Abstract
Describes a novel method for evaluating UK-based credit ratings services. Using a combination of timeliness, coverage, ease of use and accuracy of information, based upon a sample of 100 records added to the databases of six commercial companies’ information databases in autumn 2005, a framework for evaluation was developed and applied. The following services were evaluated: Creditsafe UK; Dun & Bradstreet; Equifax; Experian; Graydon; and ICC. Based upon the results of the evaluations, the services were graded overall with Experian coming out best. Equifax and ICC were next best, with Credit-safe after that. Dun and Bradstreet and Graydon performed the worst. However, changing the weightings of the various criteria would have produced a different outcome. Detailed explanations of the tests that were applied and the performance of each service are provided.
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