Best Lenders to Secure a 170k Secured 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 2026-01-23.
Funding Agent focuses on providing a fast comparison service for UK SMEs seeking business finance options. It is suitable for those requiring straightforward borrowing with predictable terms. The service offers quick eligibility matching and does not typically require collateral, balancing speed and simplicity.
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
HSBC UK offers a broad range of bank business loans including secured, unsecured, and asset-based options. It typically suits SMEs seeking flexible loan terms with various collateral options. The lender provides established products with different repayment choices to support diverse financial needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £30,000
- Min APR: 5.7%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loan, Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Flexible repayment terms
- No arrangement fees
Fleximize specialises in flexible business loans tailored to SMEs with a focus on adaptable repayment options. It is suitable for businesses seeking competitive rates and rewards for loyalty. The offering emphasises flexibility though specific loan sizes are not detailed.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 1.9%
- Max APR: 3.9%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Competitive monthly rates
- Loyalty rewards for repeat business
Cons
- Rates higher for unsecured loans
Barclays delivers a range of business loans with flexible terms and competitive interest rates across sectors. It is generally suited for businesses seeking established banking solutions with different loan and repayment structures. Collateral requirements and terms vary by product.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 34.5%
- Loan Duration: Flexible ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loan, Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Established bank
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher APR for smaller loans
Funding Options acts as a broker connecting businesses to a wide network of lenders offering secured and unsecured loans. It suits SMEs looking for broad market access and tailored matches. This platform balances choice with guidance rather than direct lending.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1–7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loan, Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide network of lenders
- Tailored matching service
Portman Finance Group offers secured and unsecured loans tailored to SME needs with a focus on flexible terms and competitive rates. It serves various industries and aims to provide brokered access as well as direct lending options. The lender emphasises adaptable loan durations and amounts.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 0.65%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3 months to 6 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loan, Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Both lender and broker
- Wide range of loan amounts
Experian provides a platform for businesses to compare financing options and gain insights into various loan products. It is aimed at those seeking clarity and understanding of different offers rather than direct lending. The service supports informed decision-making through comprehensive comparison tools.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Comparison Service
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Comprehensive guide and calculator tool
MoneySuperMarket offers a tool for comparing business loan products from various providers. It suits SMEs wanting to evaluate options broadly without engaging lenders directly. The platform focuses on enabling easy access to information and choice.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Comparison Service
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Comprehensive comparison tool
GoCompare offers a comparison service designed to help businesses assess and select loan options carefully. It is suitable for SMEs seeking to understand market offerings without direct lender involvement. The tool emphasises ease of use and protecting credit scores during comparison.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Comparison Service
- Industries: Various
Pros
- No impact on credit score for comparing
Merchant Savvy provides detailed guides and comparison information on secured business loans for UK SMEs. It is geared towards borrowers seeking in-depth understanding rather than direct financing. The platform supports evaluating loan options and eligibility considerations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 9.6%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loan, Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Comprehensive information
How to choose
When selecting a lender for a 170k secured business loan, assess your eligibility and borrowing needs carefully. Consider the balance between speed and flexibility, especially regarding loan duration and repayment terms. Verify whether collateral or security is required and understand potential loan-to-value limits. Broker platforms can offer wider options but may have less control over terms. Always review fees and early repayment policies to align with your franchise's cash flow and seasonal considerations. Clear loan size and APR matching are essential to avoid unexpected costs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your specific business needs and loan use case. Banks typically provide direct lending with established terms, while brokers and comparison platforms grant access to broader networks but do not lend directly. Specialist lenders may offer more tailored solutions for unique requirements. Funding Agent remains a useful starting point for SMEs seeking quick comparisons across multiple options. For a 170 thousand pounds loan, ensure the provider's offerings align with your repayment capacity and security preferences.