Best Lenders to Secure a 380k 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 focuses on helping UK SMEs quickly compare a range of business finance options. It is typically suitable for franchise buyers and operators seeking fast eligibility matching and straightforward application processes. The platform offers flexible options without the need for collateral and supports various repayment schedules.
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
Nucleus Commercial Finance provides a variety of flexible funding solutions for UK businesses, including secured and unsecured loans. It is suited for SMEs looking for tailored finance across several industries such as manufacturing and retail. The provider offers options with varying collateral and repayment types to suit business needs, with a focus on decision speed.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £3,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 8%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 6 to 72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans, Cash Flow Finance
- Industries: Manufacturing, Retail, Services
Pros
- Rapid decision
- Range of unsecured and secured options
Cons
- Higher APR for unsecured loans
iwoca specialises in providing flexible short-term loans for UK businesses with quick approval and no early repayment penalties. It suits SME franchise operators seeking flexible repayments and fast access to working capital with minimal security requirements. The lender supports a variety of industries and offers clear, streamlined processes.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Flexi-Loan, Short-Term Loan
- Industries: Retail, Wholesale, Technology
Pros
- Fast approval
- Flexible repayment
Barclays offers a broad variety of business loans with fixed and variable interest rates. It is suitable for SMEs needing larger loans or flexible terms across multiple sectors including retail and technology. The lender provides options with different security requirements and supports green financing.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000,000
- Min APR: 11%
- Max APR: 13%
- Loan Duration: 12 to 72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans, Green Loans
- Industries: All, Retail, Technology
Pros
- High loan amounts
- Reputable lender
Cons
- Interest rates vary
- Lengthy application process
Lloyds Bank delivers a range of loan products to help businesses with growth and capital expenses. It is commonly used by SMEs in industries like healthcare and construction. The lender offers loans with varied term lengths and repayment structures suited to diverse financing needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 7.9%
- Max APR: 29.9%
- Loan Duration: 12 to 240 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts, Invoice Finance
- Industries: Healthcare, Construction, Manufacturing
Pros
- Flexible terms
- High maximum amounts
Cons
- Higher APR for smaller loans
NatWest offers various business loan products with fixed and variable rates designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. It is suitable for companies requiring flexibility in borrowing across retail and corporate sectors. The lender provides options with competitive terms and no early repayment penalties.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £10,000,000
- Min APR: 8.2%
- Max APR: 13%
- Loan Duration: 12 to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Fixed Rate Loans, Variable Rate Loans
- Industries: Retail, Corporate, SMEs
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Variety of loan types
Cons
- Variable APR based on profile
Metro Bank provides customised business loans with terms up to 30 years, catering to a wide range of industries. It suits SMEs looking for tailored borrowing solutions with fixed interest rates. The bank offers secured and unsecured options with flexibility in loan amounts and repayment terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £60,000
- Min APR: 9.6%
- Max APR: 9.6%
- Loan Duration: 12 to 360 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Tailored products
- Quick access to loans
Cons
- Limited maximum loan amount
White Oak UK focuses on flexible business financing, including loans and equipment leasing for various industries. It is appropriate for SMEs wanting adaptable loan structures and support for capital expenditure. The provider offers customised terms and finance types tailored to client requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £20,000
- 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: Manufacturing, Retail, Services
Pros
- Customizable loan options
- Supports various industries
Bizcap provides fast and flexible business loans focused on SMEs requiring immediate access to funds. It is suitable for borrowers who prioritise speed and flexible criteria without upfront credit checks. Bizcap offers unsecured financing options with straightforward application processes.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 3 to 12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Line of Credit
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast approval
- No upfront credit check
Funding Circle operates peer-to-peer lending platforms that support UK SMEs with competitive fixed rates. It is generally suited for businesses seeking alternative finance outside traditional banking channels. The provider offers loans that accommodate various industries with transparent repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 19.5%
- Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Services
Pros
- Competitive rates
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Stricter eligibility criteria
How to choose
When seeking a short-term business loan around £380,000, consider matching loan size and APR to your financial capacity. Check lender eligibility carefully to ensure you meet their criteria. Balance the need for quick funding with the flexibility of terms offered. Assess repayment schedules in relation to your franchise cash flow and any seasonal variations. Review fees, collateral requirements, and early repayment policies thoroughly before applying to avoid unexpected costs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right loan provider depends on your business’s needs. Banks may offer larger amounts and more established processes, while brokers and specialists can provide tailored and quicker access to finance. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Consider your industry, loan size, and repayment preferences to find the best fit. Always verify current terms directly with the lender as prices and conditions can change.
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