January 23, 2026
Lists
Square image with a black border and white background
Best Lenders to secure a 20k to 50k Working Capital Loan

Best Lenders to secure a 20k to 50k Working Capital Loan

Discover the best lenders offering working capital loans between £20,000 and £50,000. Compare rates, terms, and find the right loan to grow your UK business today.
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business ownersb improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance

Best Lenders to secure a 20k to 50k Working Capital 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.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on providing a platform for UK SMEs to compare multiple business finance options quickly. It is suited to franchise buyers and operators seeking unsecured loans and working capital with a straightforward application process. Key factors include fast eligibility matching and flexible loan terms without the need for 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

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance operates as an independent broker specialising in bespoke property and commercial finance solutions. It typically serves businesses needing property-secured loans or large-scale commercial funding. Their offerings focus on tailored deals with a range of collateral options and less emphasis on speed, aiming for customised fit.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £20,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000,000
  • Min APR: 7%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Loans
  • Industries: Real Estate, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Customized solutions
  • Wide range of loan sizes

Cons

  • High APR for unsecured loans

Sources: Source

3. Fleximize

Fleximize provides flexible business loans aimed at UK SMEs seeking adaptable repayment schedules. Its loans cater well to working capital needs and early repayment without penalties. The lender offers a streamlined process emphasizing transparency and borrower control.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 8.5%
  • Max APR: 12%
  • Loan Duration: 12-84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Working Capital Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Services

Pros

  • Flexible repayment options
  • No hidden fees

Cons

  • May require personal guarantee

Sources: Source

4. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank offers a range of personal and business banking products, including secured and unsecured loans. It is suited to SMEs and franchise buyers wanting a reputable bank with fixed interest rates. The bank provides loans with clear terms and options that fit established businesses seeking moderate loan sizes.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 11.2%
  • Max APR: 11.2%
  • Loan Duration: 1-5 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Legal & Professionals, Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

  • Reputable bank
  • Fixed interest rates

Cons

  • Limited maximum loan amount for SMEs

Sources: Source

5. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance delivers simple financial solutions for SMEs managing day-to-day operations and growth investment. It is best suited to borrowers looking for straightforward approval and zero percent APR loan options. The lender focuses on transparent terms and practical funding for general business needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1-5 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Working Capital Loans, Asset Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Fast approvals
  • High maximum loan amount

Cons

  • APR may vary based on creditworthiness

Sources: Source

6. Portman Finance Group

Portman Finance Group is a specialist broker and lender offering personalised finance solutions to UK SMEs. It caters to clients needing asset finance or unsecured loans with flexible repayment options. The group is suited for borrowers looking for tailored loan amounts and terms supported by brokered access.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 3 months to 6 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Various sectors

Pros

  • Fast processing
  • Broad range of loan amounts

Cons

  • Higher rates for unsecured loans

Sources: Source

7. HSBC UK

HSBC UK is a global bank offering a variety of business and personal loan products. It suits SMEs requiring flexible financing in sectors like manufacturing and industrials. The bank provides competitive rates, varied loan durations and access to global banking infrastructure.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 5.7%
  • Max APR: 18.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1-10 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Personal Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing & Industrials

Pros

  • Global bank with wide network
  • Variety of loan products

Cons

  • Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

8. Barclays

Barclays is a British multinational bank providing diverse services including business and personal loans. It supports SMEs that value access to branch networks and digital tools. Loan products cover a range of needs, emphasising reliable service and structured repayment terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 11.2%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1-7 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Personal Loans
  • Industries: Various sectors

Pros

  • Online tools and calculators
  • Physically accessible branches

Cons

  • Higher APR for small loans

Sources: Source

9. NatWest

NatWest is a major UK retail and commercial bank offering a broad range of financial services. It is suitable for SMEs requiring business loans or overdrafts across various sectors. NatWest provides flexible lending solutions but with some uncertainty around specific loan terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: Various sectors

Pros

  • Wide range of financial products
  • Known for customer service

Cons

  • Vague loan duration details

Sources: Source

10. Cash Flow Solutions

Cash Flow Solutions specialises in small business loans targeting cash flow support and asset purchases. It is most appropriate for SMEs seeking growth-focused funding with tailored advice. Their offerings lean towards practical solutions with less publicly available loan term detail.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £20,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Asset Purchase
  • Industries: Various sectors

Pros

  • Tailored solutions for growth
  • Expert business advice

Cons

  • Limited information available online

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a 20k to 50k working capital loan, consider your specific financial needs and repayment capacity. Look closely at loan size, APR, and flexibility of terms to match your cash flow patterns. Understand eligibility requirements and check whether the lender offers unsecured options if collateral is an issue. Weigh the trade-offs between application speed and flexibility of repayment. Factor in fees, early repayment options, and whether brokered access could widen your choices. Ensuring the loan aligns with your franchise’s operational cycles is crucial for sustainable borrowing.

Conclusion

The choice of lender depends on your loan purpose and business profile. Banks often offer reliability and fixed rates suitable for established SMEs, while brokers provide access to a broader lender network and tailored solutions. Specialist lenders may offer flexibility and sector-specific expertise but sometimes with limited transparency. Funding Agent is a practical option for quick comparisons when seeking loans around 20 thousand to 50 thousand pounds. Always verify the latest terms and conditions from your chosen provider before proceeding.

Table of Contents

Let’s launch your project?

arrow button

Find the right lender for you!

Generate offers
Cta image

FAQs

What is a working capital loan?
How do I qualify for a £20k to £50k working capital loan?
Which lenders offer the best working capital loans in the UK?
What is the typical repayment period for these loans?
Are working capital loans secured or unsecured?
How quickly can I get approved for a working capital loan?

Get Funding For
Your Business

Generate offers
Cta image
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
2Clifton Private FinanceClifton Private Finance is an independent brokerage offering bespoke property finance, business funds, and asset finance solutions.£20,000–£25,000,000; 7%–20% APR; Unknown
3FleximizeFleximize is a UK-based lender offering flexible business loans tailored for SMEs with options for early repayments and top-ups.£10,000–£500,000; 8.5%–12% APR; 12-84 months
4Lloyds BankLloyds Bank is a major UK bank providing a range of financial products and services to customers including personal and business banking solutions.£1,000–£50,000; 11.2%–11.2% APR; 1-5 years
5Century Business FinanceCentury Business Finance provides fast and straightforward financial solutions for SMEs to manage operations and invest in growth.£10,000–£250,000; 0%–0% APR; 1-5 years
6Portman Finance GroupPortman Finance Group is a specialist business finance broker and lender providing personalized finance solutions for UK SMEs.£10,000–£2,000,000; 6.9%–0% APR; 3 months to 6 years
7HSBC UKHSBC UK is a major global bank offering a wide range of banking and financing solutions to personal and business customers.£1,000–£25,000; 5.7%–18.9% APR; 1-10 years
8BarclaysBarclays is a British multinational bank providing a range of services including personal banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking.£5,000–£50,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; 1-7 years
9NatWestNatWest is a major retail and commercial bank in the UK offering banking and financial services to individuals and SMEs.£1,000–£100,000; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
10Cash Flow SolutionsCash Flow Solutions specializes in small business loans to support cash flow, asset purchase, and business growth initiatives.£20,000–£50,000; 0%–0% APR; Unknown