February 12, 2026
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Best Lenders to Secure a 180k Short Term Loan

Best Lenders to Secure a 180k Short Term Loan

Discover the best lenders to secure a £180,000 short term loan in the UK. Compare rates, terms, and find quick and reliable loan options tailored to your needs.
James Laden
Co-founder and CEO

8 years of experience working with major financial companies in the UK, and now focuses on making business funding simpler for SMEs through a faster, technology-led application journey.

Best Lenders to Secure a 180k 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.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent operates as a broker, enabling UK SMEs to quickly compare various business finance products. It is typically suited for borrowers seeking straightforward options with clarity on terms. Applicants benefit from a fast, simple application process without the need for collateral and flexible repayment solutions.

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. Barclays

Barclays focuses on traditional bank business loans, suitable for a wide range of borrowers including franchise buyers needing larger loan amounts. Its products often require meeting strict eligibility, with a focus on collateral availability and various repayment options. The bank offers flexibility on terms but typically caters to established businesses.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 23.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6–120 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Asset finance
  • Industries: All industries

Pros

  • Established reputation
  • Wide range of loan products

Cons

  • Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

3. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank specialises in bank business loans and invoice finance, suited to SMEs and larger businesses with varied funding needs. It typically supports borrowers requiring flexible repayment plans and competitive rates, with some loan products secured by assets. Lloyds provides tailored solutions with consideration of industry sectors.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6.5%
  • Max APR: 24.5%
  • Loan Duration: 3–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Invoice finance
  • Industries: Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Competitive rates
  • Diverse product offerings

Cons

  • Lengthy application process

Sources: Source

4. HSBC

HSBC offers a broad array of bank business loans with a global reach, geared for companies requiring substantial funding and robust financial products. It typically serves borrowers able to meet higher lending criteria, with options for secured loans and equipment finance. HSBC balances term flexibility with structured repayment plans.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 5.9%
  • Max APR: 22.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Equipment finance
  • Industries: Technology, Construction

Pros

  • Global presence
  • Wide variety of financial products

Cons

  • High eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

5. NatWest

NatWest provides a comprehensive range of bank loan products for businesses of all sizes, typically supporting franchises and SMEs. It offers flexibility in repayment and funding types like overdrafts, with consideration for creditworthiness and business stability. NatWest aims to balance accessibility with structured lending criteria.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 22.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6–120 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: Hospitality, Retail

Pros

  • Flexible repayment options
  • Strong customer support

Cons

  • Eligibility based on credit score

Sources: Source

6. Tide

Tide is a fintech lender targeting SMEs with fast, flexible business loans and credit lines. It works best for borrowers seeking quick decisions without extensive collateral requirements. Tide’s platform suits those prioritising speed and straightforward application processes for short-term funding.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £150,000
  • Min APR: 8.5%
  • Max APR: 35%
  • Loan Duration: 3–36 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Credit lines
  • Industries: Startups, SMEs

Pros

  • No hidden fees
  • Quick loan processing

Cons

  • Limited to SMEs

Sources: Source

7. Metro Bank

Metro Bank operates as a retail and commercial bank providing business loans and other financial services. It is suited for franchises and SMEs looking for customer-focused lending with flexible terms. The lender offers various repayment options while typically requiring some security depending on loan size.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 7.9%
  • Max APR: 28%
  • Loan Duration: 6–72 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Bridging finance
  • Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

  • Customer-focused
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Limited branch network

Sources: Source

8. Santander

Santander delivers a range of business loans tailored for SMEs and franchise buyers, with an emphasis on transparent fees and structured repayments. Its products generally cover multiple sectors and offer invoice finance options. Borrowers should expect standard lender security and eligibility assessments.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 20.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Invoice finance
  • Industries: Healthcare, Retail

Pros

  • Transparent fees
  • Wide range of products

Cons

  • High penalties for late payments

Sources: Source

9. Funding Circle

Funding Circle operates a peer-to-peer lending platform designed for small businesses seeking quick, affordable business loans. It appeals to borrowers comfortable with online application and willing to provide financial statements. Loans may offer competitive APRs but require a clear repayment plan.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 29.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans
  • Industries: Small businesses

Pros

  • Quick funding process
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Requires financial statements

Sources: Source

10. Starling Bank

Starling Bank offers digital banking and business loans tailored for smaller enterprises and franchise owners seeking quick, accessible funds. It specialises in low APR loans with straightforward approval processes, typically without extensive physical branch interactions. The bank supports flexible repayment schedules suitable for short-term finance needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £500
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 3%
  • Max APR: 22%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans
  • Industries: Small businesses

Pros

  • Low starting APR
  • Innovative banking solutions

Cons

  • Limited physical branches

Sources: Source

How to choose

When seeking a 180k short term loan, assess your financing purpose and business profile carefully. Match your loan size and APR expectations to lender offerings for the best fit. Consider eligibility criteria, application speed, and repayment flexibility across providers. Review if you prefer direct bank lending, broker services, or fintech platforms. Pay attention to collateral requirements, fees, and early repayment options. These factors will help balance costs with your franchise's cash flow and seasonality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your specific needs. Banks offer structured loans with varying eligibility and collateral demands, often suited for larger or longer-term needs. Brokers provide access to multiple lenders for SMEs, helping with quick comparisons across options. Specialists and fintech lenders focus on speed and flexibility but may suit smaller amounts or shorter terms. Funding Agent remains a solid choice for businesses seeking fast, comparative insights on options for a 180 thousand pounds loan. Always verify terms and conditions before committing.

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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
2BarclaysBarclays is a British multinational investment bank and financial services company that offers a diverse range of business loans and financial products.£1,000–£1,000,000; 7.5%–23.9% APR; 6–120 months
3Lloyds BankLloyds Bank provides funding solutions for small to large businesses with an array of financial products tailored to meet diverse needs.£1,000–£500,000; 6.5%–24.5% APR; 3–84 months
4HSBCHSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, offering a comprehensive range of business loans in the UK.£1,000–£5,000,000; 5.9%–22.9% APR; 12–84 months
5NatWestNatWest offers a wide range of business banking products including loans tailored for companies of all sizes, from SMEs to large corporations.£1,000–£1,000,000; 6%–22.5% APR; 6–120 months
6TideTide is a fintech company offering comprehensive business banking services and is known for its fast, flexible loans for SMEs in the UK.£5,000–£150,000; 8.5%–35% APR; 3–36 months
7Metro BankMetro Bank is a retail and commercial bank offering personal, business, and private banking services in the UK.£2,000–£250,000; 7.9%–28% APR; 6–72 months
8SantanderSantander UK offers a range of business banking products and services, including loans and financing solutions for various business needs.£1,000–£500,000; 6.9%–20.9% APR; 12–84 months
9Funding CircleFunding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending marketplace focused on business loans, allowing businesses to access fast and affordable funding from a pool of investors.£5,000–£500,000; 7.5%–29.9% APR; 6–60 months
10Starling BankStarling Bank provides comprehensive banking services including business loans tailored for small to medium enterprises in the UK.£500–£250,000; 3%–22% APR; 12–60 months