Best Equity Finance Lenders for Consultancy 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 2025-10-08.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent offers a wide range of unsecured business loans tailored for UK SMEs. It supports quick access to funding for working capital and growth. It suits franchise operators and smaller businesses seeking flexible, unsecured options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: General SMEs

Pros

• Quick and easy application process
• Fast disbursement

Cons

• Higher interest rates for riskier cases

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/unsecured-sme-loan

2. Iwoca

Iwoca provides flexible loans to SMEs in the UK. It specializes in working capital, purchase, or refinancing financing options. The platform supports quick approvals for business growth and allows secured or unsecured repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans
• Industries: General SMEs

Pros

• Fast approval process
• Flexible repayment

Cons

• Higher APR for some products

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/loan-categories/business-loan-interest-rates

3. Fleximize

Fleximize provides customised business loans with flexible repayment terms. It offers quick access for SMEs requiring growth capital. It supports unsecured and secured options, catering to businesses seeking adaptable funding solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3-48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans
• Industries: General SMEs

Pros

• Loyalty rewards program
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Requires a director guarantee

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

4. Time Finance

Time Finance offers tailored commercial finance solutions. It supports asset-based lending and invoice financing for growth and refinancing needs. It caters to businesses seeking flexible and quick funding options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £150,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial Finance, Asset Finance, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Commercial SMEs

Pros

• Tailored finance solutions
• Focus on SME growth

Cons

• Limited maximum loan amount

Sources: http://onepmfinance.co.uk/

5. Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services specialises in invoice finance and cash flow solutions for UK businesses. It offers flexible funding options to improve liquidity and manage receivables. It is suitable for businesses requiring quick, unsecured cash flow solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £300,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 18%
• Loan Duration: 30-day rolling⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Asset Finance
• Industries: General SMEs

Pros

• Flexible cash flow solutions
• Strong customer support

Cons

• Complex fee structure

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

6. Aldermore

Aldermore offers various business finance options including asset finance and commercial mortgages for UK SMEs. It supports straightforward access to funds for growth, purchase, or refinancing. It suits businesses seeking quick, flexible funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Flexible⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Commercial Mortgages
• Industries: Commercial SMEs

Pros

• Government-backed guarantees
• Flexible financial solutions

Cons

• Interest rates vary widely

Sources: https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business-finance/

7. Close Brothers Invoice Finance

Close Brothers Invoice Finance supports invoice finance solutions, providing flexible funding to improve cash flow management for UK SMEs. It offers quick access and tailored invoice-based funding structures. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance
• Industries: General SMEs

Pros

• Specialists in invoice finance
• Tailored solutions

Cons

• Limited to invoice-based funding

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

8. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding provides a broad range of funding options including loans, equity, and grants. It enables SMEs to access funding for operational and growth purposes. It supports various collateral and repayment structures for fast or flexible funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £3,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Loans, Equity Finance, Grants
• Industries: General SMEs

Pros

• Wide range of finance options
• High maximum loan amount

Cons

• APR can be high for certain loans

Sources: https://www.swoopfunding.com/

9. Funding Options

Funding Options helps SMEs find suitable funding solutions including loans, asset finance, and invoice funding. It connects businesses quickly to the best deals tailored for their needs. It is useful for those seeking quick access and transparent costs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £20,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance, Invoice Funding
• Industries: General SMEs

Pros

• Quick application process
• Wide lender network

Cons

• Details vary by lender

Sources: https://www.fundingoptions.com/

10. British Business Bank

British Business Bank supports SME funding through various schemes and programs. It often helps facilitate access to larger or sector-specific funding. Suitable for businesses seeking government-backed options, it often works as a broker or partnered lender. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Start-Up Loans, Small Business Financing
• Industries: Start-Ups, Small Businesses

Pros

• Government-backed
• Wide access to various lenders

Cons

• Limited loan amounts compared to others

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

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. For equity finance options, evaluate whether you need quick access or prefer brokered, tailored services. Understanding your funding purpose can help match you with the right lender. Consider whether you want to deal directly with a bank or through a specialist broker.

Conclusion

Matching the right lender to your needs involves understanding the type of finance. Bank options typically offer straightforward loans, while brokers can connect you to specialised or alternative lenders. Sector-focused providers may offer more tailored solutions for consultancy agencies. Always review current terms and costs 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.