I have gone over the suggestions several times and found all of them helpfull. Particularly Helen who suggested that I may have something to hide. As a result I have opened a business acount with Abbey that is free not just for a year but indefinitly and in that way people can write checks in my business name,( or pay direct into the account) I can have no concerns over giving out the account number along with my personal address (my name is no longer required), and with the added bonus of it all appearing more professional.
I do have a website, but am too tight for Andy's nocheques at present(but everything he says makes sence), and the paypal idea I haven't thought through properly yet.