Preston’s local business scene, without the waffle

In Preston, the best local firms tend to get passed around by word of mouth and never need to shout. If you’re new to the area, or want someone your neighbour hasn’t already mentioned, start here.

447 Preston businesses are currently listed on WotsItCalled, with heavy concentrations in Fulwood, Ashton-on-Ribble, Broughton, Lea, Cottam and Ribbleton. Browse everything listed in Preston or pick a category below.

The local trades you’ll actually need

Preston’s trades are weighted heavily towards Fulwood, where over a hundred listed firms are based. Ashton-on-Ribble and Broughton take a lot of the residential work, and Longridge and Grimsargh cover the eastern edge.

Prices are fair for the region and the firms are generally reliable. Many of the established Fulwood businesses know each other and pass work around when they’re busy, so if your first choice can’t do the job, ask who they’d recommend.

• Plumbers: 19 Preston plumbers listed. Rapid Fix Plumbing & Gas in Fulwood does general domestic and boiler work.
• Electricians: 18 Preston electricians listed, with Ambiance Electrical in Ribbleton among the top-rated on the directory.
• Car mechanics: Preston garages. AUTOCARE in Longridge and Ribble View Garage in Grimsargh both get strong reviews for servicing and MOTs.
• Builders: Preston builders, including the well-reviewed Damian Lee Building Ltd in Fulwood and B Margerison Builders in Cuddy Hill.

Preston is compact enough that most Fulwood firms will cover the whole PR postcode area without fuss. If the job isn’t obviously local, ask about the call-out charge.

Where to eat, drink, and grab a coffee

Preston’s food and drink has come on a lot. Pubs run from traditional boozers to craft-beer micropubs, and takeaways are everywhere, as they always are.

Fulwood and Ashton-on-Ribble have become the neighbourhood food spots over the past few years, with proper independent cafes, a few good restaurants and pubs that still pour a decent pint without the markup. If you’re new to the city, they’re worth a wander.

• Restaurants: Preston restaurants, including Aven Restaurant.
• Cafes and coffee shops: Preston cafes. Neighbourhood Coffee House in Ashton-on-Ribble and Corner Flag Cafe in Fulwood are both well reviewed.
• Pubs and bars: Preston pubs and bars. Crafty Beggars Ale House in Fulwood and The Beer House Preston are both worth a visit.
• Takeaways: Preston takeaways in every postcode.

Hair, beauty, health, and wellbeing

Preston’s salon scene has grown steadily in recent years. Fulwood has a cluster of well-reviewed independents, barbers reach out to Lea and Longridge, dentists cover private and NHS work, and there are some excellent personal training studios among the gyms.

Most of the cosmetic and implant dentistry is in the Fulwood area. Before committing to bigger treatment, compare free consultations at two or three clinics, because prices can vary a lot.

• Hairdressers and barbers: Preston salons and barbers. Hair by Charlie in Ingol and DW Barbers in Lea are both top-rated.
• Beauty salons: 19 Preston beauty salons listed, with House of Soul Fulwood among the most-reviewed.
• Dentists: Preston dentists. AJM Dental Group in Fulwood is a well-established name.
• Gyms: 20 Preston gyms listed. Elite Performance HQ in Ribbleton and Femalebodyworkouts in Barton both offer personal training.

Professional services

Preston has a full set of solicitors, accountants and estate agents. Fulwood takes most of the suburban work and the city centre handles the commercial side.

Local accountants and solicitors tend to be straight about fixed fees for predictable work, and for small business accounts and self-assessment the independents are often more flexible than the larger regional firms. Ask for the fixed rate and most will give it without fuss.

• Solicitors: Preston solicitors, including GSR Solicitors Limited.
• Accountants: 19 Preston accountants listed. Easytalk Accountants Ltd handles small business work and self-assessment.
• Estate agents: Preston estate agents. The Good Estate Agent Preston is a well-reviewed independent.

What’s changed lately

Preston’s local scene has been growing steadily, particularly in Fulwood and Ashton-on-Ribble, where new cafes, salons and specialist trades keep appearing. New listings go up regularly as customers tell us about places we’ve missed.

If you know a Preston business that should be on here, send us the name and it’ll usually be added within a few days. No signup, no fee, no catch. The directory runs on local word of mouth, so it only works because people share what they know.

The short version

• 447 Preston businesses listed across the directory.
• Fulwood leads, with over 100 listings on its own.
• Electricians and beauty salons are two of the best-covered categories.
• Longridge and Grimsargh have solid trades coverage on the eastern edge.
• Every category page links to real phone numbers, not web forms.

WotsItCalled is a free UK business directory. No signup, no catch. Browse everything listed in Preston, or find the place everyone’s on about.