A directory, not a search engine
SimpleSearch exists because finding a useful website in the UK shouldn't mean sifting through pages of adverts and copycat sites.
What we do
We maintain a hand-curated index of UK websites and local businesses across every major category. Every entry is looked at by a person, described in plain English, and linked to the official or primary source — never through an intermediary that adds a fee.
What “SimpleSearch Checked” means
Before a listing is published we carry out reasonable checks on the information we hold about it, and we show the date of the most recent check where we have one. A check is not a guarantee, endorsement or certification that a website, organisation or business is safe, reliable or suitable for you — websites and businesses can change after they are checked. Read how we check websites for the detail and the full disclaimer.
How we stay independent
Websites cannot pay to be listed or to become a SimpleSearch Pick. If we introduce advertising or paid placements in future, they will be labelled clearly as “Sponsored” or “Advertisement” and kept separate from editorial selections.
How SimpleSearch was built
SimpleSearch was developed by Open Convergence Ltd using a combination of human design, manual research, software development tools and artificial intelligence.
AI systems were used throughout development as tools for brainstorming, research, critical review, writing, design exploration, coding support and testing.
Systems used during the development of SimpleSearch include:
- OpenAI ChatGPT
- Anthropic Claude
- Google Gemini
- Microsoft Copilot
- Lovable
Different systems were deliberately used to challenge ideas, identify problems and provide alternative approaches rather than relying on a single AI system.
AI does not decide which businesses deserve to appear in SimpleSearch, and businesses cannot use AI-generated ranking to purchase or influence their organic position.
The directory is operated by Open Convergence Ltd, and responsibility for the decisions, content and operation of SimpleSearch remains with us.
We believe being open about the tools used to create SimpleSearch is better than pretending they were not part of the process.