Best funding routes for a first UK acquisition, what worked for you?

Looking for recommendations from the community on funding avenues for a first acquisition. I'm an independent sponsor building a buy-and-build in UK supply chain and logistics recruitment. Targeting a profitable, founder-led business at £1-3M revenue / £200-700k EBITDA. Raising £1M equity, targeting close by Mid 2026. I've had conversations with family offices and HNWIs but would love to hear from others who've closed their first deal: •⁠ ⁠What funding routes worked for you? •⁠ ⁠Family office, HNWI, search fund investors, bank debt, vendor loan? •⁠ ⁠Any UK-specific lenders or investors worth speaking to? Happy to share what I've learned so far in return. DM or comment below.