Business Legal Services
Banking and Finance
Clear, commercial legal advice for borrowers, lenders and funders
Whether you’re securing finance to grow your business or providing it, the right legal advice will help you negotiate with confidence, having a clear understanding of your commitments.
We work with businesses of all sizes, as well as traditional and challenger banks, on a wide range of lending and finance arrangements. With in-house experience at UK banks, our team offers practical, market-savvy support that helps you stay competitive and compliant.
From acquisition finance and leveraged debt to asset-based lending and construction finance, we’ll help you structure the right deal for your goals.
Practical legal support
How we support you
If you’re negotiating new financing, restructuring existing debt, or exploring investment opportunities, we deliver practical legal support that safeguards your interests and empowers you to act swiftly and confidently. Backed by over 130 years of combined experience, our team understands the challenges faced by both businesses and banks, offering strategic, results-driven advice to help you successfully navigate the financial landscape.
We can support you with:
Lending, acquisition and asset finance
We help clients structure secure lending and finance options for growth, acquisitions, and leveraging business assets. Our expertise covers secured and structured lending, where we draft and review loan agreements and security documentation to ensure commercially sound arrangements. We also advise on acquisition finance and leveraged debt, supporting business acquisitions with tailored finance, facility agreements, and security structures. In addition, we handle asset finance and asset-based lending, structuring facilities secured against equipment, vehicles, receivables and other assets, as well as refinancing and bilateral funding to help optimise capital structures.
Property, construction and project finance
Our team advises on financing property, development, and infrastructure projects for both commercial and residential purposes. We provide guidance on construction and development finance, including funding for development projects and drawdown mechanics. Our property finance work covers investment and development loans, offering advice on title, leases and valuation. We also structure trade and project finance arrangements, both domestic and cross-border, and support public-private partnership projects through tailored PFI and PPP lending solutions.
Investment, debt solutions and joint ventures
We guide clients through investment arrangements, restructuring, fund formation, and legal checks for complex finance transactions. Our services include advising on equity investment and corporate debt restructuring, helping with investor rights, governance, and financial recovery or growth. We support debt trading and syndicated funding, managing the sale, purchase and coordination of debt and syndicated loans. Our team also advises on fund formation, structure, governance and regulatory matters for funds and collective investment schemes, prepares and reviews security and subordination documentation such as charges, guarantees and debentures, and provides due diligence and structuring support for joint ventures.
Regulation, consumer credit and funding support
We help ensure your business meets regulatory requirements and can access funding at every stage of growth. This includes guidance on financial services regulation, particularly FCA compliance for lending and investments, and advice on consumer credit compliance and payment services regulation. We also offer ongoing support through your funding journey, from pre-seed to Series C, reviewing term sheets and investor agreements to ensure they align with your business goals.
We put your commercial finance needs first
Finance and lending legal advice built around you
We understand that every business’s financing journey is unique. Our specialist team tailor their advice and support around your specific funding requirements and commercial goals.
Drawing on deep experience in finance and lending law, we work proactively to support you, shaping our services to your priorities and making sure you get advice that genuinely fits your business, every time.
Clear and practical advice
When your business is seeking finance, clarity is crucial. We cut through legal jargon and explain complex funding and lending issues in straightforward language, so you understand the implications for your business and your growth ambitions. Our team flags potential risks in finance transactions, helping you avoid costly surprises, while always giving you full transparency on fees and avoiding unexpected costs.
Tailored for your business
Securing finance isn’t one-size-fits-all. We take time to understand your business, your sector, and your funding goals to provide advice that’s not just legally sound but commercially relevant. Whether you need term sheets simplified, facility agreements made user-friendly, or creative structuring to reduce friction in lender or investor negotiations, we adapt our approach and documents to work for you, supporting a solid legal foundation for your next stage of growth.
Access your way
In the fast-moving world of business finance, responsiveness matters. Communicate with us by phone, email, Teams, or quick check-ins, whatever suits your schedule. Our team is always accessible, quickly addressing your queries about finance documentation or compliance, and providing proactive support when you need it most.
Who we help
Business borrowers, lenders and investors
We advise a broad range of clients, including growing businesses seeking funding, lenders such as banks and alternative finance providers, and investors looking to support ambitious companies.
If you’re a start-up exploring your first debt facility, a fast-growing scale-up negotiating credit lines or asset-based lending, or a mature company involved in a complex refinancing deal, we can support you. Our clients also include challenger banks, institutional lenders, venture debt funds, and high-net-worth individuals investing in innovative UK businesses. With deep sector knowledge and commercial insight, we tailor our advice to help you make confident, well-structured financing decisions.
Testimonials
What our clients say
The team at Harper James have demonstrated time and again that they have a deep understanding of the issues facing entrepreneurial businesses and their funding.
Charles Smith
Director,
Interpac Limited
Harper James swiftly solves problems with a minimum of fuss. I strongly recommend them and they are a pleasure to work with.
Jean de Fougerolles
CEO,
Ascension Ventures
The team provide great support throughout the funding process, providing straightforward and clear guidance on the issues to be addressed at each stage. The team was always at hand to make sure that that we understood what needed to be done to reach a successful outcome.
Chris Evans
CEO,
Kobus Services
We were very impressed by the efficiency of the service we received. Having strong legal service support in place is vital for any business entering into a funding round.
Alexis Rog
Co-founder,
Sikoia
It was delightful working with Stephen and Callum on the fundraise. As an ex-investment banker, I’ve worked with many law firms and the legal process can be quite painful. We wanted to make sure our investors were protected and there were no delays with the raise. The fundraise was executed smoothly and Stephen and Callum were both very helpful. Callum was extremely bright. They both pointed out lots of things that we had missed.
Hana Salussolia
Chief Operating Officer,
Medisonal
When I first spoke to Harper James, I was coming at things as an aspiring start-up with very little money in my pocket. But Jas and the team were able to help me to decide what the priorities were in the legal services I needed and made sure they were put in place. Their support in the funding rounds we’ve gone through has been invaluable. I’d definitely recommend Harper James.
Abhishek Nakhate
Founder,
Zoom Abroad
We rely on Harper James to provide us with support across a full range of service areas, from commercial contracts and employment issues to fundraisings and investments. The team at Harper James are always available to provide us with cost effective, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
Nick Holzherr
CEO,
Whisk.com
When we were in the process of raising funds for our business venture, we were fortunate enough to have the support of Harper James. Their advice and guidance were extremely beneficial to us, and we’ve been impressed by their responsive service.
TJ Herbert
CEO and Founder,
Itchy Fish
Knowing you have that level of legal support enables any new business to be able to move forward with more confidence. With Harper James we have that - and more.
Julian Cook
CEO and Co-Founder,
Howamigoing
We’d like to thank Harper James for all of their support throughout the investment deal process. As well as providing vital legal advice, Adam and the team at Harper James gave us guidance on the next steps of our growth, and we look forward to working with the team on a variety of projects in the future.
Scott Clifford
Founder,
Oneskee
Jas did an excellent job in pulling together what was a complex deal, not least because it involved co-ordinating parties in America, the UK and at the British Business Bank. But her perseverance and willingness to get the job done for us shone through and we were very impressed by the standard of service we received.
Peter Gerwe
Investor,
Storyfirst
What attracted me to Harper James was the pricing model they have in place. It means we get access to top legal professionals at prices we can afford. In our most recent funding round, the support we received was vital.
Mikhil Raja
CEO,
SonicJobs
I was referred to Harper James and told that they were the law firm for entrepreneurs. As a start-up, the Enable Plan works very well for us. It allows us to quickly access the legal services we need without spending a fortune.
Judith McMinn
CEO,
Rezon
It’s been excellent working with Stephen, he’s made every investment round extremely straight-forward and he understands our needs completely, while explaining the legals without the legal jargon. He’s only a phone call away which keeps us reassured. Previously, we’ve had to go through many hurdles when working with traditional law firms. You don’t get that at Harper James.
Reece Chowdhry
Founder & Partner,
Concept Ventures
The Enable Plan has been really useful for us. We’re always watching our burn because that early money is important to us as a start-up. We get high quality legal event advice that doesn’t compromise on quality. Also, having access to a distributed team who have previously worked at some very credible firms is great. Having access to that level of experience and expertise, but not having to pay traditional firm prices is excellent.
Andre Turville
Founder & CEO,
ARX Alliance
Brigitta’s always there, she listens and really understands us. In terms of turning things around quickly, it’s been fantastic. Speed was something that became very critical towards the end of the investment round. Bringing funding together when you've got a number of parties involved, especially keeping them happy, can be a stressful time. Brigitta was really supportive of that. We felt like she always had our best interests protected.
Andre Turville
Founder & CEO,
ARX Alliance
I have worked with Callum Giliker on quite a number of corporate fundraising transactions over the last few years and have always found Callum to take a calm, knowledgeable and productive lead, keeping things as simple as possible.
Matthew Dreaper
CFO,
Oxford Space Systems
The Corporate Finance and Property team at Harper James are always responsive and take a pragmatic approach when needed.
Leon Foxwell
Lending Director,
Bloomsbury Property Finance Limited
Jenni Ferguson advised us in relation to our investment and on various agreements. She was brilliant, gave very practical advice, and was excellent at helping us achieve our objectives with the relevant investment. Jenni was very responsive, turned work around quickly, was approachable, and she was able to summarise and articulate complex legal issues very well and clearly, providing practical and commercial advice.
Eamon McCarthy-Keen
Angel Investor,
Investible Limited
We worked with Baljit Chohan on review of documents for closing a seed funding round for my company. Baljit was fantastic throughout the process, easy to reach when we needed him and provided clear, concise, and confident advice at every step. Would thoroughly recommend him and Harper James.
Luke Burke
Founder,
Corryn Biotechnologies Ltd
The team at Harper James have demonstrated time and again that they have a deep understanding of the issues facing entrepreneurial businesses and their funding.
Charles Smith
Director,
Interpac Limited
Harper James swiftly solves problems with a minimum of fuss. I strongly recommend them and they are a pleasure to work with.
Jean de Fougerolles
CEO,
Ascension Ventures
The team provide great support throughout the funding process, providing straightforward and clear guidance on the issues to be addressed at each stage. The team was always at hand to make sure that that we understood what needed to be done to reach a successful outcome.
Chris Evans
CEO,
Kobus Services
We were very impressed by the efficiency of the service we received. Having strong legal service support in place is vital for any business entering into a funding round.
Alexis Rog
Co-founder,
Sikoia
It was delightful working with Stephen and Callum on the fundraise. As an ex-investment banker, I’ve worked with many law firms and the legal process can be quite painful. We wanted to make sure our investors were protected and there were no delays with the raise. The fundraise was executed smoothly and Stephen and Callum were both very helpful. Callum was extremely bright. They both pointed out lots of things that we had missed.
Hana Salussolia
Chief Operating Officer,
Medisonal
When I first spoke to Harper James, I was coming at things as an aspiring start-up with very little money in my pocket. But Jas and the team were able to help me to decide what the priorities were in the legal services I needed and made sure they were put in place. Their support in the funding rounds we’ve gone through has been invaluable. I’d definitely recommend Harper James.
Abhishek Nakhate
Founder,
Zoom Abroad
We rely on Harper James to provide us with support across a full range of service areas, from commercial contracts and employment issues to fundraisings and investments. The team at Harper James are always available to provide us with cost effective, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
Nick Holzherr
CEO,
Whisk.com
When we were in the process of raising funds for our business venture, we were fortunate enough to have the support of Harper James. Their advice and guidance were extremely beneficial to us, and we’ve been impressed by their responsive service.
TJ Herbert
CEO and Founder,
Itchy Fish
Knowing you have that level of legal support enables any new business to be able to move forward with more confidence. With Harper James we have that - and more.
Julian Cook
CEO and Co-Founder,
Howamigoing
We’d like to thank Harper James for all of their support throughout the investment deal process. As well as providing vital legal advice, Adam and the team at Harper James gave us guidance on the next steps of our growth, and we look forward to working with the team on a variety of projects in the future.
Scott Clifford
Founder,
Oneskee
Jas did an excellent job in pulling together what was a complex deal, not least because it involved co-ordinating parties in America, the UK and at the British Business Bank. But her perseverance and willingness to get the job done for us shone through and we were very impressed by the standard of service we received.
Peter Gerwe
Investor,
Storyfirst
What attracted me to Harper James was the pricing model they have in place. It means we get access to top legal professionals at prices we can afford. In our most recent funding round, the support we received was vital.
Mikhil Raja
CEO,
SonicJobs
I was referred to Harper James and told that they were the law firm for entrepreneurs. As a start-up, the Enable Plan works very well for us. It allows us to quickly access the legal services we need without spending a fortune.
Judith McMinn
CEO,
Rezon
It’s been excellent working with Stephen, he’s made every investment round extremely straight-forward and he understands our needs completely, while explaining the legals without the legal jargon. He’s only a phone call away which keeps us reassured. Previously, we’ve had to go through many hurdles when working with traditional law firms. You don’t get that at Harper James.
Reece Chowdhry
Founder & Partner,
Concept Ventures
The Enable Plan has been really useful for us. We’re always watching our burn because that early money is important to us as a start-up. We get high quality legal event advice that doesn’t compromise on quality. Also, having access to a distributed team who have previously worked at some very credible firms is great. Having access to that level of experience and expertise, but not having to pay traditional firm prices is excellent.
Andre Turville
Founder & CEO,
ARX Alliance
Brigitta’s always there, she listens and really understands us. In terms of turning things around quickly, it’s been fantastic. Speed was something that became very critical towards the end of the investment round. Bringing funding together when you've got a number of parties involved, especially keeping them happy, can be a stressful time. Brigitta was really supportive of that. We felt like she always had our best interests protected.
Andre Turville
Founder & CEO,
ARX Alliance
I have worked with Callum Giliker on quite a number of corporate fundraising transactions over the last few years and have always found Callum to take a calm, knowledgeable and productive lead, keeping things as simple as possible.
Matthew Dreaper
CFO,
Oxford Space Systems
The Corporate Finance and Property team at Harper James are always responsive and take a pragmatic approach when needed.
Leon Foxwell
Lending Director,
Bloomsbury Property Finance Limited
Jenni Ferguson advised us in relation to our investment and on various agreements. She was brilliant, gave very practical advice, and was excellent at helping us achieve our objectives with the relevant investment. Jenni was very responsive, turned work around quickly, was approachable, and she was able to summarise and articulate complex legal issues very well and clearly, providing practical and commercial advice.
Eamon McCarthy-Keen
Angel Investor,
Investible Limited
We worked with Baljit Chohan on review of documents for closing a seed funding round for my company. Baljit was fantastic throughout the process, easy to reach when we needed him and provided clear, concise, and confident advice at every step. Would thoroughly recommend him and Harper James.
Luke Burke
Founder,
Corryn Biotechnologies Ltd
Finding the right legal partner
Why work with Harper James
Choose a legal partner you can trust: we’ll help protect your goals, your business and your people so you can move forward with confidence and focus on growing your business.
Affordable, transparent and predictable pricing
Clear itemised invoices, subscription plans with up to 50% discount, and fixed fee products help you plan and manage legal spend – with no nasty surprises.
Proven track record and measurable results
We’ve supported over 7,000 businesses since 2014, with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60+ from monthly client surveys.
Straight-talking, responsive advice
We’re here to make things easier, not add complexity. That means fast response times, practical expert legal advice delivered in plain English, and dedicated client service and account management support.
Risk and compliance assured
We’re an SRA regulated firm, but more importantly, we build quality, data, and compliance best practice into everything we do.
Appointing a legal partner is a big decision. That’s why we’re open about our values, culture and model, so you can see what makes us tick. And because a productive partnership starts with understanding, we always begin with a conversation – listening to your goals, pressures and plans, then tailoring our support to fit.
Meet our team
Why choose our finance experts?
We bring experience from both sides of the table. Having worked in-house at UK banks, challenger lenders, and top City law firms, we understand the commercial realities behind every transaction, especially if you’re raising capital or structuring a facility.
With an average of 17 years’ post-qualification experience each, our solicitors combine technical knowledge with practical, hands-on advice that’s focused on protecting your interests and achieving results. We’ll help you negotiate with confidence, spot risks early, and structure agreements that support your long-term goals.
Find out more about who you’ll be working with:
Pricing and service plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Engage
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Enable
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £239 per month, with £159 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Extend
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 33% discount on our Standard Rates.
