How do you verify the source of company data?
Business Credit Reports
Answer
Verify company data at field level: identify the source organisation, record or filing reference, relevant date and any transformation used to create the displayed value. Separate registry facts, derived calculations, modelled credit assessments and partner-supplied payment data. A general claim of “official data” does not establish the origin of every field.
Trace the value, not only the vendor
A registration status can come from a company registry, while a recommended limit comes from an assessment model and payment experiences come from reported transactions. Ask for evidence appropriate to each field. A registry directory alone does not prove that every listed source is actively collected for every record.
- Source name and jurisdiction.
- Record reference or original filing where available.
- Period, publication and collection dates.
- Calculation or model definition for derived values.
Test lineage on your own sample
Give a provider representative companies from your target markets and ask it to demonstrate the path from selected fields to their evidence. Test amended filings, missing values, conflicting records and delivery formats as well as straightforward cases.
| Field type | Evidence to request |
|---|---|
| Registry fact | Source authority, record identifier and date |
| Calculated ratio | Input figures, periods and formula |
| Credit assessment | Provider, model definition and assessment date |
| Payment experience | Partner origin, observation period and sample limits |
Illustrative example
One report can contain several source types
Illustrative scenario: company status is registry-sourced, a ratio is calculated from filed accounts, a score is modelled and payment observations come from a partner. Label those origins independently rather than calling the whole report government-certified.
What to check
- Field-level provenance
- Record and dates
- Transformation or model
- Sample-based verification
Frequently asked questions
Is a source logo sufficient evidence?
No. Request the record-level reference and date where available.
Are credit scores government facts?
They are modelled assessments unless the specific source and field definition establish otherwise.
Is every financial ratio copied from a filing?
Not necessarily. It may be calculated from reported line items.
Do payment experiences come from registries?
They commonly come from reported transaction partners; confirm the specific origin.
Should I retain original documents?
Where licensed and available, they can support traceability and review.
What if sources disagree?
Record the conflict, dates and resolution logic rather than silently overwriting it.
Does an authority directory prove active coverage?
No. Distinguish a source reference from confirmed collection and field availability.
Can transformed data still be traceable?
Yes, if the source inputs and transformations are documented.
What should a procurement proof of concept include?
Your own companies, required fields, difficult cases and evidence of lineage.
How do I request corrections?
Send the affected record, source evidence and the specific discrepancy to the provider.
Sources & further reading
Source references support the definitions. Process suggestions and examples are editorial guidance.
- Companies House: get information about a company
Official UK company information and the records available from the register.
- Business Credit Reports: company intelligence and delivery
The service provider’s own description of company information and access options.
Business Credit Reports provides commercial company information. Apply your organisation’s policy and appropriate specialist review. Suggest a correction.
For more detail: Company data sources and freshness →
Need help with a company report?
Talk to our team about company coverage, reports or data access.