I'm considering using a hosted web design service (www.brightegg.com) as I like the combination of CMS and decent templates they have.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend any similar alternatives? I aware of OS solutions like Joomla, but the free templates I have seen suck quite badly.

With Brightegg I am prepared to pay for the premium templates as it is cheaper than paying for a designer.

You could look at microsoft office live as a viable option, you basically get to build your own site by using various design, colour and image templates, you can also upload your own images and logo. it's easy to use with little knowledge and can acheieve great results!

With the basics package (free) you get:

- Free domain name and Web hosting

- Easy-to-use Web site design tools to easily create and update your own website

- 500 MB of Web site storage space

- 25 company-branded e-mail accounts

- Web site reports

There is also the option to upgrade to Office Live Essentials or Office Live Premium which have more space, more emails, and more tools.

Read more here http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/office...

Here are a selection of the showcase sites which people have created using office live:

http://justsublime.co.uk/default.aspx

http://chilternopticians.com/default.asp...

http://fullyvetted.co.uk/default.aspx