Best Lenders to Secure a 250k 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 offers a platform focusing on helping UK SMEs quickly compare various business finance options. It is suitable for businesses seeking straightforward choices with transparent terms. The service emphasises a fast application process with quick eligibility matching and does not require 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
Century Business Finance specialises in providing SME loans tailored for different industries across the UK. It is commonly suitable for businesses needing secured or unsecured loans with clear and predictable terms. The lender offers relatively straightforward approval and various loan durations to accommodate business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 6–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: SME, Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Simple approval process
- Same-day decisions
SWIG Finance operates as a social enterprise providing commercial loans mainly to SMEs in southern and western parts of the UK. It fits businesses with social enterprise goals or those requiring loans supported by both secured and unsecured options. The lender offers tailored terms that consider social impact alongside financial needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,001
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 12%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Social Enterprise, South West SMEs, Micro Businesses
Pros
- Localized customer support
- Focus on social enterprises
Fleximize delivers flexible business loan solutions that adapt to a wide range of needs within the £10,000 to £500,000 bracket. It suits SMEs looking for variable repayment plans with options for secured and unsecured loans. The lender emphasises flexibility and absence of early repayment fees for eligible borrowers.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0.9%
- Max APR: 3.9%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Retail, Healthcare, Services
Pros
- Flexible repayment terms
- No early repayment fees
Funding Circle is a digital marketplace offering term loans and lines of credit geared towards SMEs. It serves businesses seeking straightforward online applications with competitive fixed rates. The platform provides various loan sizes, including larger amounts with flexible repayment durations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 6–72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, FlexiPay Line of Credit
- Industries: SME, Technology, Retail
Pros
- Quick online application
- Low fixed rates
Cons
- Eligibility criteria can be strict
NatWest provides a variety of business loan products for UK SMEs, including secured and unsecured options with quick approval for loans up to £250,000. It is generally suitable for companies needing established banking relationships with access to a broad range of finance types. Physical branches and comprehensive services support customer needs.
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: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Legal, Real Estate, Business Services
Pros
- Comprehensive banking services
- Physical branches available
Cons
- Higher rates than specialist lenders
Barclays offers secured and unsecured loans with long-term repayment options, suitable for a wide range of UK businesses. The lender is appropriate for firms looking for large loan amounts with flexible terms from a well-established banking provider. The application process may be more complex given the institution's scale and product range.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 25 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Agriculture, Healthcare, Technology
Pros
- Wide range of loan products
- Reputable banking institution
Cons
- Complex application process
Lloyds Bank provides tailored financing solutions, including secured loans and commercial mortgages for businesses of varying sizes. It suits companies needing longer repayment terms and larger loan amounts within a bank setting. Eligibility criteria can be selective, reflecting typical banking loan standards.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 9.6%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1–25 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Real Estate
Pros
- Long repayment terms
- Large loan amounts available
Cons
- Eligibility can be restrictive
Time Finance specialises in secured loans, asset finance, and invoice financing for SMEs needing adaptable funding. It is suited for companies requiring alternative finance methods with flexible terms. The provider facilitates access to funds with an emphasis on security and tailored repayment plans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 11.5%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Asset Finance, Invoice Financing
- Industries: SME, Engineering, Logistics
Pros
- Flexible funding
- Quick access to funds
Approved Finance Group provides a range of business funding solutions including secured and unsecured loans, with options for asset finance. It is designed for businesses in various UK sectors looking for flexible funding terms, especially over shorter durations. The lender supports multiple finance products suited to different business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3–12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Construction, Retail, Manufacturing
Pros
- Comprehensive services
- High approval rate
How to choose
When seeking the best lender to secure a 250k secured business loan, consider how the loan size and APR fit your budget and repayment capacity. Evaluate eligibility criteria carefully, especially for secured lending which may require collateral and affect loan-to-value expectations. Balance the need for speed against flexibility, as some lenders offer quick decisions while others provide more adaptable terms. Understand repayment options and any fees, including early repayment charges. Assess how the loan fits your business cash flow and any seasonal fluctuations. Finally, verify lender criteria and reputation before proceeding.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your business needs and loan purpose. Bank lenders often suit borrowers looking for established relationships and longer terms, while brokers or specialist lenders can offer quicker access or tailored products. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. For property-secured loans or sector-specific financing, specialist providers may be more appropriate. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing for a 250 thousand pounds loan can change over time.
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