, and what the person would do differently.
The checks worth doing before you sign
- Company details. Look the business up on Companies House: is it active, how long has it traded, are its accounts filed on time.
- References. Ask for two current customers similar to you, and actually call them.
- Insurance. For anything that can go wrong on your premises or with your customers, ask what cover they hold.
- Terms in writing. Prices, payment terms, notice periods and who owns what they make for you.
- A small first job. Start with one order or one piece of work before you hand over everything.
How GrowthSync helps
- Services. Members list the services their business provides and take enquiries against them, accepting or declining each one, so you can see what someone sells before you get in touch.
- Opportunities. Post the work you need doing, members apply, and you choose who to speak to.
- Communities. Ask the businesses in your industry who they use. Every member can join, post and comment.
- Reputation. Profiles carry reviews from events and a record of meetings marked complete, so you can see whether someone turns up when they say they will.
GrowthSync is a young network, so its supplier pool is still small. It is free to join and to post what you need.
Common questions
How do I find a reliable supplier for my small business?
Ask other business owners in your industry who they use and would use again, then check the supplier yourself: Companies House, two current customer references, insurance, written terms and a small first order.
Can suppliers advertise on GrowthSync?
There are no adverts. Members list the services their business sells and take enquiries against them, and anyone can post work they need doing for members to apply to.
Is it free to post what I need?
Yes. Posting an opportunity and listing your services are both available on the free plan.
Meet the business owners who fit what you are building.
Joining is free, your profile takes a few minutes, and the free plan is permanent.