Best Franchise Finance Lenders for UK 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 Funding Agent provides financial solutions tailored for SMEs in the UK, including comprehensive franchise finance options. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 8.9%
• Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Franchise Finance
• Industries: Franchising, Consultancy, Marketing

Pros

• Low interest rates
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-10-unsecured-business-loans-for-startups-in-the-uk

2. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding Swoop Funding is a digital platform offering franchise finance loans with quick access and flexible options. It connects franchisees seeking fast funding through simple application processes. 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: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Franchising, SMEs

Pros

• Wide loan range
• Quick application process

Cons

• High APR for riskier businesses

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-franchise-finance-lenders-in-the-uk

3. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance Specialising in tailored lending solutions, this provider supports property purchase, refinancing, and business acquisitions. It caters to franchise buyers needing customised, potentially secured, funding options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £25,000,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Property, Franchising

Pros

• Customizable terms
• Expert advisory services

Cons

• Higher rates for unsecured loans

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/blog/05122023183052-business-loan-interest-rates/

4. Sorbus Finance

Sorbus Finance Offering flexible financial solutions, this provider supports business growth and asset funding. It is suitable for franchisees looking for strategic funding options with potential security. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: Retail, Franchising

Pros

• Strategic financial advice
• Flexible funding

Cons

• Information on APR not readily available

Sources: https://sorbusfinance.co.uk/business-loan-interest-rates/

5. Rosewood Finance

Rosewood Finance Specialising in cost-effective commercial loans, this provider offers tailored financing solutions for businesses expanding or acquiring assets. It suits UK SMEs seeking flexible, fixed-term funding for growth. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £15,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 3–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: Commercial, Franchising

Pros

• Competitive rates
• Wide loan range

Cons

• Usually requires security

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

6. Iwoca

Iwoca Iwoca offers flexible small business financing, including loans for franchise operations. It accommodates quick access to working capital and flexible 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: Flexible up to 12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Credit Lines, SME Loans
• Industries: Retail, Franchising

Pros

• Fast approval
• Transparent fees

Cons

• High APR for short-term loans

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

7. Principal Business Finance

Principal Business Finance Delivers diverse lending solutions to support franchise growth, including term loans, bridging, and asset finance. It caters to businesses seeking flexible, secured or unsecured funding options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 35%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Overdraft Services
• Industries: Franchising, Service Industry

Pros

• Variety of loan types
• Personalized service

Cons

• Interest rates can be high

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-franchise-finance-lenders-in-the-uk

8. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize provides tailored business loans and revenue-based financing options. It supports franchisees needing flexible working capital solutions, including quick funding and adaptable repayment terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 10.2%
• Max APR: 58.4%
• Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Revenue Advances
• Industries: Healthcare, Franchising

Pros

• Flexible funding solutions
• Quick access to funds

Cons

• Higher APR for longer loans

Sources: https://fleximize.com/business-loans/franchise-finance

9. Millbrook Business Finance

Millbrook Business Finance Offers a range of business finance solutions including loans and asset funding, suitable for franchise expansion or acquisition. It serves UK SMEs seeking structured, flexible finance with manageable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £300,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: Transport, Franchising

Pros

• Varied financing options
• Competitive rates

Cons

• Usually requires collateral

Sources: https://www.millbrookbusinessfinance.com/sectors/franchise-finance-solutions

10. Novuna Business Finance

Novuna Business Finance Now part of a broader financial group, this provider offers asset-based lending, leasing, and working capital funding. It supports franchise growth through secured and unsecured options, with fast approval processes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 6–48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Financing, Lease Financing
• Industries: Franchising, Manufacturing

Pros

• Low starting APR
• Flexible lease terms

Cons

• Strict credit assessment

Sources: https://www.finder.com/uk/business-loans/novuna

How to choose

This guide helps franchisees and small business owners match loan options to their needs. Consider loan size, APR, and repayment terms. Check eligibility criteria and fees. Balance speed of approval with flexibility. Review lender requirements and early repayment options before choosing.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider depends on your needs. Direct bank lenders often offer secured, larger loans. Brokers can access a range of products and options. Specialist lenders may focus on particular sectors or collateral types. 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. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.