April 14, 2026
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Best Lenders to Secure a 300k Short Term Business Loan

Discover the best lenders to secure a £300,000 short term business loan. Learn about loan options, eligibility, and how to get quick funding for your business needs.
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Best Lenders to Secure a 300k Short Term Business Loan
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

Jesse Spence is a Funding Research and Content Lead at Funding Agent with 4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business owners, not only, improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance but also find the right funding providers for their needs.

Best Lenders to Secure a 300k Short Term 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 2026-04-07.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on brokering diverse business finance options rapidly for UK SMEs. It is suitable for franchises and small businesses that need straightforward loan comparisons and clear terms. The platform emphasises speed, flexibility, and unsecured lending with an accessible application process.

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. Funding Circle

Funding Circle operates a peer-to-peer lending platform connecting investors with UK small and medium-sized businesses. It is suitable for franchisees and SMEs seeking unsecured loans with transparent pricing. The service provides relatively quick decisions and flexible repayment options without early repayment penalties.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 20.4%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, Small business loans
  • Industries: Various industries

Pros

  • No early repayment fees
  • Quick decision process

Cons

  • Can be expensive for lower credit

Sources: Source

3. Barclays

Barclays provides traditional banking services including secured and unsecured business loans with various repayment options. It suits franchises and SMEs needing established lenders offering diverse loan types. Barclays offers potential flexibility around security requirements and a broad service range.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 29.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12 to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured business loans, Unsecured business loans
  • Industries: Broad range including Retail, Technology, Professional Services

Pros

  • Established bank
  • Wide range of services

Cons

  • Higher rates for unsecured loans

Sources: Source

4. iwoca

iwoca specialises in fintech-driven flexible loan products primarily for small UK businesses. It is suitable for SMEs or franchises looking for fast drawdowns and revolving credit options. Iwoca focuses on flexible terms with an emphasis on speed and minimal early repayment penalties.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 8.5%
  • Max APR: 28.5%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Flexible business loans, Revolving credit
  • Industries: Mainly SMEs, Retail

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • Shorter loan terms

Sources: Source

5. Metro Bank

Metro Bank offers traditional commercial and unsecured loans tailored to business needs. It suits franchise operators and SMEs seeking personal service and flexible loan terms. Metro Bank emphasises accessibility and customer service with options that may require some security.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 22.5%
  • Loan Duration: 12 to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Commercial loans, Unsecured business loans
  • Industries: Retails, Hospitality, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Strong customer service
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Limited branch access

Sources: Source

6. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance provides flexible and prompt loan solutions mainly for SMEs in the UK. It is suitable for franchisees needing short to medium-term finance with transparent terms. The lender focuses on straightforward applications and varying repayment lengths.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 9.9%
  • Max APR: 29.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Short-term loans, Long-term loans
  • Industries: SME, Retail

Pros

  • Same-day approval
  • Transparent process

Cons

  • Higher APR for small amounts

Sources: Source

7. HSBC UK

HSBC UK offers a range of commercial and government-backed loans to support business expansion. It is suited for franchises and SMEs requiring established banking relationships and competitive rates. HSBC emphasises comprehensive service with longer available terms and various loan types.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 23.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12 to 84 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Growth Guarantee Scheme loans, Commercial loans
  • Industries: Technology, Healthcare, SME

Pros

  • Strong international network
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Complex application procedure

Sources: Source

8. Santander UK

Santander UK delivers tailored business financing and loan solutions primarily for small to medium enterprises. It suits franchises and growing businesses seeking secured and unsecured lending options. Santander focuses on flexible terms and industry-specific solutions with varied eligibility criteria.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 7.2%
  • Max APR: 25%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 84 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured business loans, Unsecured business loans
  • Industries: Retail, Real Estate, Construction

Pros

  • Tailored solutions
  • Wide-ranging services

Cons

  • Stricter lending criteria

Sources: Source

9. NatWest

NatWest offers business loans focusing on small businesses requiring flexible loan arrangements. It is suitable for franchises and SMEs needing approachable digital platforms and manageable repayment structures. NatWest provides unsecured and short-term loans with various eligibility options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 29.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Short-term loans, Unsecured loans
  • Industries: Various SMEs

Pros

  • Good digital platform
  • Flexible repayment options

Cons

  • Limited to existing customers for certain loans

Sources: Source

10. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank provides a broad range of business financing options including secured and unsecured loans. It suits franchise owners and SMEs requiring flexible borrowing and longer-term repayment plans. Lloyds emphasises established lender reliability with tailored financial products.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6.5%
  • Max APR: 24%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 120 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured loans, Unsecured loans
  • Industries: Real Estate, Retail, SMEs

Pros

  • Established lender
  • Flexible borrowing

Cons

  • Strict credit criteria

Sources: Source

How to choose

When securing a 300k short term business loan, consider matching the loan amount and APR with your cash flow and financial plans. Check the lender's eligibility criteria carefully, including collateral and repayment flexibility. Speed of access is critical for urgent funding, but longer terms may offer easier affordability. Weigh brokered options against direct lenders, examining fees and loan structure. Understand lender policies on early repayment and ongoing costs before committing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your business type and loan purpose. Traditional banks provide reliability and broader service but may have stricter criteria. Brokers like Funding Agent offer quick access to multiple options, aiding comparison. Specialists focus on tailored loans but may charge higher rates. For a 300 thousand pounds loan, balance cost, speed, and terms to meet your business needs.

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FAQs

What is a short term business loan?
Which lenders offer loans of £300k for short term business needs?
What are the typical eligibility criteria for a £300k short term business loan?
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What are the interest rates and fees on short term business 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
2Funding CircleFunding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending marketplace allowing investors to lend money directly to small and medium-sized businesses.£5,000–£750,000; 6.9%–20.4% APR; 6 to 60 months
3BarclaysBarclays offers a range of financial services including extensive business loans tailored to small and medium enterprises.£1,000–£100,000; 7.5%–29.9% APR; 12 to 60 months
4iwocaIwoca is an advanced fintech lending company providing flexible business loans designed for small businesses in the UK.£1,000–£1,000,000; 8.5%–28.5% APR; 1 to 24 months
5Metro BankMetro Bank offers simple and flexible banking for businesses including tailored commercial loans.£25,000–£500,000; 7.5%–22.5% APR; 12 to 60 months
6Century Business FinanceCentury Business Finance specializes in providing flexible and fast business loans to SMEs across the UK.£5,000–£250,000; 9.9%–29.9% APR; 6 to 60 months
7HSBC UKHSBC UK offers comprehensive banking services and a variety of loan products to support business growth in the UK.£10,000–£1,000,000; 6.9%–23.9% APR; 12 to 84 months
8Santander UKSantander UK offers business financing solutions, tailored business loans, and support services to help businesses grow.£10,000–£500,000; 7.2%–25% APR; 6 to 84 months
9NatWestNatWest provides business loans designed to support UK small businesses with financial assistance they need to grow.£1,000–£50,000; 7.5%–29.5% APR; 6 to 60 months
10Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services and business loan options to suit every growing enterprise.£1,000–£500,000; 6.5%–24% APR; 6 to 120 months
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