# Business credit score explained What a business credit score is, who calculates it, why scores differ between bureaux, what factors affect it, and how lenders use it alongside bank statement and Companies House data. **Site:** [creditcorp.co.uk/learn/business-credit-score-explained/](https://creditcorp.co.uk/learn/business-credit-score-explained/) Creditcorp is the growing name for the Credicorp group. Credicorp Limited is the lender behind it — short-term working capital for incorporated UK businesses. No personal guarantee on any product. This page is a guide; applications go to [credicorp.co.uk](https://credicorp.co.uk/). ## Contents - What a business credit score actually is - What affects the score - How lenders use the score - Five steps to check and understand your company’s score - Business credit score questions - Ready to apply? ## Step-by-step guide **Step 1: Pull a business credit report before applying** Before applying for any business finance, request a credit report on the company from at least one major bureau — Experian Business, Equifax Business, Creditsafe or Dun & Bradstreet. This is what lenders see. It may contain errors or outdated entries that can be corrected before they affect an application. **Step 2: Understand what is driving your score** Once you have a report, identify the factors dragging the score down. Common issues: unsatisfied CCJs, late Companies House filings, a very thin file with no payment history, or a sector-risk flag. Each of these has a different remedy, and prioritising them correctly saves time. **Step 3: Address errors and outdated entries** Bureau data is not always current or accurate. A paid CCJ that shows as unsatisfied, a wrong registered address, or a filed account that hasn't yet been processed can all depress the score. Dispute errors directly with the bureau. For a satisfied CCJ, apply for the register entry to be updated. These corrections typically take two to six weeks to flow through to the bureau. **Step 4: Build a positive payment history over time** A bureau score improves through consistent, on-time payment behaviour across all obligations — trade suppliers, credit facilities, utilities. Each month of on-time payments adds to the positive history. For newer companies, this takes time — there is no shortcut to building a track record. The most important input to the bureau score over time is consistent payments. **Step 5: Check across multiple bureaux before a significant application** Different bureaux hold different data and use different models. A lender may check one, two or three bureaux. Before a significant credit application, check the company's record at more than one bureau and address any issues across all of them, not just the one you expect the lender to use. ## Frequently asked questions **What is a business credit score?** A business credit score is a numerical summary of a company's creditworthiness, produced by business credit reference agencies. It is calculated from the company's payment history, financial data, Companies House filings, court records (including CCJs) and — for older companies — filed accounts. The score is intended to indicate the likelihood of the company meeting its financial obligations. Unlike a personal credit score, a business credit score is primarily about the company, not its directors. **Who calculates business credit scores?** In the UK, the main business credit reference agencies are Experian Business, Equifax Business, Dun & Bradstreet and Creditsafe. Each uses its own proprietary model and data sources, which means scores for the same company can differ significantly between bureaux. There is no single universal business credit score. A score of 80/100 at one bureau is not the same as a score of 80/100 at another. **What factors affect a business credit score?** The main factors are: (1) payment history — paying suppliers and creditors on time; (2) County Court Judgments — unsatisfied CCJs are a significant negative; (3) company age and stability — older companies with a consistent trading history score better; (4) Companies House filings — late or missing confirmation statements and accounts are a negative signal; (5) financial data from filed accounts — revenue trends, profit margins, working capital ratios; (6) industry risk — some sectors are scored as higher risk by default; (7) existing credit obligations — high utilisation of existing credit facilities. **Does a director's personal credit affect the company's score?** In general, a company credit score is about the company, not the director personally. Business credit bureaux primarily use company-level data. However, for very new companies with little data of their own, some bureau models may factor in director-level data as a proxy. As the company builds its own history, the reliance on director data typically diminishes. Credicorp does not run a personal credit check — it assesses the company. **Can I check my company's credit score?** Yes. All major business credit bureaux offer business credit reports that companies can purchase to see what a lender would see. Experian Business, Equifax Business, Creditsafe and Dun & Bradstreet all offer reports. Prices vary — a basic report is typically £20 to £40; subscription services offering monitoring are more. It is worth checking at least one bureau before applying for any business credit. ## About Creditcorp / Credicorp Credicorp Limited is a UK short-term business lender. Products: Business Bridging Loan (14–84 days, 0.25%/day), Credicorp Flex (revolving credit, 0.25%/day on drawn balance), Credicorp Slice (invoice-backed, flat fee). Incorporated UK companies and LLPs only. No personal guarantee. No debenture. Same-day decisions. Total charges capped at 100% of principal. - [Apply or get a quote](https://credicorp.co.uk/) - [Products overview](https://credicorp.co.uk/products/) - [Eligibility](https://credicorp.co.uk/eligibility/) - [All learn guides](https://creditcorp.co.uk/learn/)