Best Business Loan Refinancing Lenders for Office Administration 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 2025-10-09.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a leading UK-based finance service provider offering tailored business loan solutions, particularly for virtual office setups and admin outsourcing firms. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Refinancing, Line of Credit
• Industries: Virtual Office Services, Admin Outsourcing

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Competitive rates
• Specialized in refinancing

Cons

• Strict credit requirements

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/business-loans

2. Barclays

Barclays Barclays is a prominent bank in the UK offering comprehensive business loan options tailored for small to medium enterprises. It can provide quick access to finance for franchise buyers and businesses needing working capital. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 6.5%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Refinancing
• Industries: Various including Financial Services

Pros

• Large maximum loan amount
• Established reputation

Cons

• Lengthy application process

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

3. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank provides a variety of business loans suitable for SMEs, including refinancing options for virtual office and admin outsourcing firms. It offers flexible options for businesses seeking quick access to finance or collateral-backed solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 7.2%
• Max APR: 18.9%
• Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Overdraft
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Wide range of loan products
• Strong customer service

Cons

• Interest rates can be high

Sources: https://www.lloydsbank.com

4. HSBC

HSBC HSBC offers a range of business financing options including flexible term loans and refinancing, suitable for businesses seeking liquidity and flexibility. It caters to virtual and admin sectors with collateral-backed or unsecured lending. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 5.9%
• Max APR: 16.5%
• Loan Duration: 12–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loan, Refinancing
• Industries: Financial Services, Admin

Pros

• International reach
• Variety of loan options

Cons

• High eligibility criteria

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

5. Santander

Santander Santander provides a variety of business loans including flexible options and sector-specific products. It supports firms that need working capital, refinancing, or growth funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £2,000
• Max Amount: £300,000
• Min APR: 4.9%
• Max APR: 19.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Flexible Business Loan, Equipment Finance
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Competitive APR rates
• Quick approval process

Cons

• Limited to existing customers

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

6. Metro Bank

Metro Bank Metro Bank offers quick, flexible business loans suitable for small and medium enterprises. It aims to provide fast access to finance with manageable repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 9.8%
• Max APR: 21.9%
• Loan Duration: 6–36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Refinancing
• Industries: SME, Retail

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Accessible customer support

Cons

• Higher interest rates for new customers

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

7. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers specialised lending options including flexible business overdraft and asset finance solutions. It caters to SMEs needing adaptable financing options and quick access secured on various assets. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 12–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Overdraft, Asset Finance
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Variety of loan types
• Wide branch network

Cons

• Slow decision making

Sources: https://www.natwest.com

8. TSB Bank

TSB Bank TSB offers a range of flexible lending options, including overdrafts and working capital solutions, suitable for various sectors including virtual offices. It provides quick turnaround on approvals for small to medium firms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £150,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 24.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Overdraft, Working Capital
• Industries: Retail, Admin services

Pros

• Great for small loans
• Quick processing

Cons

• Limited to UK businesses

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

9. Clydesdale Bank

Clydesdale Bank Clydesdale Bank offers tailored business loans and refinancing, suitable for growing companies and those seeking operational finance options. It supports businesses requiring flexible, collateral-backed or unsecured funds. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 22.5%
• Loan Duration: 6–48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Refinancing, Asset Based Lending
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Tailored financial solutions
• Strong support

Cons

• Limited online banking features

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

10. Close Brothers

Close Brothers Close Brothers offers tailored business finance solutions that include flexible repayment options and sector-specific products. It works well for SMEs seeking operational capital and refinancing. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £15,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 19.5%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Business Loan
• Industries: Professional services, Admin

Pros

• Personalized service
• Flexible finance options

Cons

• Higher minimum loan requirement

Sources: https://www.closebrothers.com

How to choose

Matching the right lender to your business needs is crucial. For virtual office and admin firms, consider whether a bank offers the flexibility and speed you require. Brokers can provide wider access to specialised products and better rates. Sector-specific or alternative lenders might suit unique circumstances or asset-backed needs. Evaluate loan size, APR, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria to find the best fit for your financing goals. Understanding these factors can help you select a provider that aligns with your franchise strategy and cash flow cycle.

Conclusion

Matching your financing needs with the right provider involves understanding how different lenders operate. Banks tend to offer straightforward products with strict criteria. Brokers provide access to a range of lenders and specialised solutions. Sector and asset finance specialists serve specific industries or collateral-backed deals. 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.