Best Lenders to secure a 20k 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 helping UK SMEs by providing fast comparisons of various business finance options. It is suitable for franchise buyers and operators looking for a clear overview of loan products with quick eligibility checks. The process emphasises speed and ease of application, offering unsecured options without requiring collateral.
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
Fleximize specialises in flexible business loans designed for small and medium-sized UK enterprises. It is appropriate for borrowers seeking adaptable repayment plans with competitive rates. The provider offers relatively quick decisions, supporting unsecured loan options tailored to varying business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 10.8%
- Max APR: 46.8%
- Loan Duration: 3-48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Working Capital Loans
- Industries: Small and Medium Enterprises
Pros
- Fast decisions, often within 24 hours
- Loyalty Pledge for returning borrowers
Cons
- Higher APR for short durations
Clifton Private Finance offers bespoke secured business loans and asset finance tailored to various sectors. It suits businesses needing customised lending solutions with negotiated terms and security options. Flexibility in repayment and strong lender relationships support businesses seeking sizeable loan amounts.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £25,000,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Various sectors
Pros
- Bespoke terms
- Strong lender relationships
Cons
- Higher minimum loan amount
Portman Finance Group provides tailored loans and asset finance, focusing on all business sectors across the UK. It is suitable for borrowers seeking flexible lending options with potential fast funding and no personal guarantee on some products. Competitive APRs reflect varied borrower circumstances.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: 3-72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: All business sectors
Pros
- No personal guarantee options available
- Fast funding, sometimes within 24 hours
Cons
- Rates vary significantly based on circumstances
Cashflow Solutions offers flexible business funding focused on small businesses with fast decision-making and fixed rates. It suits borrowers prioritising predictability and speed in loan approvals. Loan products typically include working capital and other unsecured options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 14%
- Loan Duration: 6-48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Working Capital Loans
- Industries: Small Business
Pros
- Fast application process
- Fixed rates for predictability
Cons
- Higher APRs for lower credit scores
Barclays delivers a broad range of business finance products suited to general business customers. It provides both secured and unsecured loans with fixed or variable rates and flexible terms. This is suitable for borrowers valuing established banking relationships and comprehensive service offerings.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: General Business
Pros
- Comprehensive banking solutions
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher rates for lower amounts
RangeWell operates as a finance broker offering access to a wide selection of business finance products. It suits SMEs who value choice and brokered solutions, often including secured and unsecured loans. Users should consider potential broker fees and selection criteria when using this service.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: General Business
Pros
- Wide range of products
- Transparent pricing
Simply Business UK provides an online platform for comparing a variety of business loans and insurance products. It is suitable for SMEs seeking an overview to inform their borrowing decisions. The service offers flexibility in options but does not directly provide loans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 11.8%
- Loan Duration: 6-72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Comparison Service
- Industries: Small and Medium Enterprises
Pros
- Extensive comparison options
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Service may add complexity to decision-making
Century Business Finance provides quick, straightforward finance solutions for UK SMEs, focusing on small business loans and equipment finance. It suits those seeking reliable funding with fixed repayment terms and same-day approvals. This is ideal for businesses needing easy access to working capital or asset financing.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 10%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Equipment Finance
- Industries: SME
Pros
- Same-day approval available
- Fixed repayment options
Cons
- Higher rates for shorter loans
NatWest offers a variety of business banking products including SME loans and overdrafts, suitable for general business needs. This provider is appropriate for borrowers seeking flexible terms backed by a well-established bank. Repayment flexibility and a range of loan options support diverse business requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 10%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1-7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: General Business
Pros
- Established banking reputation
- Flexible repayment options
Cons
- Limited maximum loan amount
How to choose
When choosing a lender for a 20 thousand pounds secured business loan, start by assessing your loan amount and preferred APR against your budget. Check eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you qualify. Balance the need for speed with flexibility in terms and repayment options. Consider the loan-to-value ratios, types of security required, and fees involved. It is wise to compare brokers, specialist lenders, and traditional banks to find an option that fits your business needs and risk profile.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your specific borrowing needs. Banks offer established services and flexibility but may have stricter criteria. Brokers provide access to multiple lenders and a wide range of products, suitable for businesses seeking variety. Specialist lenders often focus on bespoke terms and asset-backed loans. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs requiring quick comparison across many options when securing a 20 thousand pounds loan. Always verify current terms directly with the provider before proceeding.
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