Auto Electricians

Yes I know a guy, Pudsey I think he's in.

This may be a daft question, but is it within newsgroup etiquette to post his number here?

Ta, Paul, Wakefield

This is exactly the type of situation where the option of a clearly stated open private channel would be invaluable. Microsoft advise a lightly disguised, if that's considered prudent/necessary, e-mail reply address in any communication posted on newsgroups. That is also highlighted in the reply protocol or standard advocated by a professor on web communication at a German university. Unfortunately I've now lost its URL. This format is neat, functional, and effective, and has served me well ever since.

Although said phone number if it's a business number will be all over the web already. Posting their mobile numbers potentially more of an issue.

He's called Dave... surname unknown, and I have used him before as he's the dad of a woman at work who I don't know. It is his business but I wouldn't know where to start looking for his details on the web (with just having "Dave" to go on).