Betty My first guess would be to check that the pump isnt stuck, then check the motor, the brushes might be worn. If you google your make of dishwasher with those key words you should be able to locate it, the pump could just be a case of dislodging whatever is in there. Certainly worth having the front off to see if there are any loose wires or anything. I get a on a bit of a mission with appliances as we dont have the money to fix stuff - i have fixed last year - dishwasher x 2, first was the pump, then seal of front door. Van - DPs van gave up the ghost, fuse kept popping so got a manual and traced the wires, found a worn wire that was arcing to the bodywork, put a new bit of wire in, works a treat. Fridge - just stopped working, freezer was like the artic (its supposed to be frost free) Defrosted, hoovered out the back, defrsoted again after taking back off and finding block of ice where the defrost element was. Sorted - So quite a bit of money saved 
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As for the website, get DH to have a look at Webeden, you can create your own website - and I am a computor numpty so if i can do it, anyone can - there are templates etc, then get him to get some cards out in shop windows with his website on, include some pictures of his work and a brief list of services. Ideally you need to get the site optimised in some way which means google will find it, but you get a £50 Google adwords voucher when you sign up with Webeden. You can do a free website but if you need to pay for the domain name, this only is about £30, then use the adwords voucher to get google to notice you. Its pay per click so you pay every time someone looks at your website, but this gets google to notice your website otherwise you can have the best website in the world and no one will ever see it. Then get him to get a free ad put in the thomson local online, you can include your website, we have had a couple of enquiries this way. Saying that, ive let the website slip and need to re-do it, i keep putting it off. Feel free to PM me if you want any advice. I am a total touting trollop in the school playground too, i make sure everyone knows what my husband does and he has done work for quite a few of the school mums, they have recommended him to each other so what started with one, has gone to about four clients. I have asked people where they look to have work done and most of the people who i have asked say they go for recommendations but otherwise they google.
Sorry for the total hijack OP.
Glad you got an apology - tbh, i'd be wary, its not a good start is it, unless of course he had an adequate reason.