How do I get tradespeople without getting scammed?

I've got a lot of work needing done on my patio and kitchen and I'm definitely willing to pay what I need to in order to get it done. However I'm petrified of being stung by cowboys and don't fully trust the likes of Checkatrade from what I've heard about ratings manipulation and asking for recommendations from local Facebook groups just get filled with self promoting chancers. Any ideas please?