Best Lenders to Secure a 400k Secured 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 fast comparison of business finance options for UK SMEs, including unsecured loans and working capital solutions. It is suitable for franchise buyers and SMEs seeking clear, accessible loan terms without collateral. The provider offers a straightforward application process with quick eligibility checks and a variety of repayment options.
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
Time Finance specialises in secured and asset-backed finance including invoice and asset finance. It suits businesses and franchise buyers requiring flexible terms secured against assets. Loan options typically include predictable repayment schedules with a focus on secured funding availability.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Asset Finance, Invoice Finance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide range of financial solutions
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Loans must be secured
- Limited geographic availability
Close Brothers provides asset finance solutions to UK SMEs focusing on secured lending products. It is suited to businesses seeking asset-backed financing with flexible options. The lender offers competitive terms primarily for secured loans with an emphasis on asset security.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Asset Finance, Secured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Competitive fixed rates
- Flexible financing solutions
Cons
- Primarily asset-backed loans
Together Money offers secured business loans using various asset types as security for both personal and commercial purposes. It is suitable for borrowers seeking asset-backed funding with a practical lending approach. The provider emphasises versatile collateral options and flexible security arrangements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Bridging Loans
- Industries: Property, Commercial
Pros
- Versatile collateral options
- Common sense lending
Century Business Finance provides diverse business loan options with flexible terms and fast decisions, catering to many industries. It suits businesses looking for adaptable funding, including working capital and long-term loans. The provider focuses on a quick lending process with options tailored to SME needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 12 to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Long-term Loans, Working Capital Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Quick approval process
- Flexible terms
Millbrook Business Finance offers both secured and unsecured loans tailored to the financial needs of UK businesses. It is suitable for SMEs requiring flexible loan structures and tailored funding options. The lender provides customised solutions balancing collateral requirements and repayment flexibility.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Tailored finance solutions
- Flexible loan structures
Cons
- Specific conditions for unsecured loans
Novuna offers flexible financial solutions including secured and unsecured loans with straightforward repayment terms. It is aimed at businesses seeking adaptable funding with fast access to capital. The provider facilitates quick funding release with tailored repayment structures.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Product-based, Various
Pros
- Fast funding process
- Flexible repayment options
Cons
- Limited product range for some sectors
Quick Funds provides a fast approval process for a wide range of business loans covering large funding amounts. It suits SMEs needing swift access to capital with flexible loan options. The lender supports various industries with quick lending solutions, often with higher loan caps.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £10,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Quick Business Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast approval process
- High loan caps
Cons
- Lead generation site limitations
Clifton Private Finance delivers competitive commercial and bridging loans mainly to larger enterprises requiring substantial borrowing. It is suited to borrowers needing secured loans with commercial or property assets as collateral. The lender mainly operates through broker channels with a focus on commercial lending.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Commercial Loans, Bridging Loans
- Industries: Commercial, Property
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Large loan amounts
Cons
- Primarily broker-based solutions
Funding Circle specialises in peer-to-peer business loans for UK SMEs, offering an online process with competitive rates. It is suitable for borrowers seeking transparent lending with fixed repayments. Its model facilitates direct lending between investors and businesses, with a focus on efficiency and clarity.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast online application
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
How to choose
When securing a 400k secured business loan, start by assessing your specific funding need and collateral availability. Compare lenders by loan size limits, APRs, and term flexibility to find the best fit for your franchise or business. Consider the lender’s speed of application and funding, especially if time is critical. Check eligibility criteria closely, including any collateral requirements like asset security or LTV bands. Also, review repayment options and any fees to optimise your cash flow. Finally, decide whether a direct lender, specialist, or broker model suits your strategy and comfort level.
Conclusion
Selecting the right lender for a 400 thousand pounds loan depends on your business type and needs. Bank lenders often offer structured loans for established businesses, while brokers can access a wider range of providers including specialists. Specialist lenders may cater to niche requirements like asset-backed or bridging finance. Funding Agent remains a useful tool for comparing multiple options swiftly. Always confirm with the lender to ensure the terms match your current circumstances.
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