Best Lenders to Secure a 150k to 200k Short Term Business Loan
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 2026-02-12.
Funding Agent focuses on helping UK SMEs compare various business finance options through a streamlined process. It is typically suitable for businesses seeking short to medium term loans with clear eligibility criteria. The provider emphasises fast application and eligibility matching without requiring collateral.
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
Lending Crowd provides peer-to-peer business loans focused on supporting UK SMEs in achieving financial growth and stability. This lender is suitable for franchise buyers and operators who want straightforward funding options. Their service offers online applications with no early repayment penalties.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 6.5%
- Max APR: 22.5%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-peer Loans
- Industries: Retail, Healthcare
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Fast online application
Cons
- Potentially higher APR for riskier applications
Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform offering UK SMEs access to business loans with efficient approval times. It is suitable for franchise owners needing clear terms and quick loan funding. Users should consider the platform’s eligibility criteria and repayment options when applying.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 29.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-peer Loans, Business Loans
- Industries: Hospitality, Construction
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Quick disbursement
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
Iwoca provides flexible short-term business loans to UK SMEs without hidden fees. It suits those seeking speed and simplicity with a range of repayment terms. The lender offers unsecured credit options that can be suitable for working capital needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 9%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 1-12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Flexible Credit, Short-term Loans
- Industries: Retail, E-commerce
Pros
- Quick loan processing
- No hidden fees
RateSetter specialises in peer-to-peer lending with personal and business loans designed for UK SMEs. It is suitable for borrowers seeking transparent fees and flexible term options. The platform offers a straightforward application process with clear repayment terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 3.9%
- Max APR: 16.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Peer-to-peer Loans
- Industries: Technology, Education
Pros
- No early repayment charges
- Transparent fees
Cons
- Strict credit requirements
OakNorth Bank is a UK specialist bank offering customised lending solutions for SMEs requiring larger loan amounts. It suits borrowers needing structured loans often secured against assets or property. The bank provides flexible terms tailored to business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 4.5%
- Max APR: 14.5%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Mortgages
- Industries: Healthcare, Manufacturing
Pros
- Customized loan solutions
- Suitable for larger funding needs
Metro Bank provides traditional business loans with emphasis on personalised service and quick lending decisions. This lender suits those who prefer localised support and clear loan products. It offers loans with flexible terms and various financing options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Retail, Real Estate
Pros
- Personalized service
- Quick decisions
Aldermore Bank offers a broad range of business loans and asset finance solutions, catering to SMEs and real estate financing. This institution suits franchisees requiring tailored loan structures with manageable repayment plans. Loans may be secured and often come with flexible term options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Real Estate, Logistics
Pros
- Flexible repayment plans
- Specialist lending
Cons
- Higher APR on smaller loans
Atom Bank is a digital lender focused on fast-growing SMEs, offering competitive business loans digitally. It’s well suited for franchise buyers comfortable with a fully online experience. Flexible business loan options come with competitive interest rates but no physical branches.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 13.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Mortgages
- Industries: Technology, Retail
Pros
- Digital service
- Competitive rates
Starling Bank operates as a digital challenger bank, providing business loans and overdrafts to UK SMEs. It is suitable for franchisees seeking quick and easy online lending with software integration. The service focuses on speed and convenience through digital channels only.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 6-48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Hospitality, Retail
Pros
- Easy online application
- Integration with accounting software
Cons
- Limited to digital channels
How to choose
When selecting a lender for a short term business loan between 150k and 200k pounds, consider your loan size and APR carefully to fit your budget and cash flow. Evaluate lender criteria including eligibility, fees, and early repayment terms to avoid surprises. Balance speed of funding with flexibility in repayment and loan structure. Check if the loan requires collateral and if repayment types suit your business model. Consider lender types, whether digital platforms, specialist banks, or brokers, depending on your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your specific business needs. Banks often provide structured loans for larger or asset-backed funding, while brokers offer wider lender access to match diverse requirements. Specialist providers may deliver faster, more flexible short term solutions but with varying eligibility. Funding Agent is valuable for SMEs wanting quick comparisons among multiple options. Always verify current costs and terms to ensure the product suits your borrowing purpose for loans around 200 thousand pounds.