A new section listing more specialist services has been much expanded for 2009. Introduced last year, this section includes a wide range of more unusual jobs such as concrete crushing, farm road refurbishment, hedge-laying, carrot and parsnip drilling or harvesting and pregnancy scanning for llamas and goats. One contractor will move and replant mature trees from one site to another; two others will clear poultry houses.

“More and more contractors are now listed as collecting plastic waste for recycling, a service we expect to expand rapidly when the NAAC’s new Assurance Scheme for waste collection gets into its stride this spring,” says Jill Hewitt, the NAAC’s Chief Executive.

“Choosing a professional contractor is an important business decision which must not be taken lightly,“ she says. “Should you select the operator with the biggest, shiniest machines, the one with the most paperwork or the cheapest? I would suggest none of the above. You need to look for a contractor who is in tune with your business needs, able to supply an efficient and effective service when you need it and someone who takes a responsible approach to safety and professional standards.

“Even costings should be carefully discussed. No-one wants to be over-charged but pay too little and you risk being let down by poor service and lack of machinery maintenance. It is very risky if your livelihood depends on the contractor’s service.

“NAAC Members are professional and are kept properly informed, up-to-date and ahead of their competition. Whether you are seeking someone to plough your fields, maintain your playing fields or scan your sheep, you will find your man – or woman – in this Directory.”

If anyone would like a free copy of the 2009 Directory, contact the NAAC on 08456 448750, e-mail members@naac.co.uk or write to NAAC, 62 Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8JB.