Well you know where i am..lol
Seriously though, all this information is in the public domain. You don't need to be a super duper business guru, or some kind of business hot shot.
When doing business with new contacts, if they are of LTD liability just check up on companies house beforehand:
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/Type in the company name, and/or/both if possible the registered company number. It has to match exactly, so for example in my case "Bramar Ltd" is my registered company, but there is also a "Bramar Limited" which is a dissolved company nothing to do with me so make sure you have the correct details.
You can search for all sorts of stuff, from late filings & fines (sign of a badly organised company, if they cant file on time its likely you will get tardy payments), to charging orders on stock and goodwill (money issues) and disqualified directors. You can check CCJ's, court judgement, and even view the balance sheet. If you wanted to you can even order a copy of their full accounts, but there is a fee for that and you have to request it, and i'm not sure but the company can refuse to show you..don't quote me on that though..its my current understanding.
Many of these companies that deal with sole traders know that most do not bother to check companies house, but trust me when you go back to them armed with their dirty laundry before agreeing any kind of business deal its amazing what terms you can come back with, and it sets you apart from the majority of sole traders that deal with them.