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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.