Self employed?
Your income still counts.

Two or three years of accounts opens the widest choice, but it is far from a hard rule. There are lenders comfortable with twelve months of trading, and a smaller group who will look at six months where the bank statements are strong and the deposit is reasonable.

Usually three to six months of business bank statements, plus either your latest SA302 and tax year overview or a set of accounts. Limited company directors are often assessed on salary plus dividends. If your accounts are still with your accountant, several lenders accept a signed accountant's reference in the meantime.

Yes. Being self employed and having adverse credit are two separate hurdles, and plenty of lenders on our panel take both in their stride. Consistent money coming through the business account does a lot to offset a patchy score.

Often, yes — hire purchase and business contract hire both have potential tax treatments, and VAT-registered businesses may be able to reclaim part of the VAT on a lease. The specifics depend on your setup and business mileage, so confirm the detail with your accountant before you sign.

Not by itself. Newly incorporated companies are usually assessed on the director personally, backed by the business bank statements to date. A director with a solid personal credit file can generally get a decision even in year one.