Best Alternative Finance Lenders for IT support Companies 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 specialises in business loans and alternative funding options for small and medium businesses. It generally offers quick, flexible, and straightforward funding solutions often brokered through digital channels. Suitable for firms needing prompt capital with predictable terms, it is an accessible option for franchise and sector-specific needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 4.9%
• Max APR: 15.9%
• Loan Duration: 1-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Merchant Cash Advance
• Industries: IT Support, Retail

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Fast approval process

Cons

• Not suitable for large enterprises

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-10-business-loan-lenders-using-ai-uk

2. ThinCats

ThinCats provides secured and unsecured funding options for mid-sized UK businesses, often secured on assets or with flexible repayment profiles. Suitable for those seeking large, bespoke loans for growth or refinancing, it offers brokers and direct access. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000,000
• Max Amount: £20,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: Manufacturing, Leisure, PE backed businesses

Pros

• High loan amounts
• Flexible funding solutions

Cons

• Higher minimum loan amounts

Sources: https://www.thincats.com/business-funding/sector-expertise

3. Fleximize

Fleximize provides flexible working capital solutions and business loans for UK companies. It offers quick access and custom repayment terms, often suitable for small to medium firms needing flexible cash flow. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 10.2%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Merchant Cash Advances
• Industries: SMEs, Retail

Pros

• Quick funding
• Loyalty discounts

Cons

• Higher APR for first-time borrowers

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

4. Bizcap

Bizcap offers a range of unsecured and secured funding options for UK businesses, including business loans, lines of credit, and invoice finance. Known for quick approvals and flexible terms, it caters to various growth needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Line of Credit
• Industries: Wholesale, Retail

Pros

• Fast funding
• Serves underserved industries

Cons

• Relatively short loan terms

Sources: https://www.bizcap.co.uk/blog/bizcap-uk-to-launch-line-of-credit-after-consecutive-record-months

5. British Business Bank

British Business Bank offers government-backed lending programs and small business finance options. It typically supports start-ups and small firms seeking fixed-rate or term loans, often with lower minimums and simpler eligibility. Suitable for firms seeking predictable, low-cost credit, it can be accessed via direct applications or through affiliated schemes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 6%
• Loan Duration: 1-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Startup Loans, Term Loans
• Industries: General small businesses

Pros

• Government backed
• Fixed interest rates

Cons

• Low maximum loan amount

Sources: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options

6. Iwoca

Iwoca provides flexible, fast access to small business finance in the UK. It offers short-term loans, credit lines, and working capital solutions often secured against receivables or assets. Ideal for small firms seeking quick, less complex funding, it supports a range of repayment options and sectors. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Credit Lines
• Industries: SMEs, Various sectors

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Quick decision on loans

Cons

• Interest rates can be high

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

7. Capify

Capify provides alternative finance for UK SMEs, including merchant cash advances and short-term business loans. It often uses broker channels to access flexible, non-traditional funding for growth and working capital. Suitable for firms needing quick, unsecured cash, it offers multiple repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: 3-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

• Flexible finance options
• No collateral required

Cons

• Higher interest rates

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

8. Liberis

Liberis provides merchant cash advances secured against future card sales. It caters to small businesses needing quick, flexible funding with simple approval processes. Suitable for firms looking for short-term cash flow solutions, often with predictable repayment structures. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £2,500
• Max Amount: £300,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: 3-12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance
• Industries: Food and Beverage, Retail

Pros

• Flexible repayments
• No fixed terms

Cons

• Limited to card-taking businesses

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

9. Spotcap

Spotcap offers unsecured business loans to small and medium-sized UK firms, often unsecured and with flexible repayment options. It provides quick decision-making and aims at businesses needing short-term cash flow support. Suitable for firms without collateral seeking transparent terms, it covers various sectors. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £350,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 24.9%
• Loan Duration: 6-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Professional Services

Pros

• No collateral required
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Mid-range loan amounts

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

10. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance provides tailored finance solutions and flexible funding for UK businesses. It offers various options including secured, unsecured, and asset-backed loans. Ideal for firms looking for customised financing, it supports a range of sectors with flexible repayment and lending terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: Manufacturing, Construction

Pros

• Tailored finance solutions
• Wide range of finance products

Cons

• Requires financial documentation

Sources: https://nucleuscommercialfinance.com/

How to choose

Match loan size and APR to your budget, check eligibility, and balance speed against flexibility. Consider how repayments fit your franchise cash flow and seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying. Understanding your specific funding needs will help you select the right provider. For IT support companies, it’s important to consider whether a lender offers quick access without heavy security requirements. Evaluating whether to use a bank, broker, or specialist lender can affect your application process and repayment options.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider depends on your financing needs and circumstances. Banks tend to offer lower rates for secured loans and longer terms. Brokers can give access to a variety of lenders and products. Specialist lenders may focus on sector-specific or alternative solutions. Always compare current costs and terms before proceeding. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit larger amounts, asset-backed needs, or sector specialisms. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.