2 min read
Why the incorporation date is not enough
A shelf company may show an older date at Companies House, but if it never traded there is no revenue, no filed trading accounts and no bank history. Lenders see through this: they fund cash flow, not a formation certificate.
What builds eligibility
Start trading through the business account, generate a few months of evidenced income, then apply. The age on the register is a minor comfort at best; the real trading record is what does the work.
Applying later
Once you have three to six months of income, size it with the turnover affordability tool and apply online.
Frequently asked questions
Does an older registration date help my application?
Marginally. It is not a substitute for trading history. A lender repaid from cash flow needs evidence of income, not just a formation date.
Can I borrow the day I buy a shelf company?
Not for a cash-flow facility — there is nothing to assess yet. Build a short trading record first, then apply.
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