Professional Business Loans
Professional loans help businesses invest in specialised services, equipment, or workforce development.
Last updated: 23/06/2025
Professional loans for UK Businesses
Professional loans are an ideal financing solution for businesses looking to invest in specialised services, equipment, or workforce development. These loans provide targeted support to help professional firms maintain growth and manage cash flow effectively.
Professional lending ranges from £25,000 to £2 million, with flexible repayment terms spanning from 3 months up to 5 years. They are designed to meet the unique needs of professional service providers, such as consultants, legal firms, and accountants, often requiring tailored lending criteria.
At MAF Finance Group, we work with a broad network of lenders to find the most suitable business loan for professionals. Whatever your funding needs, we manage the entire application process from start to finish, allowing you to focus on delivering your expert services without interruption.
What is a professional loan?
A professional loan is a specialised type of business loan for professionals and service providers such as accountants, solicitors, medical practitioners, and other regulated industries. Professional loans are designed for the unique financial needs and cash flow cycles of professional practices, rather than relying solely on traditional business assets or collateral.
Professional loans are commonly available to a range of businesses including solicitors (partnerships, LLPs, and limited companies), accountancy practices registered with ACCA or ICAEW, and medical professionals such as dentists, veterinarians, opticians, medical centres, and pharmacists.
Business loans for professionals are structured with the nature of these types of services in mind, they provide an alternative to standard business loans that may not fit the cash flow or security profiles of such firms. Professional loans also offer flexibility in repayment and can be designed to suit your practice’s particular requirements.
This makes professional lending a practical solution for funding business growth, investing in new technology, or managing operational expenses.
How much can I borrow with a professional business loan?
Various lenders as part of our panel may offer different amounts, but through professional loans, we can apply on your behalf between £25,000 to £2,000,000. Repayment terms are between 3 months and 5 years. The professional loan interest rate will depend on factors including the business’ health and external economic factors.
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Do I qualify for a professional business loan?
You could apply for a professional business loan if you meet the following criteria:
- UK based company
- Ltd, LLPs, partnerships
- 3+ years trading history (with 2 years minimum filed accounts)
- Professionally registered
- Minimum monthly turnover of £5,000
Professional loans are commonly used for a variety of purposes including working capital, business expansion, purchasing stock, or covering unexpected expenses.
Who is eligible for a professional loan?
Eligible applicants for a professional loan typically include accountants, solicitors, medical professionals (such as doctors, dentists, and vets), engineers, surveyors, and other regulated professional businesses.
Whether you're a sole practitioner, part of a partnership, or running a limited company (Ltd) you may qualify for a professional loan based on your business experience, qualifications, and financial profile.
These loans are often unsecured and tailored to suit the cash flow needs of professional practices, making them a flexible solution for expanding services or investing in business assets.
What can I use a professional loan for?
- Tax and VAT
- Insurance and memberships
- Refurbishments
- CapEX Investments
- Equity Funding (Legal professionals only)
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Example of how a professional business loan application would work?
Step 1 – Once you reach out to us, we’ll request some information around your business structure and funding objectives. Based on this, we’ll request relevant financial documents, typically including your most recent accounts, six months of bank statements, and key information about partners or directors involved in the practice.
Step 2 – With the information provided, we’ll assess your needs and approach a range of specialist funders that work exclusively with professional sectors, with a decision usually being made within 48 hours. During this stage, identity verification and regulatory compliance checks (such as KYC) will also be conducted for the relevant members the business.
Step 3 – Once you’re happy and have accepted the terms, we’ll arrange for the final paperwork to be issued for signing. After the signed documents are returned and final due diligence is complete, the professional lending funds will be released.
The time it takes to release the funds can vary from funder to funder, ranging from 24 to 72 hours later.
Will I need a personal guarantee for a professional loan?
A personal guarantee will be required in order to get a professional loan. This provides lenders with additional security and is standard practice when no physical collateral is being offered. The guarantee means you, as a director or partner, agree to take personal responsibility for repaying the professional loan if the business cannot.
Professional loan vs unsecured loan
Professional loans are designed specifically for regulated businesses like legal, medical, and accountancy practices, often offering better interest rates and more flexible terms than general unsecured loans. Because lenders understand the unique needs of these sectors, professional loans provide a financing option that’s more aligned with your business, while unsecured loans typically carry higher rates due to increased risk.
Alternative solutions to a professional business loan
Unsecured business loan: This loan is approved based on the creditworthiness of the business, rather than being secured by collateral, making it an ideal solution for asset-light businesses. Unsecured loans for chartered accountants are also an option.
Secured business loan: This type of loan allows businesses to obtain a funding solution that uses an asset such as property as collateral.
Working capital loan: A short-term finance solution for businesses requiring funding to cover day-to-day operations and provide sufficient cash flow for the business.
Why use a finance broker for a professional business loan?
Navigating the professional business loan market can be time-consuming and complex. That’s where a finance broker can be of significant value, as when you apply for business lending, we can identify competitive financial solutions, whether you are a smaller professional business or an established one, allowing you to continue with your day-to-day operations.
How to apply for a professional loan
MAF Finance Group works with a wide panel of banks and alternative funders and can assess which funder provides the most competitive financial solution for you.
If you would like to get a quote or need further information, simply fill in the form and we will contact you. If you want to speak to someone directly, you can call us on 0115 958 6872 and a member of our team will be happy to speak to you. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].
Professional Loan FAQs
How do I improve my chances of qualifying for a professional loan?
To boost your chances of approval, it’s important to maintain a good credit score and keep your financial documents well-organised. Demonstrating stable income and a healthy trading history will be beneficial. Reducing any existing debts can also improve your affordability profile. Additionally, clearly outlining the purpose of the loan and how it will benefit your business can help reassure lenders of your reliability.
How much can you borrow with a professional loan?
Loan amounts generally range from £25,000 to £2,000,000. The amount you can borrow will be based on factors such as your income, credit history, length of practice, and overall financial health. Professionals with a strong track record or growing businesses may qualify for larger amounts. Some lenders also offer tailored products based on your specific profession and business needs.
What can I use a professional loan for?
A professional loan can be used to fund a range of business-related expenses such as setting up or refurbishing your office, purchasing specialist equipment, or expanding your practice. Many professionals use this type of loan to help grow their business or meet unexpected financial needs.
What documents do I need to provide for a professional loan?
To apply, you will need to provide a range of documents to verify your business’s financial health. Common documents include your business’s latest financial statement, 6 months of company bank statements and full name, address, DOB and homeownership status of directors.
Who should get a professional loan?
Professional loans are designed for professionals such as solicitors, accountants, architects, dentists, and consultants. They are suitable for those who want to start, grow, or expand their practice, or simply manage short-term cash flow. These loans offer a flexible and accessible way to invest in your professional development or business operations.
Who are MAF Finance Group?
MAF Finance Group is a nationwide finance broker, with a highly experienced team of finance experts and industry specialists spanning construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and renewables, fleet management and vehicle leasing. MAF works with a large panel of banks and alternative funders providing access to finance for investment and refinance of asset purchases along with commercial mortgage and invoice finance facilities.
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