barclays Business advice

Harley8

I will try and make this as short as possible.

I have a been self employed as a sub-contractor for 12 years and using my normal bank account for this.. In the last year I have expanded and been getting more private work (I am a Videographer/ photographer/web designer -all media based) which is getting more and more confusing expenses wise also worried that my personal bank would question it as a business use..

On doing my research I soon found that due to 2 defaults (satisfied) and a CCJ - also satisfied but still has two years left on report (ex- boyfriend took catalogue out in my name, didn't pay and didn't know til I checked my report - yep completely new thread), I realised that I probably wouldn't be allowed a business account.

After speaking to my 70 year old retired dad about the situation, he decided to help me out by being director of a limited company and basically keep himself busy by looking after the day to day financial responsibilities/ expenses and tax side.. I would get a set wage every month and when my CCJ dropped off would become a second director.

He spoke to HSBC on the phone who advised that they would want both of us on the account but wouldn't accept me as I have a CCJ..

So after Banking with Barclays for over 30 years (perfect credit - 1 credit card paid in full every month) he went into his local branch and explained the situation.. They were fine with that.. Made an appointment for two weeks later (nearest business banking advisor was 15 miles away though)..

On the day took everything required, including a full detailed business plan of how to expand the business, proof of invoices that were due to be paid, work in progress, proof of invoices paid, cheques that needed to be banked and invoices from my sub contracted job.

We turned up to be greeted by a young lady who informed us that she was new to the banking team as they were short on staff so would have to 'bare with her' (she was our business manager)

My father explained that we didn't need any credit facilities just a basic business account..(I had all the equipment needed).. Two hours later the application was completed and we were told that we would hear within 48 hours.. Great.. Got a random call the next morning asking the name of the company that pays me for my sub contracting work and then nothing for 5 days..
We then rang barclays to be told that our application was rejected - had failed the 'credit check' and that we would get a letter through the post (never arrived) ..

A week later Barclaycard increased his credit limit by £1500 and a different letter saying he could get a Loan from Barclays for up to £22,000!!

So now we have a limited company with no account, my dad doesn't want to approach anyone else due the credit situation (even though his rating is still excellent) and feels that he was denied due to his age..

What should we do? Appeal it? Can they turn down an application due to age?