Best Export Finance Providers for Small Businesses 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 offers tailored export finance solutions focused on small businesses seeking quick access with flexible terms. Its services facilitate straightforward financing options for export-related needs. The process relies on brokered access and does not typically require collateral. It helps firms manage cash flow and international sales efficiently.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 5.5%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Trade Finance, Export Credit, Working Capital
• Industries: Manufacturing, Agriculture, Technology

Pros

• Flexible loan terms
• Competitive APR
• Expert financial advice

Cons

• Limited to UK businesses

Sources: https://fundingagent.co.uk/export-finance

2. Credit Agricole

Credit Agricole provides a broad suite of export finance options suitable for firms involved in international trade. It supports small UK businesses with flexible products that may include secured and unsecured methods. Its services are well-suited for companies seeking advisory and operational support for export projects. The focus is on helping clients access tailored finance for international activities.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.5%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 12–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Export Finance, Trade Finance, Supply Chain Finance
• Industries: Banking, Real Estate, Insurance, IT

Pros

• Wide range of services
• International expertise

Cons

• Higher fees for smaller loans

Sources: https://anchorvans.co.uk/lenders,https://www.ca-cib.com https://anchorvans.co.uk/lenders,https://www.ca-cib.com

3. Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered offers a wide array of banking and trade finance solutions focused on international trade. Its services are suited for small UK businesses that require flexible, quick access to working capital and trade finance. The provider supports corporations and SMEs with collateralised and unsecured products, often through broker relationships.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Trade Finance, Export Services, Corporate Banking
• Industries: Banking, Financial Services, Energy, Technology

Pros

• Strong global presence
• Diverse financing options

Cons

• Not specialized in retail banking in UK

Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk,https://sc.com https://maffinancegroup.co.uk,https://sc.com

4. UKEF (UK Export Finance)

UKEF (UK Export Finance) specialises in providing export credit insurance and financings, focusing on government-backed products for export development. It serves small and medium-sized UK exporters needing secure, often collateral-backed solutions. The services are geared toward large-scale and long-term export projects requiring flexible, tailored finance support.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Export Credit, Trade Finance, Insurance
• Industries: Aerospace, Defense, Infrastructure

Pros

• Government-backed
• Comprehensive export support

Cons

• Lack of clear APR information

Sources: https://santander.co.uk,https://gov.uk https://santander.co.uk,https://gov.uk

5. HSBC

HSBC offers a range of banking and trade finance services that support export growth. Its solutions are suited for small UK businesses needing quick, flexible finance options for international trade. The services can include unsecured loans and collateral-backed products, with solutions tailored for varying needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £15,000,000
• Min APR: 5.8%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1–10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Export Finance, Green Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: Banking, Finance, Manufacturing

Pros

• Large fund availability
• 1% cashback on loans

Cons

• May have high eligibility criteria

Sources: https://cliftonpf.co.uk,https://about.hsbc.co.uk https://cliftonpf.co.uk,https://about.hsbc.co.uk

6. NatWest

NatWest offers export finance options suitable for small UK businesses looking for quick and flexible solutions. Its services include secured and unsecured products to support international trade growth. It is focused on providing accessible funding with varied collateral options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1–7 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Trade Finance, Business Loans, Export Credit
• Industries: Finance, Real Estate, Legal

Pros

• Quick loan access
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Higher APR for smaller loans

Sources: https://natwest.com,https://agcc.co.uk https://natwest.com,https://agcc.co.uk

7. Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services provides flexible export finance options for small UK firms with a focus on cash flow management. Its services include secured and unsecured products designed for international sales. It caters to businesses seeking customised funding solutions to support export growth.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Export Finance, Invoice Factoring
• Industries: Finance, Logistics, Manufacturing

Pros

• Flexible funding options
• Personalized service

Cons

• Possibly higher interest rates

Sources: https://bibbyfinancialsolutions.com

8. Santander UK

Santander UK provides export finance tools tailored for diverse business needs. Its solutions include flexible, quick-access products suitable for small UK firms engaging in international trade. The services involve secured and unsecured options with broad sector coverage.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Export Finance, Trade Loans, Supply Chain Finance
• Industries: Banking, Finance, Real Estate

Pros

• Strong commercial links
• Comprehensive support

Cons

• Some details not freely available

Sources: https://santander.co.uk,https://gov.uk https://santander.co.uk,https://gov.uk

9. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank offers export financing options focused on supporting small businesses in international trade. Its products can include secured and unsecured loans suitable for various export activities. The solutions aim to facilitate cross-border transactions and growth.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Export Loans, Trade Services
• Industries: Banking, Finance, Services

Pros

• Established UK presence
• Specialized export products

Cons

• Variable product availability

Sources: https://lloydsbank.com

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. Selecting the right provider depends on your business needs and how quickly you need funding. Brokerage services can help find suitable options when in doubt. Evaluate sector specialisations for tailored support. Always review current terms to ensure they meet your requirements.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider involves understanding your financing needs. Banks generally offer larger, secured loans with longer terms. Brokers can connect you to flexible, quick options suited for smaller or urgent needs. Specialist lenders focus on export and international trade. 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.