Where can I get business addresses for a mailshot?

[tracyk]

I am thinking of going freelance and am going to do a mailshot to companies within a reasonable commuting distance.
Should I just request copies of the yellow pages for each area? or is there a website I can use?

You don't need to request copies - they have a website I think it's www.yell.com

Depends whether the service you're offering is specific to one type of business or relevant to anyone.

Its relevant to anyone - it's accounts and computer training - so I thought I could browse through the Yellow Pages and pick a few likely looking companies. Yell.com needs me to be specific and I lack inspiration!

Have you tried your local Chamber of Commerce? Even the local phone book now has a separate section at the beginning with just business addresses.

you could ask yell for a list of companies within a certain distance and with say 3 or more (or 5 or more) employees - unless you are targeting one man bands. Ask them 1st for a count of how many companies/ by company size are in your area and maybe a sample to give you an idea what it will look like.
Also ask if they have names and titles which you could use

Alternatively, have a chat to uk changes: www.ukchanges.com/ - they maybe able to help, but not sure if they are consumer only