March 26, 2026
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Best Invoice Financing Lenders for the Import and Export Industry

Discover the best invoice financing lenders tailored for the import and export industry in the UK. Improve your cash flow with trusted finance solutions today.
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Best Invoice Financing Lenders for the Import and Export Industry
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

Jesse Spence is a Funding Research and Content Lead at Funding Agent with 4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business owners, not only, improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance but also find the right funding providers for their needs.

Best Invoice Financing Lenders for the Import and Export 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 2026-03-23.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent specialises in helping UK SMEs compare a range of business finance options, with a focus on ease of application. It is suitable for businesses looking for quick access to finance without extensive collateral requirements. The platform offers flexibility in terms of loan duration and repayment options while simplifying eligibility matching.

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

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank provides a wide range of financial products including invoice financing suited for import and export businesses. It is typically suitable for established SMEs seeking reliable, regulated banking services with competitive rates. Their offerings include flexibility in repayment terms and borrowing limits, with a focus on secured and unsecured finance solutions.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 11.2%
  • Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Business Loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: Import, Export

Pros

  • Established bank with a wide network
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Stricter eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

3. iwoca

iwoca focuses on providing flexible working capital finance for SMEs and startups. It is suited to businesses needing speedy access to funds with flexible repayment options. Their solutions typically do not require property security, allowing accessible invoice finance for smaller and growing enterprises.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 18%
  • Max APR: 49%
  • Loan Duration: 1-24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Revenue-based Financing
  • Industries: SMEs, Startups

Pros

  • Flexible repayment terms
  • Rapid approval process

Cons

  • Higher cost for larger amounts

Sources: Source

4. Fleximize

Fleximize provides flexible loan products designed for SMEs across a variety of industries. They accommodate businesses seeking adaptable repayment plans and moderate loan sizes. Their finance solutions often include options that balance loan security and accessible terms through a relatively streamlined process.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 1.5%
  • Max APR: 36.4%
  • Loan Duration: 3-48 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Discounting, Business Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Services, Construction

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Limited to SMEs

Sources: Source

5. Novuna

Novuna offers diversified financial solutions for UK businesses across various sectors, including invoice and asset finance. It is suitable for SMEs needing tailored loan options with moderate to larger amounts. Their services typically focus on combining flexibility with competitive pricing, supporting businesses in retail and manufacturing.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 36.4%
  • Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Asset Finance, Business Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Wholesale, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Quick decisions
  • No hidden fees

Cons

  • Higher APR for some products

Sources: Source

6. Tide

Tide provides an online platform focused on business banking and finance, including flexible invoice financing solutions for SMEs. It is typically suitable for startups and small businesses requiring rapid funding with adjustable limits. Their offerings prioritise ease of access and flexibility in repayment options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £20,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 49%
  • Loan Duration: 1-24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Working Capital Loans
  • Industries: SMEs, Startups, E-commerce

Pros

  • Fast process
  • Flexible limits

Cons

  • Variable APR

Sources: Source

7. Funding Circle

Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform offering invoice finance primarily to small businesses. It suits companies looking for transparent online applications and competitive APRs. Their products usually provide fixed repayment schedules and cater to businesses with established trading histories.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 4.3%
  • Max APR: 26.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Peer-to-peer Lending, Invoice Financing
  • Industries: SMEs, Finance, Technology

Pros

  • Low APR
  • Easy online application

Cons

  • Limited to small businesses

Sources: Source

8. MarketFinance

MarketFinance delivers fast and flexible invoice financing aimed at businesses, including those in import, export, and logistics. It is ideal for companies needing prompt cash flow improvements with straightforward fee structures. Their service supports short to mid-term funding with a focus on simplicity and transparency.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £200,000
  • Min APR: 4.75%
  • Max APR: 19.5%
  • Loan Duration: 3-12 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Discounting, Business Loans
  • Industries: Import, Export, Logistics

Pros

  • Quick funding process
  • No hidden fees

Cons

  • Relatively short terms

Sources: Source

9. Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services specialises in bespoke invoice financing tailored to import and export businesses. It is suited for SMEs seeking customised solutions with competitive pricing. Their services emphasise client-specific arrangements and support for industry-specific financing requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £15,000
  • Max Amount: £300,000
  • Min APR: 3.75%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 6-24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Factoring, Invoice Discounting
  • Industries: Import, Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

  • Tailored solutions
  • Competitive prices

Cons

  • Not available for startups

Sources: Source

10. Hitachi Capital UK

Hitachi Capital UK provides a comprehensive suite of financial services including invoice finance that supports import-export businesses. It targets SMEs that need reliable cash flow management tools and competitive rate options. Their offerings include asset-backed finance solutions with flexible terms and industry-specific focus.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 5%
  • Max APR: 14.2%
  • Loan Duration: 6-36 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Logistics, Wholesale

Pros

  • Strong brand
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Complex terms

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting invoice financing for the import and export industry, consider your business size and cash flow needs first. Review loan sizes and APRs to ensure they fit your budget without overextending. Eligibility criteria vary, so assess your qualifications before applying. Balance speed and application complexity depending on your urgency. Also, evaluate repayment terms and whether collateral is required, as these impact flexibility and cost. Finally, verify the lender's expertise in your sector to secure the best-fit financing solution.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your business priorities. Banks often offer competitive rates and established services but may have stricter criteria. Brokers and specialist providers can offer more flexible options and faster access to funds, though possibly at higher costs. Funding Agent remains a solid choice for SMEs seeking quick comparisons and varied options. Understanding lender types helps align your financing with your operational needs and supports effective cash flow management for loans up to several hundred thousand pounds.

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FAQs

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1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers a range of financial products and services, including flexible invoice financing solutions for businesses in the import and export sector.£10,000–£1,000,000; 6.9%–11.2% APR; 12-60 months
3iwocaIwoca provides flexible finance tailored to the needs of small and medium enterprises, offering quick access to working capital via invoice financing.£1,000–£1,000,000; 18%–49% APR; 1-24 months
4FleximizeFleximize offers flexible loans designed for SMEs, with options that accommodate the unique needs of businesses across various industries.£10,000–£500,000; 1.5%–36.4% APR; 3-48 months
5NovunaNovuna is a provider of innovative financial solutions in the UK, offering support to businesses across multiple sectors through various loan options.£10,000–£250,000; 6.9%–36.4% APR; 12-60 months
6TideTide provides a streamlined online platform for business banking and finance, including invoice financing for SMEs.£1,000–£20,000,000; 6%–49% APR; 1-24 months
7Funding CircleFunding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform that provides invoice financing solutions to small businesses.£5,000–£500,000; 4.3%–26.9% APR; 6-60 months
8MarketFinanceMarketFinance offers flexible, quick, and easy invoice financing solutions for businesses seeking to improve cash flow.£10,000–£200,000; 4.75%–19.5% APR; 3-12 months
9Bibby Financial ServicesBibby Financial Services supports SMEs with bespoke invoice financing solutions, tailored to the specific needs of import and export businesses.£15,000–£300,000; 3.75%–20% APR; 6-24 months
10Hitachi Capital UKHitachi Capital offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including invoice finance specifically designed to help import-export businesses manage cash flow effectively.£5,000–£250,000; 5%–14.2% APR; 6-36 months
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