For accountants, lawyers, consultants and agencies
Professional Services Finance
Professional services finance helps accountancy, legal, consultancy, IT and marketing firms fund growth, hire ahead of new work, buy out partners and smooth the gap between doing work and being paid for it.
Funding Plus compares lenders that understand firms whose value is in people and client relationships rather than physical assets.
- Funding without physical assets
- Partner buy-ins and buyouts
- Working capital for work in progress
Reviewed by the Funding Plus team · Last updated October 2026
Step 1 of 3 · Professional Services finance
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Cash Flow Challenges in Professional Services
Professional firms have few physical assets, and much of their value sits in work in progress and client relationships.
Work in progress
Fees are often billed at milestones or after the work is done.
Few assets to secure
Lenders can't rely on property or machinery.
Hiring ahead of growth
New staff cost money months before they bill.
Partner changes
Buying out a retiring partner needs a large sum.
The Best Funding Options for Professional Services Businesses
Unsecured business loans
Fund hiring, systems or office moves without property security.
Business line of credit
Cover the gap between doing work and being paid.
Acquisition finance
Buy a practice, merge with another firm, or fund a partner buyout.
VAT and tax loans
Spread VAT and tax bills that land at awkward times.
Example
A consultancy hiring for a new contract
A 15-person IT consultancy wins a 12-month project that needs four new consultants. It takes a £120,000 unsecured loan to cover their salaries for the first quarter, before the client's monthly payments start.
Illustrative example, not a real customer or a quote.
What Lenders Look For
- Recurring and contracted fee income
- Client concentration
- Debtor days and work in progress
- Profit per partner or fee earner
- Professional indemnity and regulatory standing
Professional Services Finance FAQs
Can a firm without assets get a loan?
Yes. Unsecured lenders focus on income, profitability and the directors' or partners' credit.
Can I fund a partner buyout?
Yes. Acquisition or term loans are commonly used to buy out a partner's share.
Do you work with LLPs?
Yes. Many lenders on our panel lend to LLPs and partnerships.
What about fee funding for clients?
Some firms offer clients a way to spread fees. That's a separate product, so ask us about it.
Find funding for your professional services business
Tell us what you need and we'll match you with lenders that understand your sector.