Quick answer: yes — but it depends

If you run a start-up or recently incorporated accountancy practice, you can usually access business finance — but lenders look at more than just the company registration date. The strongest applications demonstrate a track record of relevant experience, client contracts, recurring billing or an agreed pipeline of work, credible director backgrounds and clear cashflow forecasts.

UK Business Loans is an introducer: we do not lend. We use the information in your enquiry to match you to lenders and brokers who have appetite for accountancy practices at your stage. Start with a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll advise which options are realistic for you.

Why lenders may view accountancy start-ups favourably

Accountancy practices can be attractive to specialist lenders for several reasons:

• Professional services businesses often have predictable fee income and low inventory risk.
• Recurring revenue from retained clients or monthly bookkeeping fees improves predictability.
• Professional qualifications, industry memberships (ACCA, ICAEW) and professional indemnity cover signal competence and reduce perceived risk.
• Experienced directors with an established client base or clear pipeline can substitute for short trading history.

So, even if you’ve only just incorporated, lenders will assess the substance behind your business — contracts, retained clients, director track records and cashflow plans often weigh heavily.

Which finance options can start-up accountants access?

Different products suit different needs. Below are common options and how start-ups typically fare with each.

Short-term business loans / working capital

Useful for bridging early cashflow gaps such as payroll until client payments arrive. Specialist lenders and brokers offer facilities to start-ups if directors can evidence experience, pipeline or provide personal guarantees. UK Business Loans arranges loans from £10,000 upwards.

Specialist start-up finance

Some challenger lenders and funding schemes are set up to support newly incorporated firms. Appetite varies — brokers in our network know which lenders focus on start-up professional services.

Invoice finance (factoring / discounting)

Very relevant for accountancy practices that bill on credit terms. Lenders advance against outstanding invoices, improving cashflow. Invoice finance is commonly available to new incorporations where invoices are to creditworthy corporate clients.

Asset finance

To fund equipment, IT, office fit-outs or furniture. Lenders consider the asset being financed rather than company trading history, so start-ups can often secure asset finance even with limited accounts.

Overdrafts & business credit cards

Small overdrafts or credit cards can smooth day-to-day cashflow. Start-ups can obtain these with strong director profiles and a good personal credit history.

Director/shareholder funding

Sometimes the most straightforward route is a director loan or equity from shareholders which can then be supplemented by external finance as the practice trades.

Each product has different documentation and eligibility requirements — our brokers will match you to lenders who specialise in the products that suit accountancy practices.

What lenders typically want to see

Below is a practical checklist of what improves your chances:

• Director CVs showing relevant accountancy experience and client relationships.
• Professional memberships (ACCA, ICAEW) and proof of professional indemnity insurance.
• Signed client contracts, retainer agreements or letters of engagement.
• Pipeline evidence or invoices raised to creditworthy customers.
• Business plan and 12–24 month cashflow projections demonstrating viability.
• Business and personal bank statements (lenders often ask for both for new incorporations).
• Any existing management accounts (even unaudited) or purchase orders.
• Assets for security (if applying for asset-backed lending) or willingness to provide personal guarantees if required.

Don’t have historic accounts? You can still be considered — lenders will weight director experience and client evidence more heavily in those cases.

How start-up accountants can boost their eligibility

Practical steps that make a real difference:

• Get a concise executive summary and 12-month cashflow forecast ready — lenders want to see numbers and assumptions.
• Secure a few recurring clients and get engagement letters signed early.
• Open and maintain a clean business bank account — show incoming client payments clearly.
• Obtain professional indemnity insurance and list professional memberships on proposals.
• Consider starting with asset finance or smaller facilities to build a credit track record.
• Work with a broker who specialises in start-ups and professional services — they know which lenders will consider your file.

If you’d like help preparing your documents or finding the right broker, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to experts who can assist.

Realistic examples — how start-up accountants have funded growth

These examples are illustrative and outcomes depend on lender assessment. UK Business Loans helps match you to appropriate providers so you don’t waste time applying to lenders unlikely to accept your situation.

How UK Business Loans helps start-up accountants

We act as a time-saving connector: we don’t lend and we don’t give regulated financial advice. Our process is:

1. Complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes) — this is a free eligibility check and not an application.
2. We match you to lenders and brokers with appetite for accountancy start-ups and the finance types you need.
3. You’ll receive a rapid response from matched partners who can provide quotes and next steps.
4. Compare offers and proceed directly with the lender or broker you choose — no obligation to accept any quote.

Our service focuses on finance from £10,000 upwards and aims to put you in touch quickly with providers that understand your sector. Start your Free Eligibility Check.

Related reading: learn more about specialist accountants business loans and typical lender requirements.

Costs, timelines and what to expect

UK Business Loans does not charge business owners to be matched. Lenders and brokers may charge arrangement fees or set ongoing costs — these will be disclosed by the provider. Typical timelines:

• Match & initial contact: usually within hours to a few days after your enquiry.
• Indicative offers: can be provided within 24–72 hours depending on product and complexity.
• Full underwriting & funds: from a few days to several weeks depending on security, credit checks and documentation.

Expect lenders and brokers to request documentation and, if you proceed, to perform credit checks. No outcome can be guaranteed — eligibility varies between providers.

Compliance, data protection and safety

Important points:

• UK Business Loans is an introducer/connector and not a lender or regulated financial adviser.
• Your enquiry is a free eligibility check and not a formal loan application.
• We share your details only with selected lenders and brokers to obtain quotes — see our privacy policy for full details.
• Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks if you progress to an application stage.
• For guidance on financial promotions and consumer protections, see the Financial Conduct Authority (https://www.fca.org.uk/) and gov.uk business finance pages (https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support).

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply with no trading history?

Yes — some lenders and specialist brokers will consider newly incorporated practices if directors can demonstrate relevant experience, client contracts or a credible pipeline. Our matching service helps you find these lenders.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. The initial enquiry does not affect credit scores. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you decide to submit a formal application.

What documents are required for invoice finance?

Typically: invoices, customer details, signed terms of engagement and proof of customers’ creditworthiness. Exact requirements vary by provider.

How long until I hear back?

Many brokers/lenders contact matched enquiries within hours during business hours; full underwriting takes longer depending on complexity.

What is the minimum facility size?

UK Business Loans arranges finance starting at around £10,000 and upwards.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check to see which options fit your practice.

Ready to check your eligibility?

Start a short, free enquiry and we’ll match your practice to lenders and brokers who understand accountants. No obligation — just practical options and fast responses.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check