Quick answer: will an enquiry affect credit?

Filling in our enquiry form is not an application and does not trigger any credit searches. We use the details you provide to identify which lenders or brokers best match your needs and then pass that information to selected partners. Those lenders/brokers may perform checks later — but only if you agree to proceed with them. In short: the enquiry itself is non-invasive and will not show on company or director credit files.

How an enquiry to UK Business Loans works

UK Business Loans connects solicitors’ practices with lenders and brokers that specialise in professional services. We do not lend money and we do not perform credit checks. Here’s the typical process:

• Complete a short online enquiry (business name, turnover band, funding required, contact details). The form is just information to match you — it is not a loan application.
• We match your firm with suitable lenders and specialist brokers experienced with law firms.
• A shortlisted broker or lender will contact you to discuss options. Often they will do a preliminary, non-invasive assessment (commonly a soft check or internal review).
• Only if you decide to proceed with a specific provider will you be asked to submit a formal application or to consent to any credit searches.

Note: UK Business Loans organises facilities from around £10,000 upwards. The enquiry is a free, no-obligation way to get a tailored quote.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Soft search vs hard search — what each means and why it matters

Understanding the difference between soft and hard searches is central to protecting credit reputations.

Soft search (soft footprint)

• Used for initial eligibility checks or affordability indication.
• Does not appear on public credit files and does not affect credit scores.
• Often performed by brokers to pre‑qualify an application without risking director/company scores.

Hard search (hard footprint)

• Performed when a formal application is submitted or a lender needs to confirm identity/affordability.
• Will appear on company and/or personal credit files and can be seen by other lenders.
• Multiple hard searches over a short period can be viewed negatively by some underwriters.

Always ask any broker or lender: “Will you do a soft or hard search, and will you check the company and/or the directors?”

Business credit vs director personal credit — what solicitors need to know

Solicitors’ firms (limited companies and LLPs) carry separate business credit files with credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, Creditsafe etc.). Lenders will usually review the firm’s trading history, filed accounts and any director links.

However, many finance products for small professional practices involve director liability or personal guarantees (PGs). When a PG is required lenders commonly check director personal credit as part of their risk assessment. That check may be either soft or hard depending on the lender and the stage of the application.

Key points for solicitors:

• If you operate as a limited company or LLP, your firm has a business credit profile that lenders will check for trading and accounts information.
• If a loan requires a personal guarantee, expect a personal credit check on the signing director(s).
• If you prefer to protect director credit, state this preference early and work with brokers that use soft pre-screening.

For tailored solicitor funding options see our resource on solicitors-business-loans.

When will a lender carry out a hard search?

Lenders typically perform a hard search at one of these stages:

• When you submit a full loan application and sign declarations.
• At approval or credit decision stage before issuing a formal offer.
• When a personal guarantee or director credit verification is required as part of the underwriting.

Some lenders limit hard searches to the offer stage (one search only). Others may do identity or affordability checks earlier. Before you provide bank statements or sign anything, confirm how many hard searches they will do and when.

Practical steps your firm should take before enquiring

Follow these steps to protect your firm and directors’ credit reputation while exploring finance:

1. Ask about searches upfront. When contacted by a broker ask: “Will you run a soft or hard search? Which files will be checked?”
2. Share minimum necessary information at first. Describe the borrowing need, estimated turnover and requested amount without uploading full bank files until you have a shortlist.
3. Prefer brokers that pre‑screen with soft checks. This reduces the risk of any hard footprints while you compare options.
4. Request no hard search until you authorise it in writing. Many lenders will agree to reserve hard searches to offer stage if asked.
5. Document consents. Keep clear records (emails or written notes) of any permission you give for hard searches or personal checks.
6. Consider product type. Invoice finance and some asset finance facilities can be structured to rely less on director checks than unsecured loans.

If you’re ready to check eligibility without impacting credit files, request a pre-screening: Free Eligibility Check.

How much will a single hard search affect a director’s credit?

A single hard search usually has a small, temporary effect on a personal credit score. The real risk is multiple hard searches in a short period — this can signal search activity to other lenders and may complicate larger applications.

Hard searches generally remain visible on credit records for 12–24 months (timing depends on the credit reference agency). The exact impact varies with the director’s overall credit profile: if credit is strong, the impact is typically negligible; if credit is already constrained, it can be more material.

Tip: consolidate your search activity by using a single broker to run eligibility checks and to submit the formal application if you decide to proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Will UK Business Loans run a credit check if I fill in the enquiry form?

No. We do not run credit checks. The enquiry form is only used to match you with lenders and brokers. Any credit searches are performed by those lenders or brokers — and only with your permission.

Can a lender check personal credit without my knowledge?

Reputable lenders and brokers will seek your consent. If you are unsure, ask them to confirm in writing which checks they intend to perform before they proceed.

How long do hard searches stay on credit files?

Typically up to 12–24 months. Visibility and reporting time vary by credit agency.

My practice needs under £10k — can you help?

UK Business Loans organises facilities from around £10,000 and upwards. If you need less than that, let us know and we’ll advise whether our panel can assist.

Next steps — get a confidential, no-obligation eligibility check

If you want a safe, confidential way to explore funding for your solicitors’ practice, complete our Quick Enquiry — it takes under 2 minutes and will not affect your credit files:

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Remember: the enquiry is not an application. We will only share the information you provide with selected lenders or brokers who can help — they will contact you directly, and any formal credit checks will be carried out by them with your consent.