Do you work with sole traders, locums or franchises, or only limited companies and LLPs?

The short answer and who we help today

We primarily help established UK limited companies and LLPs source suitable business finance through our network of lenders and brokers. We do not currently support applications from sole traders or franchise businesses. Locums who operate through a limited company or LLP may be eligible; locums trading as sole traders are out of scope.

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that connects businesses to relevant finance providers. We don’t offer loans or credit directly, and we don’t provide financial advice. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are set by the providers we introduce you to.

Who we can help today

We support established SMEs that are actively trading, with clear finance needs such as cash flow, equipment, vehicles, fit-out, invoice finance, or asset finance. Our matching works best for businesses in sectors like construction, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, automotive, healthcare, and professional services. We focus on commercial, non-property finance for trading businesses.

Typically eligible business profiles

• UK limited companies and LLPs, usually with 12+ months trading history.
• Businesses seeking commercial finance for working capital, equipment, vehicles, or growth.
• Companies that can provide basic financials and proof of trading.

Currently out of scope

• Sole traders and franchise operators.
• Start-ups without trading history.
• Property finance and commercial mortgages.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, you can still submit a short enquiry. If you’re out of scope, we’ll tell you quickly so you don’t waste time.

Get your free Quick Quote to check eligibility in minutes. There’s no obligation to proceed.

What about sole traders, locums and franchises?

We understand many UK professionals trade as sole traders or via franchise models. At this time, our platform is not set up to introduce sole traders or franchise applications to providers. This is to keep our matching accurate and aligned with lender appetite in our network.

Locum professionals often operate in different ways. If you are a locum trading through a limited company or LLP, you may be eligible for the same finance categories as other incorporated businesses. If you are a locum trading as a sole trader, you fall under our sole trader exclusion.

Healthcare is a common locum area, and we can often help incorporated practices and companies in this sector. If you run a limited company clinic, dental practice, physio practice, or care business, view our page on healthcare business finance options for sector-specific guidance. Incorporated healthcare firms may explore equipment, vehicle, or fit-out finance, as well as working capital solutions.

Why we currently exclude franchises

Franchise lending has unique considerations, including brand agreements, fee structures, and franchise-specific underwriting. Many providers serving franchises use dedicated channels or bespoke frameworks. To remain fair, clear and not misleading, we avoid taking franchise enquiries until we can guarantee strong, consistent coverage through our network.

Will this eligibility change?

We review our provider network and eligibility regularly. As coverage expands, we may add more profiles. For now, we focus on incorporated trading businesses where we can introduce relevant, actively lending providers with confidence.

Why we focus on limited companies and LLPs

Lenders in our network typically prefer incorporated entities because financial information is more standardised and risk assessment is clearer. Companies and LLPs often have broader funding use cases, from asset purchases to working capital. That alignment improves matching accuracy and speeds up introductions.

Another reason is sector appetite. Our network includes specialists in asset-rich and operational sectors such as construction, engineering, transport, and healthcare. Those providers often design products specifically for incorporated firms. That makes outcomes more predictable for applicants.

We also prioritise transparency. By concentrating on business profiles the network supports well, we avoid misdirecting applicants or encouraging unsuitable applications. It helps us meet the “clear, fair and not misleading” standard expected for UK financial promotions.

What this means for your application

• If you are a limited company or LLP, you can use our Quick Quote form to outline your needs and trading profile.
• Our AI-led matching reviews the details and highlights suitable provider routes where available.
• You remain fully in control — review options, ask questions, and proceed only if it suits your goals and cash flow.

We don’t promise the lowest rate in market. We aim to introduce you to relevant providers who are active in your sector and likely to assess your case. That saves you time contacting multiple firms yourself.

Typical finance needs we support

• Cash flow support, including working capital and invoice finance.
• Asset and equipment purchases, upgrades and refinancing.
• Vehicle and fleet funding for vans, HGVs and specialist vehicles.
• Fit-out and refurbishment of commercial premises.
• Green or sustainability-focused upgrades.

Not currently eligible? Practical alternatives and next steps

If you are a sole trader or franchisee, you still have options outside our platform. High street banks and challenger banks publish clear criteria for sole traders, including business current account-based lending. Specialist franchise finance brokers may also assist with brands they know well.

If you are considering changing structure from sole trader to limited company, speak to your accountant first. Incorporation has tax, liability and compliance implications, and it should never be done solely to access finance. Professional advice ensures the structure suits your long-term plans.

If you are a start-up, explore government-backed resources and impartial guidance. The British Business Bank provides information on finance options for smaller businesses, including eligibility considerations. While we don’t handle start-up or sole trader applications, their educational resources can be a helpful starting point.

If you expect to incorporate soon

Once you have incorporated and built a trading history, you may fall within our supported profile. Keep accurate, up-to-date financial records, and monitor cash flow trends. That preparation strengthens your case when you’re ready to explore finance options.

How to prepare for a smoother application later

• Open a dedicated business bank account and maintain clean statements.
• Use accounting software to keep timely management accounts and VAT returns.
• Track assets, invoices and contracts that evidence demand and resilience.

Good documentation helps providers understand your business quickly. It also supports more tailored finance solutions when you engage with our network.

FAQs, compliance and how to start

Do you accept sole traders?

No. We currently do not support sole trader applications. We primarily help UK limited companies and LLPs.

Do you work with locums?

Yes, if you operate as a limited company or LLP and meet standard trading criteria. Locums trading as sole traders are out of scope for now.

Do you work with franchise businesses?

No. Franchise applications are not supported at this time. We will review this as our provider network evolves.

Do you provide loans directly?

No. Best Business Loans is an introducer that connects incorporated businesses to suitable lenders or brokers. All lending decisions rest with those providers.

What information will I need for a Quick Quote?

Be ready to share basic details: company name, sector, years trading, finance purpose and amount, and an outline of revenues. Providers may request supporting documents if you proceed.

Compliance and transparency

• Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not financial advice.
• Any regulated activity will be undertaken by FCA-authorised firms we introduce you to.
• Submitting an enquiry is free and without obligation. If you proceed with a provider, we may receive a commission from them.

We aim to keep promotions fair, clear and not misleading, in line with UK expectations. We avoid guarantees, and we will always tell you if your profile is out of scope.

Key takeaways

• We serve incorporated UK businesses — limited companies and LLPs — not sole traders or franchises.
• Locums are eligible if they trade via a limited company or LLP.
• We introduce you to relevant providers; we do not lend or provide advice.
• If you’re not eligible today, consider bank routes or specialist brokers, and revisit us if your structure changes.

Ready to check eligibility and explore provider matches? Start your free Quick Quote and get introduced to suitable options for your incorporated business.

Author

Best Business Loans Editorial Team — We produce practical, people-first guidance to help UK SMEs understand commercial finance options. Content is reviewed regularly for accuracy and clarity.

Need help before you submit? Email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai. Business finance made simple — powered by AI.