Best Lenders to secure a 240k 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.
Funding Agent focuses on brokering access to business finance for UK SMEs through a straightforward comparison and application process. It is typically suited for SMEs looking for unsecured and secured working capital loans with quick eligibility checks. The provider emphasises ease of application, fast responses, and transparent loan 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
Barclays offers a broad portfolio of bank business loans and financial services focused on retail and commercial clients. It often suits SMEs requiring structured loans and working capital with flexible terms backed by an established banking institution. Barclays emphasises reliable service, and options that may require some form of security or credit checks depending on the loan.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Working capital funding
- Industries: Retail, Commercial
Pros
- Well-established bank
- Flexible loan terms
Cons
- May have higher interest rates for small amounts
SWIG Finance specialises in medium-term unsecured business loans for enterprises primarily in the South West of England. It suits SMEs looking for working capital finance without requiring traditional collateral. SWIG’s offerings focus on regional businesses with tailored credit assessments and support for start-ups.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,001
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, Working capital
- Industries: General
Pros
- No tangible assets required
- Support for start-ups
Cons
- Limited regional service area
Lloyds Bank provides a range of financial products including loans and lines of credit for small and medium businesses. It is suitable for SMEs looking for reputable bank lending with flexible repayment options. Lloyds emphasises established banking support though loan APR can vary based on security and credit profile.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 9.6%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Lines of credit
- Industries: General
Pros
- Comprehensive banking services
- Established brand
NatWest is a major UK bank delivering retail and commercial banking solutions. It typically serves SMEs requiring a broad range of banking services, including loan products. NatWest focuses on broad industry access and aims to provide banking flexibility supported by a wide branch network.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business banking, Loans
- Industries: Retail, Commercial
Pros
- Broad industry expertise
- Extensive branch network
Cons
- Rates may not always be competitive
Tide is a fintech firm offering online business banking and financing solutions, focusing on the UK SME market. It is suited for businesses seeking convenient online loan options with an emphasis on working capital. Tide offers flexible access to finance, though loan details and repayment terms may vary.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £20,000,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 14%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Online business loans, Working capital
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Tech-driven solutions
- Large loan amount capability
Capitalise operates as a loan comparison platform, connecting SMEs with multiple lenders to find tailored financing options. It is ideal for companies wanting to compare various offers for working capital loans. Capitalise focuses on providing clear loan information and access to flexible repayment structures through brokers.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Loan comparison, Working capital loans
- Industries: General
Pros
- Comparison across multiple lenders
- Transparent terms
Cons
- Limited direct lending services
DNAFS offers a varied range of financial services aimed at supporting SMEs with cash flow and capital requirements. This provider is suitable for businesses seeking working capital and cash flow solutions with flexible funding options. DNAFS focuses on ease of access and tailored lending although some loan details remain unspecified.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Working capital loans, Cash flow solutions
- Industries: General
Pros
- Tailored solutions
- Broad lending options
Cons
- Limited information available
White Oak UK is a non-bank lender providing flexible business finance solutions, focusing on working capital loans. It generally suits SMEs seeking quick access to funding with a flexible approach to finance. The lender offers various loan types with differing collateral requirements and repayment options tailored to business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Invoice finance
- Industries: General
Pros
- Flexible finance solutions
- Dedicated support
Cons
- Higher interest rates for small businesses
Spark Finance provides tailored financial solutions including both secured and unsecured business loans. It targets SMEs requiring larger loan amounts with competitive rates and extended repayment durations. Spark Finance combines loan flexibility with a focus on meeting diverse business financing needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £100,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 6–72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured loans, Unsecured loans
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Tailored solutions
Cons
- May require security for large amounts
How to choose
When selecting the best lender to secure a 240k working capital loan, consider your business size and financial needs. Assess loan amounts, APR, and term flexibility in relation to your cash flow and repayment capacity. Eligibility requirements vary, so review credit criteria carefully. Factor in application speed, collateral demands, and whether brokered access is beneficial to your situation. Comparing fees and early repayment options is also essential for cost-effectiveness and financial planning.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your use case: banks often suit established businesses seeking structured loans, brokers like Funding Agent provide broad access and quick comparisons, while specialists may offer tailored terms or industry focus. For a 200 thousand pounds loan, aligning loan features with your business priorities is key. Always verify current fees, eligibility, and repayment conditions directly with lenders to make informed decisions.