Best Lenders to Secure a 160k Short Term 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 providing a platform for UK SMEs to compare various unsecured business finance options quickly. It is suitable for franchise buyers and small business operators looking for fast, flexible loan terms without collateral requirements. The lender offers a streamlined process with options covering a wide range of amounts and repayment durations, focusing on easy accessibility and 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
Example Bank 1 is a traditional banking lender offering business loans primarily suitable for established franchise buyers requiring medium-term financing. Its products typically suit borrowers looking for reliability with competitive rates, though access may depend on existing customer relationships. The bank provides structured loan options with fixed repayments and some flexibility in collateral requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 6.2%
- Max APR: 18.5%
- Loan Duration: 12–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Tech
Cons
- Limited to existing customers
Example Finance 2 specialises in secured lending solutions often used by franchise owners needing property-backed or asset-secured business financing. The lender suits borrowers seeking relatively flexible loan durations with options that may include varied repayment structures. It focuses on providing security-based finance with moderate to high APR ranges reflecting risk and asset coverage.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £20,000
- Max Amount: £160,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans
- Industries: Healthcare
Cons
- Higher rates for startups
Example Lender 3 offers merchant cash advances structured to support franchise businesses seeking quick capital injections. This provider is suitable for operators requiring fast access to funds with relatively short repayment windows and flexible security terms. The lending solutions here tend to feature higher interest rates reflecting the convenience and speed of funding.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 6.5%
- Max APR: 21.5%
- Loan Duration: 6–24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance
- Industries: Hospitality
Example Cooperative 4 functions as a cooperative lender providing term loans and credit lines often preferred by franchise owners in agriculture and similar industries. This option suits borrowers seeking community-orientated financing with some flexibility on terms but possibly longer approval periods. The provider emphasises shared benefits and typically requires certain member criteria.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £30,000
- Max Amount: £130,000
- Min APR: 5.9%
- Max APR: 17.9%
- Loan Duration: 6–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, Credit Lines
- Industries: Agriculture
Example Capital 5 provides capital financing often aimed at franchisees needing equipment funding and construction-related loans. It is suited to businesses preferring tailored financial products that can cover specific asset investments. This firm offers moderate flexibility and repayment options within mid-range durations but may apply higher APRs for unsecured loans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 19%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Equipment Financing
- Industries: Construction
Pros
- Tailored financing solutions
Cons
- Higher APR for unsecured loans
Example Solutions 6 specialises in business loans aimed at franchise owners who value solution-based lending, particularly in the transportation sector. The lender offers moderate loan amounts with repayment durations focusing on flexibility and straightforward application. Physical branch presence may be limited, but it strives to balance accessibility with competitive finance terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £40,000
- Max Amount: £140,000
- Min APR: 8%
- Max APR: 22%
- Loan Duration: 3–36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Transportation
Pros
- Simple application process
Cons
- Limited physical branches
Example Invest 7 focuses on investment loans tailored for franchise businesses involved in energy and expansion projects. It offers structured financing suited for borrowers needing capital to grow operations, with longer loan durations and specific eligibility requirements. The lending typically involves moderate interest rates and repayment schemes adapted to business growth cycles.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £60,000
- Max Amount: £160,000
- Min APR: 6.8%
- Max APR: 20.8%
- Loan Duration: 12–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Investment Loans
- Industries: Energy
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
Example Services 8 specialises in short-term loans targeting franchise buyers and operators needing flexible funding for operational or seasonal needs. This lender is suited for those looking for adaptable repayment schedules and moderate loan sizes within service-related industries such as education. The offerings focus on convenience but may lack some transparency in detailed terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £120,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 19.5%
- Loan Duration: 12–36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Short Term Loans
- Industries: Education
Example Holdings 9 provides commercial loans aimed at franchise operators in real estate and related fields. The lender suits borrowers looking for simple access to funding with low barriers to entry but who may face higher fees for early repayment. Loan products tend to offer mid-range terms suited for property-related business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £20,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 7.9%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: 6–24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Commercial Loans
- Industries: Real Estate
Cons
- Higher early repayment fees
How to choose
When selecting the best lender for a 160k short term loan, consider your specific funding needs and business stage. Evaluate loan sizes, APR ranges, and repayment terms carefully to fit your cash flow and seasonal cycles. Check eligibility criteria to confirm you meet lender requirements, including collateral or unsecured options. Balance application speed with loan flexibility, noting any early repayment conditions and fees. Assess industry focus and product types that align with your franchise sector. Always verify up-to-date costs and terms before committing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender for a 160 thousand pounds loan depends on your business needs and risk profile. Banks often provide competitive rates for established borrowers but may have stricter eligibility. Brokers and specialist lenders can offer faster access and non-standard products, but with varying costs and terms. Funding Agent serves as a useful tool for comparing multiple options quickly. Always match provider type to loan purpose for best outcomes.