Thanks a lot for all the helpful replies so far, appreciate it. And to the mod for the links.
Was just looking into it as a possibility - I know PD lenders are made out as being pretty bad in the press (and that one of our own MPs has been calling to regulate them), but thought to try get some advice from people who've had experience with PD lenders or know someone who has. So cheers!
Doubt I'll consider them now. I'd not even realised they affected credit record either.