Plumbers are Britain's favourite small business according to a study of 25,000 people carried out by the Institute of Customer Service.
Local plumbers beat other local businesses to come top for customer service scoring 87.2%. Hairdressers scored 86.1% and travel agents scored 84.1%.

The Institute's UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) which is carried out twice a year, includes in its survey small businesses, trade professions and specialist organisations.

The UKCSI allows consumers to rate service according key factors including professionalism, quality and efficiency, ease of doing business, problem solving and timeliness.

Jo Causon, the Institute's chief executive, said: 'It is those who take customer service seriously that are reaping the rewards and will continue to do so beyond the current economic gloom'.