best lenders to secure a 200k working capital 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 2025-12-08.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent Funding Agent is a leading finance company providing tailored funding solutions for businesses across the UK, ensuring quick and easy access to working capital. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan, Invoice Financing
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Pros
- Fast approval
- Flexible terms
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Limited to UK businesses
Sources: Funding Agents 200k Working Capital Business Loan
2. Barclays
Barclays Barclays offers a variety of business loans tailored to meet the unique needs of SMEs in the UK, with competitive rates and flexible terms. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 1–10 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Business Mortgage
- Industries: Retail, Healthcare, Real estate
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Quick access to funds
Cons
- Limited to existing customers
Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/
3. SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance SWIG Finance provides funding options for start-ups and SMEs, including secured and unsecured loans. It mainly serves clients in the South and West of England and focuses on social enterprises. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,001
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 16%
- Max APR: 16%
- Loan Duration: Up to 60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Social Enterprises, Franchises
Pros
- No tangible assets required
- Focused on social enterprises
Cons
- Higher interest rates
Sources: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/
4. Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers a variety of business loans suitable for different sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare. It provides options for both short and long-term borrowing, with flexible repayment structures. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 11.2%
- Loan Duration: Up to 25 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan
- Industries: Manufacturing, Health, Education
Pros
- Comprehensive support for industries
- Long-term loans available
Cons
- Approval process can be slow
Sources: https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html
5. NatWest
NatWest NatWest offers tailored lending solutions for UK businesses, including options for working capital and growth projects. It covers a range of sectors and provides flexible repayment terms. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 10%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1–7 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan
- Industries: Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing
Pros
- Quick application process
- Wide coverage across UK
Cons
- Interest rates can be high
Sources: https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance.html
6. Money.co.uk
Money.co.uk Money.co.uk provides a platform for comparing various business loan options in the UK, including secured and unsecured products. It assists businesses in finding suitable financing quickly and efficiently. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £15,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: Varies by lender⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide range of comparisons
- Detailed loan information
Cons
- Does not provide loans directly
Sources: https://www.money.co.uk/business/business-loans
7. HSBC
HSBC HSBC provides flexible business loans that cater to a wide range of corporate needs, including capital investment and expansion. They are known for offering customised terms and quick approvals. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 11%
- Max APR: 11.2%
- Loan Duration: 1–10 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan
- Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Infrastructure
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Renowned global bank
Cons
- Stricter lending criteria
Sources: https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/products/flexible-business-loan
8. Aurora Capital
Aurora Capital Aurora Capital specialises in providing both secured and unsecured business loans to support growth and expansion across various sectors in the UK. It offers flexible options tailored to different collateral and security preferences. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: Up to 25 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan
- Industries: Commercial Properties, Retail
Pros
- High loan amounts available
- Quick approval process
Cons
- Requires property security
Sources: https://auroracapital.co.uk/
9. Century Business Finance
Century Business Finance Century Business Finance provides fast and straightforward funding options for SMEs, including secured and unsecured loans, aimed at quick approvals and flexible terms. It supports a range of sectors and growth strategies. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 12%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 1–48 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Various SMEs
Pros
- Fast approval process
- No collateral needed
Cons
- Higher interest rates
Sources: https://www.centurybusinessfinance.co.uk/
10. Bizcap
Bizcap Bizcap offers rapid, flexible loans with no credit checks, ideal for quick growth in competitive markets. It supports businesses needing fast funding and straightforward terms. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 15%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: 3–24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Retail, Wholesale, Construction
Pros
- Fast funding
- No credit checks
Cons
- High APR
- Shorter loan duration
Sources: https://www.bizcap.co.uk/
How to choose
When selecting a lender for a 200k working capital loan, consider whether a bank, broker, or specialist lender best suits your needs. Bank loans often provide stability and clear terms but may involve slower processing and stricter criteria. Brokers can help access a wider range of options, including less conventional products. Specialist lenders may offer faster decisions but might have higher rates or specific collateral requirements. Match loan size, APR, and repayment flexibility to your cash flow and business plans. Always review eligibility, fees, and early repayment options before committing.
Conclusion
Matching the right lender involves understanding your specific needs and the type of financing best suited for your business. Bank providers are suited for larger, asset-backed loans, while broker services can offer access to diverse options. Specialist lenders may be appropriate for quick approvals or sector-specific needs. Always verify current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit larger amounts, asset-backed needs, or sector specialisms. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.
