default and repayment plan? how to move it on..

[monstermuncher]

hello - first timer here

 

I had a merged debt of overdraft and credit card which I couldn't pay off after my work as a freelancer dried up due to personal reasons. This goes back about 4-5 years.

 

Eventually, after I missed some payments I defaulted and they passed it onto a credit agency. I now pay a minimal sum, as my finances have not increased. They leave me alone with that, but obviously my credit file is damaged.

 

I also had other credit card defaults, which I think are still on there, but I did settle them, although in part as agreed.

 

I'm thinking of starting my own business again, and obviously my credit file is a mess. How can I go about cleaning up my mess, or removing defaults and am I dreaming starting up again?

 

Also is there any way of reducing the outstanding debt which is about £9,000 to date?

 

I couldn't get a business bank account last time I tried. I did mess up once, but I do feel like a leper because of it, and shamed.