2 min read
Why a gap prompts questions
A dormant or paused period leaves months with little income and possibly dormant accounts filed. A lender wants to understand why — a deliberate pause, a seasonal shutdown, a founder on leave — and to see that trading has genuinely restarted.
Rebuilding the case
A few months of consistent income after the restart usually resets the picture. Evidence through the business account and a clear explanation do the work. A gap that ended cleanly, with momentum returning, is not a serious obstacle.
Applying
Explain the pause and show post-restart statements. Test affordability with the affordability calculator and apply online.
Frequently asked questions
How long a trading gap is too long?
There's no fixed cut-off. What matters is that trading has clearly restarted and is generating evidenced income now, with a reasonable explanation for the pause.
Do I need to refile as active after being dormant?
Yes — resuming trade means notifying HMRC and filing as active. Doing so also gives a lender the current trading picture it needs.
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