January 23, 2026
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Best Lenders to secure a 250k Working Capital Loan

Best Lenders to secure a 250k Working Capital Loan

Discover the top lenders offering £250,000 working capital loans in the UK. Learn about loan terms, rates, and how to secure the best financing for your business needs.
Abdus-Samad Charles
Finance Writer

Head of Content at Funding Agent, with four years’ experience creating practical, easy-to-follow, SEO-informed guidance for UK small and medium-sized businesses.

Best Lenders to secure a 250k 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 specialises in brokering unsecured business finance for UK SMEs. It is typically suited for businesses seeking working capital with a quick comparison process. The platform emphasises ease of use, fast eligibility checks, and generally 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

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance focusses on providing straightforward SME loans with no apparent APR for qualifying borrowers. It typically suits small businesses seeking working capital with clear terms and quick approvals. The lender is known for simple processes and may offer fixed repayment options.

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: Business Loans, Working Capital Loans
  • Industries: Small Business Finance, Retail, Growth Ventures

Pros

  • Same-day approval
  • Simple process

Cons

  • APR details not disclosed publicly

Sources: Source

3. SWIG Finance

SWIG Finance concentrates on community-focused business loans, primarily serving social enterprises in specific UK regions. It is generally suitable for social business owners needing flexible financing without traditional collateral. The lender offers tailored terms supporting local economic development.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,001
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 15.75%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Community Finance
  • Industries: Social Enterprises, Local Businesses

Pros

  • Supports local enterprises
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Higher APR for some loans

Sources: Source

4. Fleximize

Fleximize provides flexible lending suitable for SMEs needing adaptable funding solutions. It is typically suited for businesses requiring varying loan sizes with multiple repayment and term options. The lender offers competitive interest rates and access to different finance types.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 10.8%
  • Max APR: 46.8%
  • Loan Duration: 1 month - 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Secured Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Construction, Professional Services

Pros

  • No early repayment fees
  • Loyalty discounts

Cons

  • Monthly interest rates can be high

Sources: Source

5. Funding Circle

Funding Circle specialises in peer-to-peer business lending for small and medium-sized enterprises. It is suitable for those seeking competitive loan terms with a focus on fast approval. The lender offers unsecured loans with fixed repayments and no early settlement fees.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 19.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6 - 72 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Working Capital Loans
  • Industries: Small Businesses, Professional Services

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • No early settlement fees

Cons

  • Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

6. NatWest

NatWest offers tailored bank business loans aimed at entrepreneurs and SMEs. It is typically suited for companies seeking secured or unsecured loans with clear repayment terms. The lender focuses on accessibility, competitive rates, and supporting business growth.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 5%
  • Max APR: 7%
  • Loan Duration: 1-7 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Community Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Legal, Real Estate

Pros

  • Widely accessible
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Loan size limitations for small businesses

Sources: Source

7. Barclays

Barclays provides a full range of business banking services, including tailored SME loans. It suits businesses needing longer-term finance with options for fixed rates. The bank offers secured and unsecured loans with flexible repayment plans.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 11.2%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 10 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Property Loans
  • Industries: Finance, Retail, Hospitality

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Fixed rates available

Cons

  • Higher minimum loan amount

Sources: Source

8. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank offers business loans with competitive APRs designed for UK SMEs. It generally suits businesses looking for flexible loan terms with customised options based on creditworthiness. The bank provides various lending products tailored to multiple industries.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 9.6%
  • Max APR: 12.2%
  • Loan Duration: 1-5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail

Pros

  • Competitive APR
  • Customizable loan options

Cons

  • Requires strong credit history

Sources: Source

9. Time Finance

Time Finance provides a range of tailored finance products for SMEs across the UK. It is suitable for businesses looking for asset finance and working capital with flexible loan terms. The lender focuses on customised solutions and fast access to funds.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: SME Finance, Healthcare, Education

Pros

  • Tailored solutions
  • Fast funding

Cons

  • Higher minimum loan amounts

Sources: Source

10. iwoca

iwoca delivers fast, flexible working capital and business loans primarily for small businesses. It is well suited for those needing short-term finance with quick access and simple application. Loan products typically feature variable APRs and flexible repayment structures.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 12%
  • Max APR: 49%
  • Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Working Capital Loans, Business Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Food Services, Technology

Pros

  • Quick funding
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • High APR for short-term loans

Sources: Source

How to choose

When securing a 250k working capital loan, first consider your business size and financing needs. Evaluate loan amounts and APR ranges against your repayment capacity. Check eligibility criteria carefully to avoid unnecessary delays. Balance the need for fast funding against flexible terms and collateral requirements. Review repayment options and early payment policies to ensure they fit your cash flow. Brokered platforms, banks, and specialist lenders each offer different benefits depending on your circumstances.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender for a 250 thousand pounds loan depends on your business requirements and financial goals. Banks often provide structured loans with competitive rates but may have stricter criteria. Brokers offer access to multiple lenders quickly, suitable for fast decisions and unsecured funding. Specialist lenders cater to niche markets or borrowers with specific needs. Funding Agent remains a useful option for SMEs seeking fast and easy loan comparisons across providers.

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FAQs

What is a working capital loan?
How can I qualify for a £250k working capital loan?
Which lenders offer the best rates for working capital loans in the UK?
How long does it take to get a working capital loan approved?
What are the typical repayment terms for a £250k working capital loan?
Are there any fees associated with working capital loans?

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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
2Century Business FinanceCentury Business Finance provides fast, straightforward finance to SMEs across the UK, offering loans up to £250,000 for various business needs.£10,000–£250,000; 0%–0% APR; 6-48 months
3SWIG FinanceSWIG Finance is a social enterprise providing business loans to start-ups and SMEs in the South and West of the UK, supporting community growth.£25,001–£250,000; 15.75%–0% APR; Up to 60 months
4FleximizeFleximize offers flexible funding solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs, ensuring competitive rates and borrowing flexibility.£10,000–£500,000; 10.8%–46.8% APR; 1 month - 5 years
5Funding CircleFunding Circle is a financial technology company offering loans to small and medium-sized businesses with quick approvals and competitive rates.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–19.9% APR; 6 - 72 months
6NatWestNatWest provides a range of financial services to entrepreneurs, supporting business growth with tailored business loans.£1,000–£250,000; 5%–7% APR; 1-7 years
7BarclaysBarclays offers comprehensive business banking solutions, including loans tailored to SME needs with various financing options.£1,000–£250,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; Up to 10 years
8Lloyds BankLloyds Bank provides banking solutions tailored to UK businesses, offering competitive loans to help businesses grow sustainably.£1,000–£250,000; 9.6%–12.2% APR; 1-5 years
9Time FinanceTime Finance provides tailored business finance solutions across the UK, focusing on helping SMEs with diverse financial products.£50,000–£500,000; 0%–0% APR; Up to 5 years
10iwocaiwoca provides fast and flexible finance solutions to small businesses, with loan options ranging up to £1 million.£1,000–£1,000,000; 12%–49% APR; 1 day to 24 months
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