Blog
February 26, 2025
How does B2B credit reporting work?
B2B credit reporting is the process of assessing the creditworthiness of a business rather than an individual person. It helps companies assess the financial stability of their business partners, suppliers, and customers before extending credit or entering financial agreements.
Here, we’ll take a more detailed look at how B2B credit reporting works and the role that credit reporting agencies play in the process. We’ll also look at how businesses can improve their business credit scores and best practices around B2B credit reporting.
February 11, 2025
AML and PEP checks: Why you need to do both
AML and PEP checks are vital in being able to safeguard your business against any fraudulent activity, especially in a world where fraud is so prevalent. By implementing AML and PEP checks, your business will maintain the trust of your customers and will ensure the integrity of your business.
Here, we’ll take a look at the difference between an AML and PEP check and why it is essential to undergo both checks as a business.
February 03, 2025
AML compliance checklist best practices
Following best practices for an AML compliance checklist is a necessary requirement for financial institutions, businesses and regulatory bodies in order to prevent financial crime. Regulatory scrutiny is on the rise, which calls for companies to adopt a proactive and robust AML compliance checklist.
December 20, 2024
What Happens When a Company Goes Into Liquidation?
While the company liquidation process can seem daunting, it ensures everything is handled fairly and according to legal requirements. Keep reading to explore the three types of liquidation, what happens to a company’s assets, the consequences of liquidation, and practical ways to avoid it.
December 09, 2024
How to Check Your Company's Credit Score
Managing your company credit score effectively is essential for ensuring long-term success. Curious to learn more? Keep reading to discover what a company credit score is, how to check your company credit score, and practical tips for improving and maintaining it.
November 27, 2024
UK Business Failure and the Reasons Why
It can be notoriously difficult to steer a business to survival and success in any part of the world. Sure enough, the data underscores that the UK is no exception to this. Here, we look at the cause of business failure and early warning signs to look out for.
November 12, 2024
What is the disqualified directors register?
Directors of limited companies are required to not only follow their company’s rules – as set out in its articles of association – but also comply with various other obligations. They have a responsibility, for example, to keep company records and report changes, as well as to file their accounts and their Company Tax Return. They are required to pay Corporation Tax, too. Here, we take a look at what the disqualified directors register is.
November 04, 2024
Know your customer (KYC)
In today’s global economy, it has never been so important for all manner of businesses to implement the policies and procedures that will enable them to manage risks. A key element of such risk management for organisations will be verifying that their customers, clients, and suppliers are truly who they claim they are. This process is known as 'know your customer' due diligence.
October 30, 2024
Why you should use credit monitoring services on UK & Irish limited companies
Running a business means staying on top of the companies you work with, whether they’re your clients, partners, or suppliers. Keeping an eye on their financial health and legal status is key to making smart decisions and avoiding any nasty surprises. That’s where company monitoring and a solid credit monitoring service come in.
October 22, 2024
Should your business offer financing to customers?
Offering credit to customers can be a great way to boost sales and build stronger relationships. However, it's not a decision to take lightly. Extending credit involves providing goods and services upfront and allowing the customer to pay later, which brings both benefits and risks. So, how do you decide if offering financing to your customers is right for your business? Let’s explore the pros, cons, and factors to keep in mind.
October 16, 2024
Assessing International Credit Scores and Giving Credit Terms to Foreign Companies
In today’s interconnected global economy, many businesses are tempted to extend credit terms to foreign companies. However, before making such a commitment, it’s crucial to assess these companies’ financial credibility thoroughly. Here, we will guide you through the importance of evaluating foreign companies, especially in European markets, and how to effectively use international credit scores and business information to mitigate risks.
September 23, 2024
Debt recovery strategies
If you’re looking to gain insights into the best practices for managing overdue payments while maintaining positive relationships with clients and minimising financial losses, this is the debt recovery guide for you.
Here, we’ll take a look at business debt recovery and how to recover debt from a company and will also cover various solutions and approaches to debt recovery.
September 12, 2024
Everything you need to know about bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy is never an easy process, and can also be a complex process to understand. You may even be wondering what bankruptcy is and how bankruptcies work. Here, we’ll take a look at the process of becoming bankrupt and the potential outcomes for individuals and businesses facing bankruptcy.
We will dive into the role of the Official Receiver, how long bankruptcy lasts and the impact on credit ratings. We will also explore key topics such as the differences between bankruptcy and other insolvency options, the legal implications, how assets are affected, and the steps involved in filing for bankruptcy, keep reading.
Please note that there are alternatives to bankruptcy and we will also provide advice on how to avoid it through debt management and restructuring options.
September 03, 2024
What happens when you don't perform credit checks on businesses
Keeping an eye on your own company’s credit is important, but it’s just as important to run a business credit check on any company you plan to work with. This blog will explore the potential risks and consequences of not conducting credit checks on businesses and why skipping this crucial step can lead to issues such as cash flow issues, increased likelihood of bad debts, and harm business relationships.
August 23, 2024
Can you have a business bank account with bad credit?
Running a business whilst having bad credit can be especially difficult and most business owners can easily become concerned about whether or not they will be able to open up a business bank account with bad credit. But, there is hope for those business owners. Having bad credit does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to open up a business bank account. Here, we’ll take a look at just how you can open a business bank account with bad credit.
August 19, 2024
How to obtain an international business credit report
Nowadays, more than ever, obtaining an international business credit report is important when doing business internationally. You may be looking to partner with an overseas company or extend credit to a foreign client, and when doing so, you’ll need to know the business’s financial health.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the process and ensure you’re making informed decisions when obtaining an international business credit report.
August 12, 2024
The most important things to look out for in a business credit report
When looking at a business’s business credit report, it is important that you’re able to understand the company’s financial health and its credibility. Businesses will be looking to apply for loans and will, therefore, need to negotiate with suppliers and make sure that their business credit report is as healthy as possible.
But what exactly should you be looking for in a business credit report? Here, we’ll look at the key elements that can make or break a business credit check.
July 25, 2024
Debt Collection
Debt collection is a crucial process for businesses of all sizes because it ensures that outstanding invoices are paid and cash flow remains healthy. Debt collection, however, is not always that straightforward.
Here, we will provide an in-depth look at debt collection, including the stages of debt collection, international debt collection challenges, and the importance of a well-crafted debt collection letter.
July 16, 2024
Tips for Credit Control Success
Effective credit control is essential for maintaining the financial health of any business. By ensuring that customers pay their invoices on time, companies can maintain cash flow, reduce the risk of bad debt, and foster strong customer relationships. Here, we’ll look at practical tips for credit control success, explore the role of a credit controller, and outline key credit control procedures.
July 10, 2024
What Does It Mean If a Company Goes into Administration?
When a company goes into administration, it often raises alarm bells for employees, creditors, and other stakeholders. However, understanding the intricacies of company administration, its differences from insolvency and liquidation, and its potential outcomes can provide clarity in these uncertain times.
April 26, 2024
How to prepare your business for credit checks: tips for improving creditworthiness
In the competitive business landscape of the UK, securing financing can be a critical step towards the growth and sustainability of your business. However, the process often hinges on one crucial factor: your business's creditworthiness.
Here, we take a look at the different ways in which you can improve your creditworthiness and how to prepare for a business credit check.
April 23, 2024
What are the legal and compliance requirements of business credit checks?
Conducting business credit checks is a common practice among companies seeking to understand the financial health and creditworthiness of their business partners, suppliers, or customers.
However, navigating the legal and compliance requirements of business credit checks is crucial to ensure that these inquiries are conducted ethically and legally. Here, we aim to shed light on the essential legal frameworks and compliance requirements businesses must adhere to when performing business credit checks.
April 15, 2024
Can my business credit scores affect financing options?
When navigating the complex world of business financing, one factor that consistently plays a pivotal role is the business credit score. Much like a personal credit score acts as a snapshot of an individual's creditworthiness, a business credit score provides potential lenders with a glimpse into the financial reliability of a business.
Understanding the impact of your business credit score on financing options is crucial for any business owner looking to secure funding, manage debt efficiently, and foster long-term growth.
March 28, 2024
24-Hour Credit Checks With Creditserve
In this comprehensive guide, we take a look at what 24-hour credit checks entail.
March 26, 2024
Credit Checks for International Business: Tips for Conducting Cross-Border Credit Checks
Here we take a look at credit checks for international businesses and look at tips for conducting cross-border credit checks.
March 20, 2024
How Credit Checks Can Reduce Risk in B2B Transactions
In this blog, we look at how credit checks can reduce risks that may occur during B2B transactions, including ways to avoid damaging your company's reputation.
February 18, 2024
The Role of Credit Checks in Supplier and Vendor Management
As a key decision-maker for your business, you will naturally wish to take every possible action to protect your organisation against the worst that could happen.
No business is entirely independent, nor entirely dependent. It is, however, interdependent on the suppliers and vendors that it maintains relationships with.
February 05, 2024
Why You Would Need a Credit Check for Businesses in the USA
Before you agree to any formal arrangement with a US company, you will inevitably wish to perform your due diligence. This process will include making sure the organisation has a reputation as a sound partner with which to do business, while also presenting as low a risk as possible to your own company.
January 22, 2024
How AML Checks Protect Accountants from Money Laundering
Are you an accountant providing accountancy services to clients? If so, you are in a good position to spot potential instances of money laundering, where money obtained criminally is ‘cleaned’ (or ‘laundered’) to make it appear as though it was obtained lawfully.
January 15, 2024
Why Estate Agents Need AML Checks in Today’s Market
If you operate your own estate agency, it is crucial to establish a strong reputation in your industry. Avoiding negative publicity is essential, particularly if your business is discovered to have played a role, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in facilitating money laundering.
December 18, 2023
What is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)?
This term is used around the world, where it generally means an individual holding a politically influential role. So, what should UK businesses technically class as a PEP?
December 10, 2023
How can I check a company’s credit rating?
If you run a company, much of the success it reaps could depend heavily on partnerships you make with other businesses. However, before you strike such partnerships, it would be crucial that you research the companies in question.
November 20, 2023
Why are AML checks important?
Creditserve looks into anti-money laundering checks and their importance for businesses.
November 20, 2023
Do UK credit checks affect your credit score?
Creditserve delves into whether UK credit checks affect your credit score.
November 17, 2023
How to speed up cash flow from your debtors
We provide some advice on ways you can speed up cash flows from your debtors, including via AML checks.
September 26, 2023
How does a CCJ affect a business credit score?
A look into what a CCJ is and how it affects a business credit score.
September 26, 2023
How to reduce credit risk
We look at ideas on how to reduce your credit risk as a business.
September 26, 2023
The importance of running international credit checks
A glimpse into the importance of businesses running international credit checks.
August 21, 2023
What Affects a Business Credit Score?
What a business credit score is and the factors that affect it.
August 21, 2023
What Happens If I Don’t Perform AML Checks?
This blog covers what an AML check is, the consequences of not performing an AML check and how your business can comply with AML checks.
August 21, 2023
10 Red Flags to Look Out For On a UK Company Credit Check
This blog gives information on what a company credit check is and what information you can get from undergoing a company credit check. Creditserve also gives a list of red flags to look out for when performing a company credit check.
June 27, 2023
Do I need permission to check a business credit score?
In this article, we’ll explain more about the process of checking a business credit score and whether or not you should let a business know that you’re running a credit check.
June 27, 2023
Why run a credit check on a business?
In this article, we will explain why you should run a credit check on a business and how exactly you can do so.
June 20, 2023
AML check requirements
An AML check, otherwise known as an Anti-Money Laundering check, is designed to help you comply with money laundering regulations, verify a customer’s identity and prevent your business from being hit by financial crime activity. In this article, we’ll explain further how AML checks work, what’s involved in the process, and why they are essential for safeguarding your business and complying with anti-money laundering regulations.
June 19, 2023
How to check a UK credit score
In this article, we will explain how to carry out a UK credit check and what you can expect when you partner with us here at Creditserve to provide this service.
June 28, 2022
Know Your debtor
What you don’t see on the High Court Enforcement TV shows and the importance of carrying out thorough credit checks
