I'm positive there is a way of refuting your credit status - try getting in touch with Equifax, I think they charge about one pound and should be able to help. They may have a website.
First you should find out what information the credit reference agencies have on you then correct any mistakes. Secondly, after five years you can request removal of any adverse info they have. You basically have to re-establish a good or better track record. One way is to deposit a reasonable sum with a bank and then use that as collateral for a small loan make sure you pay that off in accordance with the loan terms. Then repeat the same but for a slightly larger sum. Check that your address is not one of the reasons for your adverse status and also make sure you are on the electoral register. Stable employment with regular direct payment into your account also adds strenght to your ratings. You can also get off-shore access and visa cards but at a price use the search engines to help track down companies that offer these services. Good luck. Hope this has been helpful.
obtain your credit record for starters from equifax etc you can wait years to get a better rating or. like me get a capital one card, they'll let anyone have one, but you must be really good with payments. a day late and that's a �20 fine i'm afraid!! that's how they afford to give it to anyone! if you are good you should repair your rating quicker that way!