Best Business Loan Refinancing Lenders for the Professional Services Industry
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 2026-03-16.
Funding Agent offers a quick comparison service for business finance tailored to UK SMEs. It primarily suits franchise buyers and businesses needing a streamlined loan selection process. The platform focuses on application speed, clear options, and suitability matching without requiring collateral.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
- Industries: UK SME's
Pros
- fastest and easiest application process
- No collateral required
Cons
- lower track record, only trading 1 year
Lloyds Bank provides traditional bank business loans with a focus on secured and unsecured lending for UK SMEs and larger companies. It serves borrowers seeking tailored financing for growth, often requiring some security or credit assessment. Loan options balance flexibility and predictable repayments typical of established banks.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Professional Services
Pros
- Flexible loan amounts
- Strong UK presence
Cons
- Higher APR for smaller loans
HSBC UK focuses on bank loans with a wide range of services covering multiple sectors including professional services. It is suitable for SMEs requiring loans with an emphasis on competitive fixed rates and longer repayment terms, typically involving credit checks and possible security. HSBC aims to deliver global banking experience adapted to UK business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 5.7%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1-10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Manufacturing, Franchising, Professional Services
Pros
- Global banking support
- Competitive fixed rates
Cons
- Strict borrowing criteria
Barclays UK provides bank business loans focusing on steady growth and support for SMEs and corporate customers. It fits borrowers looking for secure financing with diverse options and relatively quick application processes. Barclays emphasises transparency and predictable repayments with flexible term lengths.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1-10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Healthcare, Technology, Professional Services
Pros
- Quick application process
- Diverse loan options
NatWest offers business loans and refinancing tailored for UK SMEs aiming for sustainable growth. It is suited for professionals seeking flexible terms with a blend of secured and unsecured financing. The lender emphasises comprehensive service and options for established businesses.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8%
- Max APR: 13%
- Loan Duration: 1-7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Legal, Accountancy, Real Estate Services
Pros
- High loan limits
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Primarily UK-based operations
Funding Circle operates a global online lending platform offering term business loans primarily for SMEs. It suits borrowers looking for accessible, flexible financing with relatively quick approvals and straightforward application processes. The platform focuses on transparent terms and ease of use without collateral in many cases.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: 6 months to 6 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans
- Industries: SMEs across various industries
Pros
- Quick approvals
- Flexible borrowing amounts
Cons
- Higher APR for riskier profiles
KIS Finance specialises in bridging and commercial loans catering to SMEs requiring shorter term finance or property-related funding. It suits borrowers needing competitive rates and fast processing, often where collateral or property security is involved. The lender provides flexible terms depending on loan type and risk.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.5%
- Max APR: 13.5%
- Loan Duration: 1-24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans
- Industries: Real Estate, Construction, Professional Services
Pros
- Low starting APR
- Fast loan processing
Cons
- Short-term focus
- Potential for high fees
Watts Commercial Finance delivers tailored business finance with a focus on commercial loans and unsecured options. It targets UK SMEs wanting quick turnaround and personalised service. The provider supports flexible loan amounts and terms, often accessed via brokers or direct applications.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Commercial Services
Pros
- Independent advice
- Access to wide lender network
Fleximize features flexible, award-winning business loans designed for SMEs needing clear repayment options. It fits borrowers prioritising transparency and adaptable loan terms without early repayment penalties. The lender balances flexibility with straightforward eligibility criteria for diverse professional service needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 9%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 3 months to 3 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Retail, SMEs
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Customizable loans
Cons
- Eligibility requirements for lower rates
MAF Finance Group provides a range of secured and unsecured loans aimed at UK SMEs seeking assistance with cash flow and investments. It suits borrowers needing larger loan amounts alongside flexible repayment options. The lender focuses on supporting professional services and commercial ventures with tailored financial products.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3 months to 6 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Professional Services, Commercial Ventures
Pros
- Large loan amounts available
- Comprehensive financial products
How to choose
Consider loan size, interest rates, and repayment terms carefully to match your franchise budget. Check each lender’s eligibility criteria, including potential collateral requirements and loan-to-value limits. Evaluate speed of approval alongside flexibility in repayments and early exit options. Understand fees and additional costs. Selecting providers with experience in professional services can improve fit and outcomes. Engage with lenders offering brokered access if specialised finance is needed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your business needs. Banks typically suit borrowers seeking established processes and potentially secured lending. Brokers and specialist lenders may offer speed and tailored financing for niche cases or unsecured loans. Funding Agent remains a useful starting point for comparing multiple options quickly. For a 200 thousand pounds loan or more, carefully balancing terms and lender type is essential to meet your refinancing needs.