Best Lenders to Secure a 390k 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 providing a brokered platform that helps UK SMEs quickly compare a variety of business finance options. It is typically suited for SMEs looking for clear and straightforward lending choices. The service emphasises speed, ease of application, and eligibility matching 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
Fleximize offers both secured and unsecured tailored business loans designed for UK SMEs. It suits those seeking flexible financing solutions and quick loan approvals. The provider emphasises a straightforward process and accommodates varying business needs including risk and repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured loans, Unsecured loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Flexible financing
- Fast approval
Cons
- Revenue-dependent lending limits
Time Finance specialises in secured business loans intended to help UK businesses access necessary funds. It is generally suitable for SMEs that can provide security and need flexible lending solutions. The lender focuses on adaptable repayment choices within secured loan frameworks.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured business loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Tailored solutions
- Support growth
Tide offers access to a broad range of small business loans through partnership networks, focusing on swift decision-making and ease of access. It suits businesses seeking varied financing options with some flexibility in borrowing amounts and terms. Tide tends to facilitate quick access but may involve brokered loan products.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £20,000,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Various ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Small business loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Large loan amounts
- Easy access
Cons
- Partnership with Funding Options
Funding Circle provides fast and affordable small business loans primarily through a peer-to-peer lending platform. It suits SMEs needing efficient funding with clear terms but with less certainty on loan duration. The lender is well known for efficient loan processing and accessible platforms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Small business loans
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Quick decisions
- Leading platform
Iwoca provides quick, flexible business loans that allow UK SMEs to manage repayment on their own terms without penalties. It is suitable for businesses requiring speed and adaptable conditions without collateral. The lender focuses on convenient access and flexible funding durations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Flexible repayment
- Quick decisions
Cons
- Loan amount-dependent rates
OakNorth Bank specialises in bespoke business lending tailored to medium-sized UK enterprises. It is suited for borrowers seeking flexible terms on larger loan amounts, often with bespoke arrangements. Security requirements and tailored repayment options are important aspects of their offering.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 12 to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bespoke business loans
- Industries: Medium-sized enterprises
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Bespoke solutions
Spotcap provides credit lines and business loans aimed at SMEs, focusing on ease of access with online application processes. It is suitable for businesses requiring flexible lending within mid-range amounts. The lender combines credit facilities with fast assessments to support working capital needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Credit lines
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Quick online process
- Flexible financing
ArchOver facilitates peer-to-peer lending by connecting investors directly with businesses needing capital. It is appropriate for companies seeking secure and flexible financing with investor-backed models. The provider focuses on transparency and offers options within a P2P framework.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 6 to 36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured loans, Peer-to-peer lending
- Industries: Various
Pros
- P2P lending advantage
- Secure funding
LendInvest is a property finance marketplace focused on short-term loans and development finance for UK businesses. It is suited for those needing specialised property-related funding. Flexibility in loan terms and a focus on property sector needs define their service.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Short-term loans, Development finance
- Industries: Property, Development
Pros
- Expert in property loans
- Flexible terms
How to choose
When selecting a lender for a 390k short term business loan, consider the loan size, interest rates, and repayment terms that fit your financial situation. Check your eligibility criteria carefully and balance how quickly you need funds against the flexibility of repayment options. Assess if the loan requires collateral and the type of security involved. Also, factor in any fees, early repayment conditions, and the reputation of the lender. Prioritise lenders that align with your business needs, whether you require brokered access, specialist services, or traditional banking relationships.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your specific business needs and loan purpose. Banks often serve established businesses with larger and bespoke lending needs. Brokers can offer fast comparisons across multiple lenders suited for smaller or unsecured loans. Specialist lenders cater to niche requirements like property finance or peer-to-peer funding. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs looking to quickly compare options. For a 390 thousand pounds loan, carefully match your background and loan goals to the lending type to make an informed decision.