Best Lenders to Secure a 360k 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.
Funding Agent provides a brokerage service helping UK SMEs quickly compare various business finance options. It is typically suitable for franchise buyers and operators looking for transparent terms with flexible options. The platform features a fast application process and matches eligibility efficiently, often 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 is a traditional bank offering a broad spectrum of business lending products, including secured and unsecured loans and overdrafts. It generally suits UK SMEs needing a range of financing solutions with established banking support. Barclays provides flexible repayment terms and various collateral options depending on the product selected.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 34.5%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Large lending options
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher APR for small amounts
NatWest offers customised business financing with fixed and variable rates, suitable for a variety of SME needs. It is typically appropriate for borrowers seeking significant loan amounts with structured repayment plans. NatWest provides a balance of competitive rates and flexible terms tailored to business size and sector.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £10,000,000
- Min APR: 3.4%
- Max APR: 24.9%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 8 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Competitive fixed rates
- Large loan amounts
Cons
- Higher rates for small businesses
Funding Circle operates a marketplace model linking borrowers with investors for business loans. It is well suited to SMEs seeking quick, unsecured or secured loans without bank intermediaries. The lender is known for fast decisions and flexible loan structures aligned to various business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 27.8%
- Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Quick decision
- No collateral required
Cons
- Higher APR for longer terms
iwoca specialises in fast, unsecured loans designed for small business cash flow needs. This lender suits businesses requiring rapid funding access with flexible repayment terms. Loans are typically provided without collateral, focusing on cash flow performance.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 49%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Construction
Pros
- Flexible loans
- Fast access to funds
Cons
- Higher APR for short terms
Metro Bank offers tailored business lending with fixed interest rates and bespoke solutions. It is suitable for SMEs seeking clear terms and predictable repayments within commercial lending products. The emphasis is on personalised service and options that align with business growth strategies.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 9.6%
- Max APR: 15.9%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Lending
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Tailored solutions
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Limited maximum loan size
Tide offers a simple business loan application process with funding available up to £20 million. It is appropriate for businesses seeking a straightforward digital experience combined with flexible loan sizes. Terms aim to accommodate a broad range of business types with competitive APRs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £20,000,000
- Min APR: 5.7%
- Max APR: 12.9%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Start Up Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Large funding options
- Quick application
Cons
- Interest rates can vary widely
White Oak UK provides business loans and equipment leasing solutions focused on SME growth and financial management. It is typically chosen by businesses requiring asset financing or longer-term support. The lender offers structured repayment plans with consideration for industry-specific financing needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: 12 to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Equipment Leasing
- Industries: Healthcare, Manufacturing
Pros
- Quick funding process
- Support for SMEs
Cons
- Arrangement fees and charges
Smart Funding Solutions offers bespoke business funding options across various sectors, tailoring finance solutions for UK SMEs. It is suitable for companies seeking customised terms with both secured and unsecured options. Their approach focuses on flexibility and adaptable repayment structures to suit different business models.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £2,500,000
- Min APR: 8%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 6 to 36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
- Industries: Technology, Retail
Pros
- Wide array of products
- Customizable terms
Cons
- Interest rates can be high
British Business Bank partners with numerous financial providers to offer business loans and finance solutions, often government-backed. It suits SMEs and startups seeking accessible funding with supportive structures. The bank-backed loans typically have fixed terms and competitive APRs aimed at encouraging growth.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Start Up Loans, Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Government backed
- Supportive of start-ups
Cons
- Lower maximum loan amount
How to choose
When considering a short term business loan around £360,000, evaluate lenders based on loan size, APR, and term flexibility to fit your cash flow. Check if the lender requires collateral and whether unsecured options are available. Assess application speed and approval likelihood relative to your business profile. Consider lender specialisms, such as brokered access or direct lending, and confirm any fees or early repayment penalties. Review eligibility requirements carefully to ensure alignment with your franchise or business sector. Always compare the total cost over the loan term before making a decision.
Conclusion
Selecting the right lender depends on your specific needs; banks often suit established borrowers needing larger loans or asset-backed finance. Brokers like Funding Agent facilitate comparisons across multiple options with faster processes. Specialist lenders may offer tailored products for niche sectors or unsecured loans but may carry higher costs. Matching lender type to your use case, whether for speed, flexibility, or amount, helps secure the appropriate funding for a 360 thousand pounds loan. Always verify current terms directly with providers.
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