What is a D-U-N-S Number and How to Get One for Your UK Business

One identifier that often flies under the radar – but has a significant role in building business credibility – is the D-U-N-S Number. While you might already have one without realising it, understanding what it is, how to use it, and how to manage it strategically can influence everything from financing opportunities to supplier relationships.

This guide covers what the D-U-N-S Number is, why it matters, how to get one (or verify if you already have it), how to avoid common mistakes, and how it helps with your business growth.

What is a D-U-N-S number?

The D-U-N-S Number stands for Data Universal Numbering System and is issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It’s a unique nine-digit identifier that connects your business to a global database of company information. This number functions as your business’s digital fingerprint in the financial and corporate world.

Each D-U-N-S Number is linked to a live business profile that includes:

• Business name and trading names
• Registered business address and contact information
• Corporate family tree (including parent companies and subsidiaries)
• Credit scores and payment history
• Key financial and operational information

Unlike your Companies House registration number or your VAT number, the D-U-N-S Number isn’t tied to legal or tax obligations. Instead, it’s a tool used by other businesses, lenders, suppliers, and government bodies to evaluate your trustworthiness and financial standing.

Do you already have one?

Yes and no.

Registered UK businesses are automatically issued a D-U-N-S Number, but many business owners aren’t aware it exists. If you’re a limited company, sole trader, or partnership operating in the UK, there’s a good chance you already have one sitting quietly in the Dun & Bradstreet system.

But if you can’t find your number (or you’re a new business), it’s free and easy to request one.

Why a D-U-N-S number matters for your business

1. Build a recognised business credit profile

Your D-U-N-S Number is the key to creating a Dun & Bradstreet business credit file. This file tracks your credit behaviour and financial stability, which suppliers and lenders use to assess your creditworthiness.

➡ Strong credit profile = better trade terms, lower interest rates, and greater trust.

2. Simplify international expansion

Many global corporations and government agencies require a D-U-N-S Number to verify your business before they engage with you. If you’re eyeing new markets, having this identifier is non-negotiable.

➡ It signals that your business is legitimate and traceable in international databases.

3. Required for government contracts

Applying for tenders or grants? Most UK government departments and international agencies will ask for your D-U-N-S Number during procurement processes.

➡ Without it, you may be disqualified before you even start.

4. Establish trust with suppliers and customers

Large suppliers often run credit checks using your D&B profile before agreeing to extended credit or high-volume contracts. Having an active, verified D-U-N-S Number streamlines this process.

➡ It reduces onboarding delays and positions you as a credible trading partner.

5. Improve access to credit and financing

Lenders use your D&B credit file to assess risk. If your credit history is solid, the D-U-N-S Number can help you qualify for:

• Better interest rates
• Higher credit limits
• Longer repayment terms

How to find or get a D-U-N-S Number in the UK

If your business is already registered in the UK, follow these steps to locate or request your D-U-N-S Number:

✅ Step 1: Use the Lookup Tool

Go to the Dun & Bradstreet UK Lookup Tool and enter your company name, registration number, or business address.

➡ If your business is listed, you’ll receive your D-U-N-S Number by email.

🆕 Step 2: Request a new number (if not listed)

If your business doesn’t show up in the lookup tool, you’ll need to submit a request manually via the D&B website.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide:

• Business name and trading name
• Registered address and phone number
• Website (if you have one)
• Company registration details
• Industry type and number of employees
• Start date and ownership information
• Your name, job title, and relationship to the business

The process is straightforward and usually takes around 5 working days. You’ll get a confirmation email with a request reference number after submission.

👉 Note: The process is completely free for UK businesses.

Mistakes to avoid during the registration process

Even though the process seems simple, many business owners run into delays. Avoid these common mistakes:

❌ Submitting inaccurate details

Typos in your business name, outdated addresses, or incorrect contact details can cause your application to be flagged or delayed.

➡ Double-check everything against your Companies House or HMRC documents.

❌ Ignoring existing records

Applying without first using the lookup tool can result in duplicate entries, which causes confusion with suppliers or partners.

➡ Always search for your business before submitting a new request.

❌ Incomplete documentation

Failing to include key details, like legal structure or number of employees, can slow down processing.

➡ Use the official checklist provided on the D&B website.

❌ Not updating your D-U-N-S record

If you change your business name, ownership, or location and don’t update your D&B profile, suppliers and lenders could question your legitimacy.

➡ Keep your information accurate and up-to-date.

❌ Expecting instant results

It typically takes 3 – 5 working days, sometimes up to 30 business days. There is an expedited (paid) service, but regular requests are processed in a queue.

➡ Plan ahead if you need the number for a contract deadline.

How your D-U-N-S Number supports business growth

Once you have your number, the benefits start compounding, especially as your credit file develops and your reputation builds.

Here’s how your D-U-N-S Number gives you leverage:

1. Improve trade terms with suppliers

Suppliers use third-party data to evaluate your ability to pay on time. A solid D&B credit profile, linked to your D-U-N-S Number, shows you're a low-risk customer. This can lead to better terms such as deferred payments, larger order capacity, and fewer upfront costs.

For business owners, this means maintaining a stable cash flow without compromising inventory or supply. It's especially useful when negotiating with new suppliers who haven’t worked with you before.

Businesses with a clean, current profile are often offered net-30 or net-60 terms without additional guarantees.

Without that information, suppliers may ask for upfront payment or reduce order volumes.

If your business deals in wholesale goods, manufacturing inputs, or professional services that rely on regular invoicing, you’ll likely see the impact of this credibility in your ability to negotiate lower deposit requirements or staggered payment plans.

For directors managing cash flow, this translates into more operational flexibility. Instead of tying up capital in advance payments, you can delay outflows while maintaining stock or service levels. That’s an immediate financial advantage when margins are tight or seasonal revenue varies.

If your D-U-N-S profile shows reliable payment behaviour and low risk, suppliers are more likely to offer trade credit without requiring personal guarantees or deposits. This is particularly relevant when onboarding new suppliers unfamiliar with your company.

2. Increase business visibility

Having a D-U-N-S Number means your company is visible in systems used by government buyers, banks, and large enterprises. These systems often exclude businesses without verified data.

If your business profile is complete, you’ll be discoverable on platforms like supplier databases and public tender lists. That visibility can bring new opportunities without needing additional outreach or marketing spend.

For B2B firms, especially those working with enterprise clients, being listed in platforms used by category buyers and procurement teams can lead to inbound RFQs and tender invitations. If your profile is missing, you’re invisible to those systems, no matter how strong your offering is.

This visibility also applies to financial institutions, grant bodies, and export platforms that use automated filters to shortlist eligible businesses. The D-U-N-S Number helps you get into the conversation in the first place.

For managing directors, this improves inbound opportunity flow without additional marketing spend.

3. Access better financial products

Your D-U-N-S Number is linked to your D&B profile, which many banks and fintech lenders verify during the pre-approval process.

With a strong profile, you’re more likely to qualify for business loans without personal guarantees, enjoy lower rates, or receive higher credit limits. Without one, or with an outdated profile, your application may never progress beyond the initial screening.

D-U-N-S Number vs. Other business identifiers

It’s important to understand how your D-U-N-S Number fits into the bigger picture of business identifiers.

➡ The D-U-N-S Number stands out as the one focused purely on external creditworthiness and global business recognition.

Final tips to maintain a healthy D-U-N-S profile

Having the number isn’t enough. You must also manage your profile actively:

• Pay on time: Payment history is one of the biggest factors influencing your D&B rating.
• Limit unused credit: Too much unused credit can impact your risk profile.
• Avoid legal disputes: Civil suits, judgments, and liens may show up on your file.
• Stay current: Update your profile anytime you relocate, rebrand, or restructure.

Is a D-U-N-S number worth it?

Getting a D-U-N-S Number may feel like a formality, but the strategic advantages are real. It’s free, accessible, and unlocks credibility in the eyes of lenders, government buyers, suppliers, and global trading partners. If your UK business is serious about growth, partnerships, and building long-term trust, there’s no excuse to overlook it.

Whether you’re chasing your first government contract or looking to open international supply lines, a D-U-N-S Number quietly opens doors behind the scenes.

Take the 10 minutes to check or apply – it could make a lasting difference to how others view your business.

Need some help? ANNA can guide you through the entire process of registering your company and obtaining your D-U-N-S Number, step by step.