Norfolk legal recruitment firm launches following Start Up Loan boost
Norfolk-based legal recruitment consultancy LEXACT Legal Recruitment has secured £10,000 in Start Up Loan funding through GC Business Finance (GCBF), delivered on behalf of the British Business Bank, to support the launch and early growth of the business.
Founded by David MacDuff at the end of 2025, LEXACT specialises in discreet, candidate-led legal recruitment. The firm works closely with lawyers at all levels to support carefully considered career moves, placing an emphasis on long-term fit rather than volume-led placements.
Before moving into legal recruitment, David spent 15 years working in estate agency. After starting a family, he decided the career was no longer the right fit due to work-life balance challenges. The move into legal recruitment followed a personal turning point, coinciding with the arrival of his youngest daughter and encouragement from a former mentor within the legal recruitment sector.
Taking time to immerse himself fully in the legal market, David identified strong parallels between law firms and estate agencies, particularly around relationships, trust and discretion. LEXACT was established to address a growing gap in the legal recruitment market, where personal connection has increasingly been replaced by high-volume approaches. Every role introduced by LEXACT is highly bespoke, ensuring each move is not just the right career decision, but the right life decision for the lawyer.
Commenting on the launch of LEXACT, David said: “Legal recruitment should be personal. Lawyers invest years of study, time and money into their careers, so a move needs to feel right, not just look good on paper. LEXACT was built to bring clarity and discretion back into the process, focusing on fit rather than volume.”
David worked with GCBF to secure Start Up Loans funding to support the early stages of the business. The funding provided essential headroom during the launch phase, covering salary and overheads while allowing the business to focus on building strong relationships with law firms and candidates.
Since launching in November, LEXACT has already agreed terms with a number of law firms across the UK and is actively working with high-calibre lawyers across the sector. Looking ahead, the business plans to grow its candidate network and expand the team, training new recruiters aligned with its ethos.
Reflecting on the funding process, David added: “Starting a recruitment business in the legal sector comes with unique challenges, particularly around long notice periods and confidentiality. The support from GCBF gave me the breathing space to focus on building the business properly, without the immediate pressure of short-term billing. It finally felt like someone truly understood both the business model and the personal journey behind it.”
Alex Mearns, head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, said: “LEXACT is a great example of a founder identifying a real gap in the market and building a business around quality, care and long-term relationships. The Start Up Loans programme is designed to give founders like David the time and support needed to build a strong foundation for growth, with John, the underwriter on this deal, providing valuable support throughout the process. I look forward to seeing what the business will achieve next.”