April 14, 2026
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Best Lenders to Secure a 320k Working Capital Loan

Discover the best lenders to secure a £320,000 working capital loan. Compare rates and terms from trusted UK lenders and get the funds your business needs.
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Best Lenders to Secure a 320k Working Capital Loan
Abdus-Samad Charles
Finance Writer

Abdus-Samad Charles is a finance writer and the 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. He specialises in turning complex funding topics, like eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, approval timelines, and lender expectations, into clear, research-led resources that are easy to find and help business owners make confident, informed decisions.

Best Lenders to Secure a 320k 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 2026-04-07.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on helping UK SMEs quickly compare different business finance options through a streamlined application process. It is suitable for franchise buyers and operators seeking working capital or unsecured business loans with transparent eligibility criteria. The service emphasises fast decisions and flexibility 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

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle is an online lending platform catering to small businesses seeking unsecured and secured business loans. It is suited for franchisees and other SMEs who require working capital or term loans with potential broker access. The platform offers competitive rates subject to credit factors and emphasises straightforward loan terms with no early repayment penalties.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 5.9%
  • Max APR: 29.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

  • Quick approval process
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • High APR for lower credit scores

Sources: Source

3. Time Finance

Time Finance specialises in providing a variety of secured and asset-backed finance solutions tailored to UK SMEs. It fits franchise buyers and operators who need flexible funding secured against assets or invoices. Loans are structured to allow for specialist products with adaptable repayment options and focus on mid-range to larger working capital requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6.5%
  • Max APR: 20.5%
  • Loan Duration: 12 to 60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Asset Finance, Invoice Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Wholesale, Logistics

Pros

  • Flexible funding solutions
  • Specialized finance options

Cons

  • High minimum loan amount

Sources: Source

4. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance specialises in quick access to business loans with an emphasis on timely approvals and straightforward terms. This lender suits franchise buyers and SMEs prioritising speed and flexible repayment options without excessive security requirements. Their service is designed for those seeking shorter to mid-term loans with competitive loan conditions.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 27.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 48 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Short Term Loans, Long Term Loans, Business Development Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Services, E-commerce

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • Flexible repayment

Cons

  • Brokerage services involved

Sources: Source

5. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance offers a broad range of business loans with flexible terms aimed at SMEs requiring varied funding solutions. It is appropriate for franchise buyers looking for options including secured or unsecured loans with competitive rates. Loans may involve more detailed underwriting but provide adaptable structures including cash flow and asset finance options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £3,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 8%
  • Max APR: 30%
  • Loan Duration: 3 to 72 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans, Cash Flow Finance
  • Industries: Construction, Healthcare, Hospitality

Pros

  • Wide range of loan amounts
  • Rapid decision

Cons

  • High APR for unsecured loans

Sources: Source

6. Iwoca

Iwoca provides flexible, short-term business loans focused on small enterprises needing quick working capital access. Suitable for franchise owners requiring transparent fee structures and rapid decisions, Iwoca offers unsecured loan options with straightforward eligibility. Loan terms tend to be shorter, suited to businesses prioritising speed and ease over long-term financing.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 9%
  • Max APR: 32%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Short Term Loans
  • Industries: Tech, Retail, F&B

Pros

  • No early repayment fees
  • Flexible loan amounts

Cons

  • Shorter loan durations

Sources: Source

7. Barclays

Barclays offers a wide range of secured and unsecured bank business loans, suited to UK SMEs and franchisees looking for tailored financial solutions. Their loan products provide flexible durations and competitive rates, suitable for working capital needs or business growth. Barclays loans generally require adequate security and meet stricter lending criteria typical of established banking providers.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 3.9%
  • Max APR: 18.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12 to 120 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Term Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture

Pros

  • Strong financial stability
  • Diverse loan products

Cons

  • Stricter lending criteria

Sources: Source

8. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank provides a variety of business loan options tailored to established UK SMEs and franchise buyers. Their flexible products include unsecured and secured loans to support different working capital and growth requirements. Suitable borrowers benefit from personalised service with support for longer-term financing needs subject to bank criteria and loan security considerations.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 25%
  • Loan Duration: 12 to 84 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Construction, Health

Pros

  • Wide range of loan options
  • Established financial institution

Cons

  • Longer application process

Sources: Source

9. NatWest

NatWest delivers comprehensive business lending options including unsecured and variable rate loans, supporting SMEs and franchise buyers with larger working capital or refinancing needs. Their focus is on customer service and flexible lending arrangements that can accommodate complex financing structures. Loan limits and terms are designed to cater to a broad range of business sizes within the UK market.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,001
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 5.5%
  • Max APR: 21.5%
  • Loan Duration: 12 to 180 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Fixed & Variable Rate Loans
  • Industries: Hospitality, Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

  • High loan limits
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Higher APR for extended terms

Sources: Source

10. Bizcap

Bizcap focuses on providing quick and flexible financing solutions mainly through unsecured and secured business loans. It suits SMEs and franchise owners who need financing with minimal requirements and can accept less favourable credit histories. Their processes avoid upfront credit checks aiming for faster approvals on smaller to mid-size loan amounts.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 12%
  • Max APR: 35%
  • Loan Duration: 3 to 36 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: Small Retail, E-commerce, Services

Pros

  • Fast approval process
  • Bad credit accepted

Cons

  • High APR for higher risk loans

Sources: Source

How to choose

When choosing a lender for a 320k working capital loan, consider your specific needs including loan amount, repayment terms, and eligibility. Look for providers that offer the right balance between speed and flexibility, especially if you require quick access to funds. Check whether collateral is needed and what loan types are available. Understand the APR and fees to ensure the loan fits your budget. Consider lenders that specialise in working capital for franchises, and always review their repayment options and terms before applying.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your business priorities and loan requirements. Bank lenders typically offer lower rates but have stricter criteria and longer processes. Brokers or specialist lenders may provide quicker access and more flexible terms but can carry higher costs. Funding Agent is useful for comparing multiple options quickly. For a 320 thousand pounds loan, matching the lender's focus to your business type and purpose is key to securing suitable finance.

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FAQs

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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 leading online platform that connects small businesses with investors to facilitate easy access to loans and provide affordable finance options up to £750,000.£5,000–£750,000; 5.9%–29.9% APR; 6 to 60 months
3Time FinanceTime Finance provides tailored business finance solutions including asset finance, invoice finance, and secured business loans for SMEs in the UK.£50,000–£500,000; 6.5%–20.5% APR; 12 to 60 months
4Century Business FinanceCentury Business Finance offers fast access to business loans tailored for SMEs, with approvals as quick as on the same day within the UK.£10,000–£250,000; 7.5%–27.5% APR; 6 to 48 months
5Nucleus Commercial FinanceNucleus Commercial Finance offers a diverse range of business loan products focused on SMEs, providing funds with flexible terms and competitive rates.£3,000–£2,000,000; 8%–30% APR; 3 to 72 months
6IwocaIwoca offers flexible loans for small businesses with amounts ranging from £1,000 to £1,000,000, providing quick decisions and transparent fee structures.£1,000–£1,000,000; 9%–32% APR; 1 to 24 months
7BarclaysBarclays provides a comprehensive suite of financial products for businesses, including secured and unsecured loans, with dynamic terms adjusted according to business needs.£1,000–£1,000,000; 3.9%–18.9% APR; 12 to 120 months
8Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers a range of business loans tailored to meet the growing needs of UK enterprises, with flexible terms and personalized service.£1,000–£500,000; 6%–25% APR; 12 to 84 months
9NatWestNatWest offers versatile business lending products designed to help businesses grow and scale, with focus on customer service and competitive rates.£25,001–£10,000,000; 5.5%–21.5% APR; 12 to 180 months
10BizcapBizcap specializes in providing fast and flexible business financing solutions for SMEs, with no up-front credit checks and minimal requirements.£5,000–£1,000,000; 12%–35% APR; 3 to 36 months
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