Best Equity 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 2025-10-08.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent Funding Agent offers a fast, flexible online platform for small businesses. It is suited for marketing agencies needing short-term, unsecured funding with transparent terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Working Capital Loans, Equity Finance, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Marketing
Pros
- Fast approval process
- Flexible terms
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-business-loan-lenders-for-marketing-agencies-in-the-uk
2. Funding Circle
Funding Circle Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer platform connecting small firms with investors for growth. It offers quick decisioning and flexible terms. Suitable for businesses seeking strategic funding options. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 11%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans, Term Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast decision making
- No early repayment charges
Cons
- Higher rates for lower credit profiles
Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk/
3. iwoca
iwoca Specialising in working-capital finance, iwoca provides flexible credit options often secured by assets or revenue streams. Suitable for SMEs requiring quick access to short-term funding with adaptable repayment plans. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1–24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Credit Facilities, Flexible Loans
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Professional Services
Pros
- Quick funding
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Higher interest rates for lower credits
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/loan-categories/business-loan-interest-rates
4. Swoop Funding
Swoop Funding Swoop Funding offers a comprehensive platform for fast business funding options, including loans, equity, and grants. It is suited for firms seeking rapid, straightforward funding routes. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1–24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Equity, Loans, Grants
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Large funding amounts
- Free consultation
Cons
- Complex comparison process
Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/uk/business-loans/marketing-loans/
5. Fleximize
Fleximize Fleximize specialises in flexible short-term and revolving credit facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises. It offers customised repayment options that can adapt to fluctuating cash flows. Suitable for firms needing rapid access to working capital. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 10.2%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 1–48 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Revolving Credit
- Industries: Marketing, Hospitality
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Loyalty rewards
Cons
- High-interest rates for new clients
Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk/
6. Shawbrook Bank
Shawbrook Bank Shawbrook Bank provides specialised SME lending, including fixed-rate loans and asset finance. It is suitable for businesses seeking predictable repayments and customisable financing structures. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 14.1%
- Max APR: 14.1%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Fixed Rate Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- No hidden fees
- Fixed rates
Cons
- Higher threshold for loan amounts
Sources: https://www.shawbrook.co.uk/business/business-lending/
7. Smart Funding
Smart Funding Smart Funding offers short-term financial products suitable for businesses needing fast access. It provides options like unsecured and short-term loans, with flexible repayment. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 1–24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Short-term Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Quick funding approval
- Customizable repayment periods
Cons
- Higher interest rates compared to traditional banks
Sources: https://smartfundingsolutions.co.uk/
8. Clifton Private Finance
Clifton Private Finance Specialising in bespoke funding solutions, Clifton offers tailored financial options for property, corporate investments, and growth projects. It is suitable for businesses seeking flexible, secured funding structures with potentially longer terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 12–360 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Business Mortgages
- Industries: Property, Construction
Pros
- Low-interest rates
- High loan amounts
Cons
- Longer processing times
Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/business-loans/
9. Nucleus Commercial Finance
Nucleus Commercial Finance Nucleus offers a range of flexible funding for businesses, including secured and unsecured options. It is suitable for SMEs needing growth capital or asset-backed finance. Here’s what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Asset-based Finance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Wide range of products
Cons
- Case-by-case pricing
Sources: https://www.nucleuscommercialfinance.com/
10. Lending Crowd
Lending Crowd LendingCrowd is a P2P platform offering affordable loans with fast funding. It is ideal for SMEs seeking streamlined access to growth capital. Here is what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £75,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.95%
- Max APR: 12.25%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Personalized service
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Limited loan products
Sources: https://www.equitygap.co.uk/portfolio-item/lending-crowd/
How to choose
When selecting an equity finance provider, consider the purpose of the funding and the associated requirements. Bank lenders often provide higher loan amounts with lower interest rates but may have stricter eligibility. Brokers or specialist lenders can offer tailored solutions and quicker decisioning for asset-backed or growth-focused needs. Matching the provider type to your use case will help secure the best terms. Review fees, repayment options, and application processes before proceeding.
Conclusion
Matching the right provider to your funding needs is essential. Bank lenders are suitable for larger, secured loans. Brokers can connect you to lenders with flexible terms. Specialist providers focus on sector-specific or fast funding options. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change. 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.