Quick answer: yes — but with conditions

Partnerships and LLPs can normally access vehicle finance through our panel of lenders and brokers, subject to trading history, credit, turnover and the vehicle type. Sole traders: UK Business Loans does not handle sole trader vehicle finance enquiries — see the note below. Completing our short enquiry gives you fast, no‑obligation matches and does not affect your credit score. Get Quote Now

How UK Business Loans helps partnerships and LLPs

We do not lend. We act as a lead introducer that connects businesses to lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial vehicle finance. Our value is speed, sector matching and saving you the hassle of contacting multiple providers.

• Fast matching to the most relevant lenders and brokers for your sector.
• Free, no‑obligation enquiries — you decide whether to take an offer.
• We help with vehicle finance from roughly £10,000 and up, including fleet deals.
• You receive direct contact from providers who can discuss terms and complete checks.

Free Eligibility Check

Sole traders — important note

Important: UK Business Loans does not currently arrange vehicle finance for sole traders or professional-only loans. If you are a sole trader seeking vehicle finance, some lenders and brokers in the market do offer options, but you will need to approach them directly or use a service that accepts sole trader enquiries.

If you are unsure whether your business structure is accepted by a lender, a vehicle finance specialist can advise on alternatives (for example, personal contract hire, personal loans or specialist lenders). If your business is a limited company, partnership or LLP, continue reading for how we can help you.

Can partnerships get vehicle finance?

Yes — most finance types are available to partnerships (general partnerships and limited partnerships). Lenders will assess the partnership’s performance and often the personal credit histories of individual partners.

Typical considerations for partnerships:

• Credit checks on the partnership and on partners may be carried out.
• Personal guarantees can be required, especially for smaller partnerships or where business accounts are limited.
• Trading history: lenders prefer visible turnover and consistent bank account activity; some accept newly formed partnerships if partners have strong personal trading records or previous company trading history.

Documents partnerships usually need

• Partnership agreement (if available)
• ID and proof of address for partners
• Business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Partnership tax returns and SA302s / management accounts
• Vehicle quotation/specification and intended use details

Example uses: two‑partner haulage businesses replacing a delivery van, or a trades partnership funding a works vehicle. For a fast match, complete a short enquiry and we’ll connect you to the lenders/brokers most likely to help. Get Started Free Eligibility Check

Can LLPs get vehicle finance?

Yes — Limited Liability Partnerships are often treated similarly to limited companies by asset finance and leasing providers. Strong LLP accounts and clear trading history improve the chance of business-only finance without personal guarantees, but smaller LLPs may still face requests for partner guarantees or security.

What lenders consider for LLPs

• LLP accounts and turnover history
• Member/partner credit records
• Business bank statements and cashflow
• Whether the LLP is VAT-registered and the intended commercial use of the vehicle

Documents likely required: LLP accounts, bank statements, partner IDs, vehicle details. If your LLP needs a single vehicle or a fleet, we can match you to specialist lenders or brokers who handle LLP structures. Free Eligibility Check

Which vehicle finance options can partnerships and LLPs access?

Providers in the market offer a range of options depending on your needs and vehicle type (van, LCV, HGV, specialist vehicles):

• Hire Purchase (HP) — fixed deposit and monthly payments; ownership transfers after final payment.
• Finance Lease / Operating Lease / Contract Hire — options where ownership remains with the lessor (good for tax planning and fleet management).
• Asset Finance — tailored packages for specialist commercial vehicles and higher-value assets.
• Business Loans — secured or unsecured loans that can be used to buy vehicles outright.
• Fleet Finance — structured solutions for multiple vehicles, often with management and maintenance add-ons.

For commercial vehicle funding details and product differences, see a specialist vehicle finance page such as our partners’ vehicle finance resource: vehicle finance.

What lenders look for — key criteria and documents

Lenders vary by product, but common factors that affect decisions include:

• Trading history and turnover: longer trading and higher turnover improve options.
• Cashflow and bank account activity: provides evidence of repayment ability.
• Credit history: business credit and personal credit for partners may be checked.
• Vehicle type, age and mileage: new commercial vehicles usually draw better rates; used vehicles have age/mileage limits.
• Deposit / equity: larger deposits reduce lender risk and monthly costs.
• Security and guarantees: using the vehicle as collateral is common; personal guarantees may be requested for smaller businesses.

Quick checklist of documents to prepare

• Business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Company or LLP accounts, management accounts or tax returns
• Partner/member IDs and proof of address
• Vehicle dealer quote and specification
• Proof of business use (if available)

Costs, VAT and legal points to watch

Costs vary by product (interest, lease rentals, fees). Key considerations:

• Interest vs rental structure: HP and loans have interest; lease rentals include depreciation and services.
• VAT reclaim: VAT rules depend on vehicle type and business use — specialist vehicles often allow VAT reclaim; seek accountant/HMRC guidance.
• Insurance & tax: lenders typically require comprehensive business-use insurance and valid road tax.
• Early repayment/exit costs: HP and some leases include early settlement or exit penalties — check terms carefully.
• Personal guarantees: understand personal liability before signing.

Always review paperwork and consider professional tax or legal advice for complex cases.

Tips to improve your approval chances

• Have 3–6 months of clear bank statements showing steady income.
• Prepare SA302s, company accounts, or management accounts to prove earnings.
• Reduce personal credit card and overdraft balances before application.
• Consider a larger deposit to lower the loan-to-value and monthly payments.
• Be transparent about the vehicle use and provide accurate mileage and condition details for used vehicles.
• Work with a specialist broker — they know which lenders accept your business structure and can improve success rates.

Get Quote Now — our network can often respond within hours for straightforward enquiries.

How to get a matched quote via UK Business Loans

1. Click Get Quote Now and complete the short enquiry (business type, turnover band, vehicle type and value, contact details).
2. We match your enquiry with lenders and brokers likely to accept your business structure and vehicle need.
3. Providers contact you directly to discuss terms, perform any checks and issue official quotes.
4. You choose the best offer and complete paperwork with the lender/broker.

Submitting an enquiry is free and non-binding. Initial matching does not affect your credit score.

Frequently asked questions

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only when you proceed with an application.

Can partnerships and LLPs finance used vans?

Yes. Many lenders provide used vehicle finance. Eligibility depends on the vehicle’s age, mileage and condition; older vehicles may have stricter terms.

Are personal guarantees common?

Personal guarantees are more common where the business credit history is limited or the applicants are small. Strong LLP/company accounts can reduce the need for guarantees.

What minimum finance amount do you support?

Our network typically works with vehicle finance from roughly £10,000 and upwards — for larger single vehicles and fleet deals.

Can I reclaim VAT on the vehicle?

VAT reclaim depends on the vehicle type and business use. Specialist commercial vehicles may allow VAT recovery; check with your accountant or HMRC guidance.

How quickly will lenders respond?

Many providers respond within hours during business hours for straightforward enquiries; more complex cases may take longer for full offers.

Free Eligibility Check

Ready to check eligibility for vehicle finance?

If your business is a partnership or an LLP and you need funding for a van, truck or fleet, complete our short, free enquiry and we’ll match you to the best lenders and brokers for your needs. It’s quick, confidential and no obligation. Start Your Free Eligibility Check

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend and do not provide regulated financial advice. All finance offers come from third‑party lenders/brokers and are subject to their credit checks and terms. Completing our enquiry is free and does not affect your credit rating.