Request to Join Partnership

What is a request to join a partnership?

A request to join a partnership is a formal written document from a prospective new partner or member to the existing partners or members of a firm, setting out the applicant’s proposal to join the partnership. This document template is a structured request to consider partnership in a professional and compliant manner. The document outlines the applicant’s background, the terms being proposed, and any conditions the applicant wishes to discuss.

A request to join the partnership sample is a first step initiating the admission process. Should the existing partners accept the proposal, the formal admission should follow.

This document is being normally used in conjunction with a general partnership agreement template and non-disclosure agreement. This letter template protects both the applicant and the existing partnership by putting everything on the table in writing from the start.

Who is this request to join partnership template for?

This template is suitable for anyone seeking to join an existing UK business partnership in a formal capacity, including:

• a consultant or associate of a firm willing to propose full partnership;
• an external professional approaching an established business as a new partner;
• an individual seeking to join a general partnership business venture;
• a corporate entity or company willing to become a corporate partner.

This template can be customised for various types of partnerships registered in the UK, including general partnership, limited partnership or limited liability partnership.

What should be included in this request to join partnership sample?

This request to join partnership template covers all the key elements of a complete, professional admission request, including:

• Sender’s Details. Include sender’s full name, mailing address, contact email and telephone number.
• Recipient’s Details. This letter could be addressed to the name of the partnership in general or to the name of a managing partner (if such information is available). The text of the document must also outline the partnership’s full name and the partnership’s registration number (for a limited liability partnership only).
• Sender’s Background. A solid request to join partnership template Word or PDF should also include the previous professional background of a sender, their expertise, and a list of skills that are suitable for the partnership’s business.
• Conditions of Application. A sender may outline the main conditions of application, including the amount of a suggested financial contribution in pounds, the list of duties and responsibilities a sender is willing to undertake once joining the partnership, and so on.
• Additional information. A sender may also attach the list of supporting documents along with this request form. The supporting documents may include the sender’s CV, proposed financial plan, documents confirming a certain educational degree or professional expertise, etc.
• Date & Signature. Once the request is ready, the sender must date and sign it.

Typical mistakes to avoid when creating a request to join partnership sample from scratch

The most common mistakes applicants use when drafting a join request from scratch are the following:

Mistake 1: Making an informal approach without putting anything in writing

A verbal expression of interest does not constitute a formal request to join a partnership. The written record of such a request is a solid proof of professional approach and real intention to start collaboration. It also provides no record of what was discussed or what was agreed in principle. Even if the relationship is friendly and informal, a written request is the professional standard and gives both parties clarity on what is actually being proposed.

Mistake 2: Not asking to see the existing agreement before committing

Some applicants submit a request to join without reviewing the existing partnership or members’ agreement. This should be a red flag for existing partners. The fact of joining to the partnership implies that the new person shall adhere to existing rules governing capital allocation policy, daily rules and duties etc. If the person is not aware of all that well in advance, it may cause significant problems for the business in the future.

Mistake 3: Confusing a request to join with the deed of admission

The request to join a partnership initiates the admission process. This request does not document an applicant’s admission to the partnership. Admission only takes legal effect when the existing partners or members formally agree and when a deed of admission (or amended partnership/members’ agreement) is signed by all parties. Do not assume you have joined the partnership simply because your written request has been warmly received. Wait for the formal documentation to be completed and signed before acting as a partner.

How to customise this template?

To get a fully customisable request to join partnership sample, follow a few easy steps below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template’s format – request to join partnership PDF or Word.
4. E-sign the document online.
5. Make a payment.

The document is available for instant digital download immediately after the purchase.

What happens after the request is accepted?

Upon the receipt of this request to join the partnership template, the existing partners will undertake the following steps:

Due Diligence

At this stage the partners may order a sender’s background checks or due diligence to verify more about their professional background, previous employment history and other important information.

The partners may also examine the provisions of the original partnership agreement to find out more about:

• general conditions of admission of a new partner;
• voting requirements for admission of a new partner;
• allocation of capital and liabilities upon admission of a new partner.

Negotiations

Once the due diligence is finalised, a candidate can be invited to a personal interview with the partners to negotiate final terms of cooperation. During this meeting, parties have to agree on the following:

• final amount of a capital contribution in pounds;
• amount of the acquired share;
• list of duties and responsibilities.

Deed of Admission

A new partner can be added to a partnership by either of the two ways:

• by amending the existing partnership agreement; or
• by signing a deed of admission.

Administrative formalities

In a situation when the partner joins a limited liability partnership, information about that new partner should be filed to the Companies House within 14 days after signing the deed.

New partners should register with HM Revenue and Customs to reflect their new status as partners.

Why use FasterDraft for this request to join the partnership template?

By customising this request template with FasterDraft, you get the following benefits:

• a request suitable for general partnership, limited partnership and limited liability partnership registered in the UK;
• a document with a professional structure and written in plain English;
• a document that is fully customisable for your needs;
• a document that can be e-signed online on our platform;
• a template available for download in PDF and Word;
• a document that can be reused for multiple submissions.