Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the removal of the threat faced by Haringey’s small businesses from Yellow Pages reorganisation plans. Lib Dem Regeneration Spokesman Cllr David Winskill led objections when Yellow Pages put forward proposals to split the existing London North directory into two – Enfield & Barnet and North London.

The way the proposed boundary had been drawn split Haringey in half, and many small local businesses would have been under financial threat from loss of trade.

Lib Dems say that most businesses in Haringey employ fewer than 15 staff and have small advertising budgets. They therefore rely heavily on Yellow Pages for increasing their revenue through new trade. Halving the area they advertise to could have had a dramatic effect on the value of their Haringey trade.

Following talks with Cllr Winskill and concerns raised by local organisations, Yellow Pages have now agreed to include local businesses in Tottenham and Wood Green in both new directories – at no charge.

Cllr Winskill says:

“We’re really pleased that Yellow Pages have listened to the concerns we raised and also the comments made by other organisations, including Middlesex University and the Tottenham Green Enterprise Centre. I welcome the decision to make compromises to their original plans, which would have been devastating to Haringey’s small businesses.”

Lib Dem Cllr Matt Davies, who also formally objected to the original proposals, was delighted that the Lib Dems’ hard work had paid off. He adds:

“We have worked hard to ensure that regeneration work in Haringey is not damaged by the Yellow Pages changes. This success will help local businesses maintain and develop their trade, to the benefit of residents in both the East & West of the borough. I am particularly pleased that business in Wood Green and Tottenham will have the added boost of appearing in both editions at no extra charge. It’s very good news for small businesses in the area.”