Finance for self-employed businesses that earn it.
Sole-trader asset finance for plumbers, electricians, ground-workers, owner-operator drivers and the trades that keep Britain ticking. Underwritten on tax overviews and bank statements, not pretend balance sheets.
Eligibility at a glance
- Min trading
- 12 months ideal, 0 considered
- Typical deposit
- 10–20%
- Indicative rate may start at
- 8.9% APR
- Max facility
- Up to £100k typical (CCA above £25k)
- PG required
- Personally liable by definition (sole trader)
What actually moves the needle.
Self-assessment evidence
Most lenders want last 1–2 years of SA302 and tax overviews from HMRC, plus 3–6 months of bank statements showing income.
Trade discipline
Lenders look at how money moves through the personal/business account — regular receipts, sensible withdrawals, no pattern of bounced payments.
Personal credit file
Sole-trader credit and personal credit are the same thing. 700+ Experian = strong pricing. CCJs in last 6 years are flagged but not always disqualifying.
Asset suitability
Hard, sellable assets (vans, plant, tools) get widest lender choice. Soft assets are harder for sole traders without a longer trading history.
Realistic green-lights.
- Self-employed plumber with 18 months trading and 1 year SA302, financing a £35k Sprinter
- Owner-operator driver with O-licence and signed haulage contract, financing a £85k tractor unit
- Self-employed groundworker with 3 years of SA302s, financing a £45k mini-digger
- Mobile mechanic with strong cash flow buying a £18k diagnostic rig and tools
Where it gets harder.
- Sole traders with under 6 months trading and no prior employment in the trade
- Recent CCJs over £500 in the last 12 months
- Soft assets (laptops, cameras, salon furniture) at sole-trader level
- Facilities over £100k without limited-company structure
Have these ready and we'll move fast.
Common questions.
What's the difference between sole trader and limited company finance?
Two big things. First, sole-trader finance is underwritten against your personal tax history (SA302); limited-company finance against the company's filed accounts. Second, sole-trader agreements over £25k are still business-purpose but agreements under £25k may fall under the Consumer Credit Act, which adds extra protections (and paperwork).
What's CCA-regulated finance?
Asset finance for sole traders and partnerships under £25k is regulated under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which means the lender must give you a 14-day cooling-off period and follow consumer-style disclosures. Above £25k, agreements are unregulated business finance with the standard B2B terms.
Can I get finance with one year of trading?
Yes — one year of SA302 plus 3–6 months of bank statements is enough for most lenders, especially on hard assets like vans or plant. Two years of SA302 unlocks the strongest pricing and the widest lender choice.
Will the finance show on my personal credit file?
Sole trader business finance typically does report to your personal credit file (because legally there's no separation between you and the business). Limited-company finance does not, unless you've given a personal guarantee that's been called on.
See if a deal works for you.
Start an enquiry to discuss the asset, your circumstances and possible next steps. A credit-search process is explained before any application proceeds.
Other borrower types