The Best Alternative Finance Lenders for Marketing 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 provides flexible business finance options suitable for marketing agencies that need quick access to growth capital. They offer tailored business loans with varying durations and collateral options, making the process straightforward and accessible.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.5%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Marketing, Digital Agencies

Pros

• Competitive interest rates
• Flexible loan terms

Cons

• Strict credit checks

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

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle offers quick access to business loans in the UK, with options suited for marketing agencies that need faster funding and lower upfront collateral. They specialise in bridging gaps for small businesses through brokered and direct channels.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 12.5%
• Loan Duration: 6-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Secured Loans
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• Quick approvals
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Higher rates for riskier businesses

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

3. iwoca

iwoca iwoca delivers quick, flexible finance options for small UK businesses seeking rapid funding that can be used for working capital or expansion. They facilitate brokered and direct borrowing with transparent repayment options, suitable for various sectors including marketing.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Flexible Loans
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Fast approval

Cons

• Higher APR for lower credit ratings

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

4. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize specialises in customised business loans for SMEs that need flexible repayment options and quick access to funding. They serve marketing agencies seeking tailored solutions that support growth without rigid collateral requirements.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• Flexible repayment terms
• Bespoke lending solutions

Cons

• Higher APR for unsecured

Sources: https://fleximize.com/

5. YouLend

YouLend YouLend offers revenue-based finance options suitable for SMEs needing quick funding that adapts to revenue flows. They provide fast access to funds with flexible repayment structures, making them a practical choice for growth-focused marketing agencies.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £200,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Flexible⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Revenue-Based Financing
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• Fast funding
• Flexible repayments based on revenue

Cons

• Higher cost of capital

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

6. Liberis

Liberis Liberis specialises in providing cash advances secured against future card sales. Their offering is suitable for SMEs seeking quick, unsecured funding that is repayable as a fixed percentage of daily sales, with flexibility in repayment schedules.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Flexible⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Cash Advance
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• Fast application process
• No set repayment term

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to traditional loans

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

7. Capify

Capify Capify offers small business loans and merchant cash advances primarily for growth or bridging needs. Their flexible funding options are suitable for SMEs seeking quick access and custom repayment plans, often brokered through specialists.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6-15 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Short-term loans, Merchant cash advance
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• Fast funding process
• Tailored repayment options

Cons

• Higher costs for small loans

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

8. Fair Finance

Fair Finance Fair Finance provides ethical and responsible lending options for SMEs. Their focus is on supporting building sustainable businesses through fair terms and transparent processes, often leveraging alternative credit assessments.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6-36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Ethical Loans
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• Fair interest rates
• Transparent terms

Cons

• Limited loan amounts

Sources: https://www.fairfinance.org.uk/

9. Bizcap

Bizcap Bizcap offers fast, flexible loans often for working capital or growth. They focus on getting SMEs quick access with simple, straightforward funding options suitable for a range of small business needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3 months-5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Working capital loans
• Industries: Marketing

Pros

• Fast approval process
• High maximum loan amounts

Cons

• Requires good credit history

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

10. Start Up Loans

Start Up Loans Start Up Loans provides government-backed funding for early-stage businesses. They focus on startups and entrepreneurs who need accessible capital combined with mentoring and support. Their flexible loan terms suit new businesses seeking growth funding through straightforward channels.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 6%
• Loan Duration: 12-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Government-backed Loans
• Industries: Start-ups, Various Industries

Pros

• Fixed interest rates
• Access to business mentoring

Cons

• Limit on maximum loan amount

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

How to choose

When selecting an alternative finance provider for marketing agencies, consider the specific use case and funding type. Banks typically offer larger, secured loans suited for property or equipment purchases. Brokers can connect you with specialised or flexible options, ideal for fast funding needs. Sector-specific lenders often focus on ethical or revenue-based finance, matching agencies seeking responsible and adaptable solutions. Review each lender’s criteria, fees, and repayment terms carefully to find the best fit for your business needs and cash flow. Making informed choices helps ensure you get suitable and sustainable financing.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider depends on your funding needs and business circumstances. Bank lenders may be suitable for larger, secured loans. Brokers can help find specialised or quick solutions. Sector-focused lenders often cater to ethical or revenue-based financing preferences. 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.