Best Lenders to Secure a 230k 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 focuses on quickly matching UK SMEs with suitable business finance options through a streamlined application process. It is typically suitable for businesses looking for unsecured loans or working capital without the need for collateral. The platform offers flexibility and fast access to multiple lenders for better choice and clearer terms.
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
LendInvest specialises in short-term bridging loans and online lending primarily for property acquisition or refinancing. It suits franchise buyers or investors needing quick access to funds secured on property. The lender emphasises speed and competitive rates, mainly catering to real estate-related needs with limited unsecured options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 12–24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Buy-to-Let Mortgages
- Industries: Real Estate
Pros
- Simple application process
- Low starting APRs
Fleximize offers flexible business financing with tailored repayment options, aimed at SMEs that need adaptable loan terms. It typically suits franchise operators seeking working capital or business expansion with more personalised service. The provider balances flexibility and speed, offering clear terms without requiring collateral in many cases.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 8%
- Max APR: 24%
- Loan Duration: 3–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Revenue Loans
- Industries: Retail, Services
Pros
- Flexible repayment options
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Higher APR for lower credit scores
OakNorth Bank specialises in loans for fast-growing businesses with flexible support for larger funding needs. It suits franchise owners requiring significant capital for expansion or investment, typically with a focus on secured lending options. The bank provides tailored terms and repayment flexibility for established SMEs with strong financials.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500,000
- Max Amount: £30,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 12–84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Expansion Loans
- Industries: Hospitality, Real Estate, Healthcare
Pros
- Large loan amounts available
- Support for growth-stage businesses
MarketFinance delivers fast and flexible financing mainly through invoice financing and business loans. It is suited to SMEs needing quick working capital or short-to-medium term funding with clear digital service. The provider focuses on transparency and speed while accepting a variety of industries including retail and manufacturing.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: 6–36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Invoice Financing, Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing
Pros
- Digital-first approach
- Transparent fees
Cons
- Higher rates for short terms
IW Capital combines alternative investment opportunities with business loans tailored to SME growth. It suits franchise operators seeking flexible investment and loan options, often involving equity alongside debt. The provider offers bespoke terms with an emphasis on ongoing business support and strategic growth capital.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 6–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Equity Investment
- Industries: Healthcare, Hospitality
Pros
- Focus on SME growth
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher minimum loan amount
Funding Circle provides peer-to-peer business loans with diverse funding options and competitive rates. This platform suits established SMEs seeking unsecured loans for working capital or growth. The lending approach emphasises community-backed financing with a thorough application process and flexible repayment schedules.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 21.9%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Working Capital
- Industries: Retail, Construction
Pros
- Peer-to-peer model
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Stringent application process
Tide Bank offers business banking services including loans and credit lines aimed at smaller businesses needing quick, straightforward finance. It suits franchise operators requiring manageable loan sizes with zero or low fees and easy account integration. The provider focuses on convenience with mostly unsecured lending and fast online approval.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 12–36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Credit Lines
- Industries: Retail, E-commerce
Pros
- Quick access
- Easy online management
Cons
- Limited maximum loan amount
White Oak UK delivers tailored financial solutions including asset-based finance and business loans for SMEs. It is suited to franchise buyers who require larger loan amounts secured on assets with flexible terms. The lender provides bespoke repayment structures and specialised funding for a range of industries.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Financing
- Industries: Manufacturing, Transport
Pros
- Large amounts available
- Tailored solutions
Cons
- Information not always transparent
Rebuildingsociety.com is a peer-to-peer lending platform connecting investors with UK SMEs seeking loans for growth and development. It is suitable for franchise buyers looking for community-backed financing with variable loan terms. The lender emphasises flexibility in lending criteria and direct investor relationships but with potentially less predictable repayment terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 9%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans
- Industries: Tech, Retail
Pros
- Good for community support
- Direct investor engagement
Cons
- Less predictable
- Higher APR potential
How to choose
When securing a 230k short term loan, consider lenders that match your business size and purpose. Check if they offer unsecured options or require collateral, as this affects your flexibility. Speed of approval and ease of application are important for timely funding. Compare APRs and loan durations carefully to balance monthly repayments with total cost. Review lender eligibility criteria and fees, including any early repayment penalties. Choose a provider aligned with your business needs and financial situation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your franchise's specific needs and loan amount. Banks often suit larger, established businesses requiring secured financing. Brokers or platforms like Funding Agent can provide access to multiple lenders with quicker, unsecured options. Specialists include peer-to-peer or alternative lenders for flexible or niche financing. Always verify current terms and costs directly with the provider before applying for a loan around 200 thousand pounds.
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