AN ONLINE directory set-up especially for businesses and people in Worcestershire has celebrated its first birthday.

The Worcester Directory was officially launched in October last year to create a unique search tool for the county and out of a need to find local businesses on the internet easier, said managing director Craig Teague.

Hailing from Worcester, Mr Teague said small businesses he had worked with in the site’s first year had so far seemed to like the fact there was a local person able to help them with their internet marketing.

“The first year has flown by so quickly and we have grown fast during this period, all down to the support of the public and the many great businesses from around Worcestershire,” he said.

“The digital age has truly shaken things up and it is easy for small local businesses to get left behind as everything in the industry moves so fast.

“These days people, especially young people, turn to the internet whenever they need information, whether it is a chinese takeaway or directions to a hotel.”

The difference noted by Mr Teague between the directory and companies like Thom-son Local and the Phone-book was that he was committed to staying county-based in benefit of people just looking for purely local brands.

The 25-year-old online marketing expert grew up with the technology he applied to his work and understood how it had changed and developed, which he bel-ieved gave him the experience needed to offer the right services.

He said: “I think being youngish is an advantage as I have grown up with technology and have applied it in my business career for almost 10 years.”

Next on the agenda for the Worcester Directory, which offered business listings, PR, website design, and search engine optimisation, was a smartphone app.

“We aim to be the number one choice for people looking for businesses and attraction in Worcestershire,” he said.

For more information, or to join the Worcester Direct-ory, contact Craig Teague on 01905 723510, or e-mail craig@theworcesterdirectory.co.uk.