The Best Alternative Finance Lenders for Recruitment Agencies in the UK
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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 specialises in business loans and finance options, including AI-powered solutions tailored to UK SMEs. Its focus is on accessible funding with transparent terms, suitable for franchise operators and those seeking quick decision-making. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 15.9%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Equity finance, Grants
- Industries: Various
Pros
- AI-powered solutions
- Wide range of amounts
Cons
- Not specified
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-lenders-for-e-commerce-businesses-uk
2. Swoop Funding
Swoop Funding Swoop offers flexible funding solutions for growing SMEs, leveraging technology to streamline the application process. It typically provides quick access to finance with comparative rates and terms to support business expansion and cash flow needs. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Equity finance, Grants
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast decision-making
- Tailored funding solutions
Cons
- Higher APR compared to some traditional lenders
Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/uk/sectors/
3. ThinCats
ThinCats ThinCats provides alternative funding options primarily supporting mid-sized SMEs with flexible repayment structures. Suitable for businesses looking for growth capital or refinancing, it offers brokered access with a focus on secured or unsecured loans. Here's what to know:
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: Debt finance
- Industries: Manufacturing, Leisure
Pros
- Specialized for mid-sized businesses
- Flexible repayment
Cons
- Higher minimum loan amount
Sources: https://www.thincats.com/business-funding/sector-expertise
4. Bibby Financial Services
Bibby Financial Services Bibby Financial Services specialises in invoice finance and funding solutions, providing flexible options for SMEs seeking short-term or revolving credit. It offers brokered or direct access, supporting businesses with growing cash flow or working capital needs. Here's what to know:
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, Factoring
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Specialized in invoice financing
- Widely trusted
Cons
- Higher APR for some products
Sources: https://www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/about-us
5. Hitachi Capital (Novuna)
Hitachi Capital (Novuna) Hitachi Capital, now rebranded as Novuna, offers a range of finance solutions including asset finance, leasing, and working capital. It is suitable for SMEs needing flexible budgeting or secured funding options. It provides access to brokered and direct finance with quick turnaround times. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £7,500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6.3%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Varies⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Asset finance, Consumer finance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Diverse funding solutions
- Long-standing reputation
Cons
- Rebranding may create confusion
6. Calverton Finance
Calverton Finance Calverton, soon rebranded as Pulse Cashflow, provides working capital facilities across the UK. It caters to SMEs requiring short- to medium-term funding for operational needs or expansion, with an emphasis on brokered and secured options. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,001
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 3%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 3 months up to 6 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Invoice finance, Factoring
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Specialized in working capital
- Flexible solutions
Cons
- Name change might cause brand confusion
Sources: https://www.leasinglife.com/news/calverton-finance-to-come-under-the-pulse-cashflow-brand/
7. Funding Circle
Funding Circle Funding Circle is a major online platform offering small business loans through peer-to-peer lending. It supports SMEs seeking flexible funding options for growth and expansion. Its services include brokered access for various loan types. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 11%
- Loan Duration: 1 month to 6 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Credit lines
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Quick decisions
- No early repayment charges
Cons
- Potentially high rates based on risk profile
Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/about-us/
8. iwoca
iwoca iwoca provides flexible business finance options suited for SMEs, with fast approvals and flexible repayment plans. It is often used for bridging, acquisitions, or working capital secured on assets. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 49%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast decision and flexibility
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Higher costs for high-risk loans
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/
9. YouLend
YouLend YouLend offers revenue-based financing, mainly for SMEs that prefer flexible repayment linked to sales, with quick access to capital. It aims to support businesses in managing cash flow with innovative funding options. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £3,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Variable based on sales⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revenue-based finance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Flexible repayment tied to sales
- High approval rates
Cons
- Higher costs of capital
Sources: https://youlend.com/company-overview
10. Tide
Tide Tide offers a range of digital financial services, including banking and payment solutions, designed to support small and medium UK businesses. It focuses on modern, quick, and accessible financial tools, with flexible products suitable for various needs. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £20,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 26.6%
- Loan Duration: Varies by product⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Digital banking services
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Extensive digital services
- Supports small businesses
Cons
- Higher costs for some products
Sources: https://www.tide.co/about/
How to choose
Matching the right lender involves assessing your funding needs, repayment capability, and speed. For recruitment agencies, consider if a bank, broker, or online platform best suits your workflow. Bank funding offers security and larger amounts but may take longer. Brokers can access a variety of lenders, often with quicker decisions. Digital and specialist lenders may provide more flexible terms for small or niche situations. Always review costs, fees, and early repayment options before deciding.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate provider depends on your funding goals. Bank lenders are suited for larger, secured loans. Brokers offer quick access to multiple options, often with a wide range of products. Specialist or online lenders may be best for smaller or more flexible needs. Always compare costs and terms to find the best fit. 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.
