Do you support start-up law firms or sole practitioners?

Short answer: we currently support established legal practices, not pre-trading start-ups or sole practitioners

Best Business Loans helps UK law firms and legal service businesses explore suitable commercial finance by introducing them to relevant lenders and brokers — we do not lend directly. At present, our platform focuses on established firms (typically Limited Companies or LLPs) with trading history rather than pre-trading start-ups or sole practitioners. If you are newly authorised or setting up a solo practice, we’ll still signpost useful options and outline what to prepare so you can be finance-ready as you grow.

When you are 12–24 months into trading, have stable revenues, and can evidence affordability, our AI matching can connect you with providers more efficiently. In the meantime, you can review eligibility guidance below and consider the alternative routes we’ve listed for early-stage practices. If you’re unsure where you fit, submit a Quick Quote and we’ll let you know if we can help now or soon.

Important: All information on this page is general guidance, not financial advice. Any introduction we make is without obligation, and finance availability will depend on each provider’s criteria, affordability assessments, and your firm’s specific risk profile.

Who we can help today

We typically support established solicitors’ practices and legal service companies that require funding for cash flow, tax and VAT obligations, equipment or IT upgrades, vehicle and fleet needs, or office fit-out and refurbs. We also see demand for refinancing, professional fee and insurance premium funding, and short-term working capital. If that sounds like you, our AI tool can match your profile to providers actively lending in the UK legal sector.

Need a quick direction check?

It takes minutes to complete our Quick Quote — we’ll tell you if we can introduce you now or recommend steps so you’re eligible sooner. There’s no obligation to proceed with any lender or broker we introduce to you, and you stay in full control of your decision-making at all times.

Eligibility guidance for solicitors and legal service businesses

While each lender sets its own policies, the themes below reflect common criteria we see for commercial finance in the legal sector. Meeting more of these indicators generally improves your chance of being matched to a suitable provider through our network.

Typical firm profile

• Entity: UK Limited Company or LLP (SRA-authorised where applicable), with active Companies House status.
• Trading history: 12–24 months or more of continuous trading and banked revenues.
• Turnover: Often £100,000+ per annum; higher turnover can open more options.
• Directors/Partners: UK resident; may be asked for personal guarantees depending on the product.

Financial and risk signals lenders often check

• Business bank statements showing income stability and cash management.
• Management accounts or filed accounts demonstrating affordability.
• External liabilities, CCJs, or arrears — the fewer adverse items, the better.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance in force (renewed on time), where relevant.
• Client account handling and compliance records when applicable.

Documents you may be asked for

• Last 3–6 months’ business bank statements and a valid ID/Address check.
• Latest filed accounts, management accounts, or VAT returns.
• Explanations of any recent adverse events and a forward-looking cash flow plan.
• Asset lists or equipment quotes for asset or equipment finance.

Note: Criteria vary by product and provider, and terms depend on your overall profile, sector conditions, and the purpose of finance. No outcome is guaranteed, and we do not state that we can secure the lowest rate on the market. Our focus is to help you find relevant finance partners suited to your circumstances.

Want deeper sector context?

For an overview of common finance types for legal businesses, see our sector guidance on funding for solicitors. It explains typical use cases, documentation, and considerations for UK practices.

If you’re a start-up or sole practitioner: your next best steps

Although we don’t presently support pre-trading start-ups or sole practitioners through our matching service, there are practical ways to build your funding case. The suggestions below can help you reach eligibility with mainstream commercial finance providers faster.

Strengthen your early-stage foundation

• Open a dedicated business current account early and maintain clean, transparent records.
• Keep personal and business spending separate to show discipline and cash flow clarity.
• Create a simple but realistic 12-month cash flow forecast and update it monthly.

Consider early-stage funding avenues

• British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans: Personal loans for business purposes with mentoring support; useful for initial set-up costs.
• Vendor or supplier payment plans: Spread upfront costs for IT, software, or furniture directly with suppliers.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance premium finance: Smooth the cost of compulsory cover over instalments.
• Business credit cards and small overdrafts: Manage carefully; interest can be high and affordability is key.
• Professional networks: Some law firm platforms and chambers offer support packages or cost-sharing for office space and systems.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Beware of short-term, high-cost credit that can strain cash flow.
• Don’t over-commit on long leases before revenue stabilises.
• Only take finance that your projections indicate you can service comfortably.

When you reach 12–24 months of trading and can evidence revenue momentum, a broader range of lenders may consider working capital, asset finance, or specialist legal funding. By then, our AI matching is far more likely to identify relevant providers for your profile.

Coming up to the 12-month mark?

If you are approaching one year of trading and have consistent banked fees, submit a Quick Quote. We’ll indicate whether introductions are feasible now or what final steps would improve your readiness in the next few months.

Finance types we commonly help established legal practices explore

Once your firm is trading and eligible, our platform can introduce you to providers of a range of commercial finance options. Which route fits best depends on your cash flow, growth plans, and professional obligations.

Working capital and cash flow

• Cash flow loans: Short- to medium-term working capital for operational stability and growth projects.
• Tax and VAT funding: Spread larger liabilities to smooth seasonal or case-related cash cycles.
• Refinance: Restructure existing commitments for improved cash flow management.

Operational investment

• Equipment and IT finance: Hardware, laptops, servers, security, and practice management software.
• Fit-out finance: Office refurbs, reception upgrades, meeting room tech, and accessibility improvements.
• Vehicles and fleet: Company cars or specialist vehicles for field-based work.

Legal-specific needs

• Professional fees and premium funding: Spread the cost of PI insurance, SRA fees, or practising certificates via appropriate providers.
• Disbursement and WIP-related solutions: Selected providers may support firms with strong controls and track records.
• Sustainability upgrades: Finance for energy-efficient systems that reduce costs and support ESG commitments.

We don’t claim to access every lender, nor do we guarantee the cheapest rate. Our goal is to help you compare realistic routes so you can choose what’s right for your firm’s risk profile and cash flow. Any offer will be subject to the provider’s underwriting, terms, and your acceptance of their documentation.

Transparency, privacy, and control

Submitting a Quick Quote is free, secure, and without obligation. We only share your details with relevant finance professionals who may be able to help. You decide if and when to proceed with any conversation or application.

How our process works — and how to get a Quick Quote

We keep it simple: tell us what you need, and our AI maps your profile to providers who are active in your sector. This saves time, reduces repetitive form-filling, and helps you reach lenders more likely to consider your case.

Four steps to get matched

1. Complete a Quick Quote: Share your firm details, the purpose of finance, and indicative amounts.
2. AI analysis: Our system analyses your information against a broad network of lenders and brokers.
3. Introductions: We signpost relevant providers who may offer what you’re seeking.
4. You decide: Compare options, review terms, and proceed only if it suits your firm.

What we may ask for

• Basic firm information and contact details.
• Entity type (Ltd/LLP), time trading, and revenue range.
• Finance purpose, approximate amount, and timing.

Frequently asked specifics

What if I’m a sole practitioner? We currently focus on established Ltd/LLP entities. If you’re planning to incorporate or close to 12 months’ trading, complete a Quick Quote and we’ll advise on timing.

Will you run a credit check? Best Business Loans does not run credit checks. If you proceed to application with a provider we introduce, they may undertake credit and affordability checks according to their policies.

Is anything guaranteed? No — finance is never guaranteed. Every provider will assess suitability, affordability, and risk before making an offer.

Key takeaways (in short)

• We do not support pre-trading start-up law firms or sole practitioners at this time.
• We can help established UK legal practices (Ltd/LLP) explore commercial finance options.
• Build clean bank statements, stable revenues, and on-time PI cover to improve eligibility.
• Use our Quick Quote for a no-obligation introduction to relevant providers.

Start your finance journey now. Submit your Quick Quote for a fast eligibility check and relevant introductions. It’s free, secure, and you’re always in control.

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About Best Business Loans
BestBusinessLoans.ai is an independent introducer using AI matching to connect UK businesses with suitable lenders and brokers. We don’t provide loans or financial advice. Information is for guidance only and may change. Any finance is subject to provider approval, status, and affordability. Please consider whether finance is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice if needed.

Compliance notes
We aim to keep all content fair, clear, and not misleading in line with FCA, ASA, and Google advertising guidelines. Where providers make offers, their terms, disclosures, and regulatory responsibilities apply. We do not guarantee outcomes or lowest rates.

Updated: October 2025