Nationwide distribution of Yellow Pages' 2009/2010 edition kicks off on Thursday.

The most complete ever local business directory is now in its 11th edition and has grown in size, content and quality. It currently features some 20,000 companies offering goods or services or both around the Malta.

Part of the Ark Publishing Group, Yellow Pages (Malta) Ltd prides itself on what has become a nationwide record-beating campaign that is complete in 10 days. The distribution campaign of the new edition will run until October 1.

The distribution campaign also incorporates collection of all old copies of past editions of all directories. All old copies collected are sent abroad to be recycled in a bid to contribute to national and international energy-saving measures. To date, Yellow Pages have helped to recycle a total of 560 tonnes of paper.

The company said several significant innovations herald this new edition of Yellow Pages. The directory is being complemented by new services that rope in mobile phone facilities so that mobile phone users will be able to access the full Yellow Pages' information through their phone, wherever they may be.

In addition, the practical and handy road maps usually supplied with Yellow Pages will also be available on internet and accessible through mobile phones and over the internet.

Yellow Pages also includes online web and e-mail links which bring listed companies directly within reach of those who need them even if a directory is not at hand.

Yellow Pages is also looking at the possibility of helping established and new product advertisers improve on the overall quality of services being advertised through the directory, by helping them create effective websites to complement their selling techniques.

Ark Publishing Group distributes 200,000 directories free of charge.