The Best Alternative Finance Lenders for Consultancy Agencies in the UK

For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank prices accurate as of 2025-10-07.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a leading finance company providing innovative funding solutions tailored for consultancy agencies across the UK, helping them to secure necessary capital for growth and operations. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans
• Industries: Consultancy

Pros

• Flexible solutions
• Tailored services for consultancy agencies

Cons

• Information on APR and loan amounts not publicly available

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-lenders-for-consultancy-firms-in-the-uk

2. Iwoca

Iwoca Iwoca provides flexible loans to UK SMEs, specialising in quick, unsecured, or secured business lending. It is suitable for working capital, sector needs, and growth projects. The platform offers quick approvals and a variety of repayment options, often brokered via online channels.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 1 day to 60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Retail, Services, Various SMEs

Pros

• Quick approval
• Flexible loan terms

Cons

• High APR on certain products

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/loan-categories/business-loan-interest-rates

3. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize provides flexible business loans for UK SMEs, offering fast access to working capital with repayment flexibility. It is suitable for growth, refinancing, or operational needs. The platform emphasises quick decisions and brokered processes that are tailored for small to medium-sized firms.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3 to 60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
• Industries: Various UK SMEs

Pros

• Customer-trusted service
• Competitive rates

Cons

• High minimum loan amount

Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk/

4. Time Finance

Time Finance Time Finance offers commercial finance options including invoice, asset-based, and business loans. It is suitable for UK firms needing flexible financing with varied security options and repayment periods. The platform promotes quick decision-making and brokered access for growth and capital projects.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Asset-Based Lending
• Industries: Diverse UK Businesses

Pros

• Tailored finance solutions
• Strong industry expertise

Cons

• Lack of detailed APR information

Sources: https://timefinance.com/clients/

5. Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services Bibby Financial Services is a well-established provider of invoice finance and working capital solutions, supporting over 10,000 UK businesses. It is suitable for firms requiring flexible, accessible funding options with varied security types and repayment periods.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £2,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 29%
• Loan Duration: 12-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Asset Finance
• Industries: SMEs in various sectors

Pros

• Supports a large number of businesses
• Wide range of products

Cons

• Higher APR on some loans

Sources: http://www.bibbyfinancialservices.co.uk/

6. Aldermore

Aldermore Aldermore offers various finance options including asset finance and commercial mortgages. It is suitable for medium to large-sized UK firms seeking long-term or secured funding for property and growth projects. The provider emphasises flexible repayment terms and customised solutions.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Up to 20 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial Mortgages, Asset Finance
• Industries: Various Industrial Sectors

Pros

• Long-term financing options
• Government-backed schemes

Cons

• Minimum loan amounts may be too high for some SMEs

Sources: https://www.aldermore.co.uk/

7. Close Brothers

Close Brothers Close Brothers is a merchant bank providing a range of financial services including asset-based finance and loans. It is suitable for larger businesses or those seeking tailored syndicate options. The provider offers customised repayment plans and sector-specific lending, often with brokered access.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,001
• Max Amount: £50,000,000
• Min APR: 2.5%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Up to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Various Sectors

Pros

• Wide range of financial solutions
• Competitive rates

Cons

• High entry minimum for some products

Sources: http://www.closebrothers.co.uk/

8. Funding Options

Funding Options Funding Options is a marketplace connecting UK businesses with lenders for diverse borrowing needs. It offers a range of products from traditional loans to alternative finance options, suitable for firms seeking flexible and transparent funding solutions. It often involves brokered access and quick decision processes.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £50,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 7 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Alternative Finance
• Industries: Wide range of SMEs

Pros

• Large network of lenders
• Quick application process

Cons

• Limited control over lending specifics

Sources: https://www.fundingoptions.com/

9. ThinCats

ThinCats ThinCats specialises in long-term debt funding for medium-sized enterprises through bespoke arrangements. It supports growth with personalised solutions, often brokered through intermediaries. It is suitable for firms with established assets and growth plans requiring substantial capital.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000,000
• Max Amount: £15,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Long-Term Debt, Alternative Finance
• Industries: Mid-sized Business Across Various Sectors

Pros

• Bespoke finance solutions
• Focus on mid-sized enterprises

Cons

• High minimum loan requirements

Sources: http://www.thincats.co.uk/

10. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding Swoop Funding provides a broad range of finance options including loans, equity, and grants. It is suitable for UK SMEs seeking flexible and quick access to funding for growth or operational needs. The platform often brokers deals and offers tailored matching based on business profile.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Loans, Equity Investment, Grants
• Industries: Various SMEs

Pros

• Tailored finance matching
• Expert advisory service

Cons

• Details on loan specifics are limited online

Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/

How to choose

When selecting a lender for consultancy agencies, consider your funding purpose and financial situation. Bank lenders may suit those needing substantial, secured funding with long-term plans. Brokers or specialist providers often offer quicker, flexible options suitable for smaller or more urgent needs. Review each provider’s criteria, fees, and repayment terms carefully. Matching your specific needs with the right type of lender is key to securing the best deal.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider to your needs helps secure suitable finance. Large banks are ideal for secured, long-term funding. Online marketplaces and specialist lenders can offer quick access and flexible terms. Providers like Funding Agent are useful for comparing options across many lenders. Always confirm cost and terms before proceeding with any funding arrangement.