how to find company info

[davidd]

apart from companies house and dun and bradstreet, where can I find financial info on a company?

Of the two above does anyone have an opinion of which is better VFM??

I'm looking at competitors for a business plan.

Many thanks

D.

[miniman]

Experian? Equifax?

[FourWheelDrift]

I think www.companieshouse.gov.uk/ can provide info (basic free, pay for more)

[bobthebench]

Used to be a COMPASS directory, last seen a few years ago which gave some info. Purchasable on CD, so no doubt piratable as well, depending how many competitors you are looking at.

D&B tend to be the usual choice, service has been fine in the past.

[thepeoplespal]

Not sure this is totally applicable, but I'd try the Business School section of a University Library - members of the public are allowed to use the facilities as far as I know (in my day anyway), just can't take things away - plenty of photocopiers though if needed.

There you can find news clipping services for specific companies (Datastream comes to mind) and specific business types, such as catering, transport, banking etc, etc.

Might even be worth getting a local current business studies undergraduate (Supermarket noticeboard - say)to do the donkey work for you initially, and then if you accompany them you may get more detailed access (for free) to what are very costly services.

HTH.

[Steviebee]

If you have a morning or afternoon spare, the City Business Library on London Wall (near Moorgate) is a very good resource centre.