April 14, 2026
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Best Lenders to Secure a 400k Working Capital Loan

Discover the best lenders for obtaining a £400k working capital loan. Compare options, rates, and terms to boost your business finances efficiently.
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Best Lenders to Secure a 400k Working Capital Loan
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

Jesse Spence is a Funding Research and Content Lead at Funding Agent with 4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business owners, not only, improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance but also find the right funding providers for their needs.

Best Lenders to Secure a 400k 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 offering a straightforward platform for UK SMEs to compare various business finance options quickly and easily. Their service is suitable for small and medium franchises seeking unsecured working capital with predictable terms. They emphasise a fast application process without collateral requirements and offer quick eligibility matching.

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. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance provides quick and transparent SME loans with products tailored for business growth in the UK. It is suited to franchise buyers who need flexible repayment options without collateral. Their approach emphasises speed and clarity through direct lending services aimed at smaller to mid-sized loan requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Flexible multi-year repayments

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: SME Business Loans
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Fast decision making
  • Simple application process

Cons

  • Functions as a broker in some contexts

Sources: Source

3. Fleximize

Fleximize focuses on providing flexible financing with a range of business loans suited to diverse UK companies. It is generally suitable for franchise operators seeking adaptable repayment terms without strict collateral demands. Their process supports rapid funding decisions and customisation based on different business needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 3 to 60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Working Capital Loans
  • Industries: Various UK businesses

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Fast application processing

Cons

  • Higher rates for smaller loans

Sources: Source

4. White Oak UK

White Oak UK delivers flexible financial solutions to SMEs, including various loan types that can serve specialist needs such as VAT or tax loans. They suit franchise buyers looking for tailored business loans with flexible terms and relatively broad loan size options. Their focus includes efficient processing and accommodating different repayment schedules.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 48 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Finance
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Government-backed funding

Cons

  • Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

5. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance specialises in customised commercial loan solutions, mainly focusing on property and large-scale business financing. It typically fits borrowers who require tailored terms and have specific asset-backed lending needs. Their service emphasises bespoke financing options with increased flexibility in loan structure.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Custom terms based on product

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Commercial Loans, Business Loans
  • Industries: Property, Various Industries

Pros

  • Custom tailored finance solutions

Cons

  • Primarily focuses on real estate

Sources: Source

6. NatWest

NatWest offers a wide range of business loan products with both fixed and variable interest options. The service suits SMEs and larger enterprises requiring substantial financing, including those seeking flexible repayment plans. Its bank-backed status provides reliability but may involve higher eligibility criteria for larger loans.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,001
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Variable

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: SMEs, Large Enterprises

Pros

  • Established bank with broad options

Cons

  • Higher criteria for larger loans

Sources: Source

7. Funding Circle

Funding Circle operates as a major online lending platform focusing on small business loans in the UK. It fits franchisees or SMEs seeking competitive loan amounts with efficient online processing. The lender emphasises quick approvals and no early repayment penalties but generally serves smaller to medium enterprises.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Term Loans
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Quick online service
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • Limited to smaller enterprises

Sources: Source

8. Millbrook Business Finance

Millbrook Business Finance offers both secured and unsecured loan products tailored to the credit profile and needs of UK businesses. This makes it suitable for franchise operators who require custom lending solutions. Their processes enable flexibility in loan terms, though product range may be more limited compared to larger providers.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Custom terms

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Various, SMEs

Pros

  • Tailored finance solutions

Cons

  • Limited loan product range

Sources: Source

9. Funding Options by Tide

Funding Options by Tide serves as a broker comparing offers from over 80 lenders to find suitable business loans. It fits borrowers looking for broad market access and fast decision-making without dealing with individual lenders. Their platform emphasises simplicity and helps match SMEs with appropriate loan options, though they do not provide lending directly.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £20,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Big choice of lenders
  • Quick decision making

Cons

  • Not a direct lender

Sources: Source

10. Santander

Santander provides business loans up to £1 million with flexible terms tailored for UK SMEs. It is suitable for franchisees who prefer bank-backed financing with competitive rates and a strong retail presence. The lender offers varied repayment options, but application processes may be more stringent.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Variable

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Strong retail presence
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Stringent approval process

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a 400k working capital loan, consider your business size and collateral availability. Banks typically offer reliable products with variable terms but can have stringent eligibility requirements. Brokers provide access to multiple lenders and can simplify comparisons but may not lend directly. Assess repayment flexibility and speed, ensuring terms align with your franchise cash flow. Always review fees and eligibility criteria carefully before applying to find the best fit for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your purpose and business situation. Banks suit those needing larger amounts or established relationships. Brokers offer variety and may find more tailored options while specialists focus on niche lending needs. Funding Agent remains a valuable resource for comparing multiple options quickly. Always confirm current terms and eligibility directly with providers when considering a 400 thousand pounds loan.

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FAQs

What is a working capital loan?
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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
2Century Business FinanceCentury Business Finance provides quick and transparent SME business loans in the UK, offering products tailored to support business growth.£10,000–£250,000; 0%–0% APR; Flexible multi-year repayments
3FleximizeFleximize is an award-winning business loans provider in the UK, offering flexible financing from £5,000 to £500,000 with a focus on meeting diverse business needs.£5,000–£500,000; 0%–0% APR; 3 to 60 months
4White Oak UKWhite Oak UK specializes in providing financial solutions to SMEs with flexible business loans ranging from VAT or tax loans to larger funding solutions.£5,000–£2,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Up to 48 months
5Clifton Private FinanceClifton Private Finance offers a range of tailored business loan solutions, including large commercial financing and cash flow solutions in the UK.£50,000–£0; 0%–0% APR; Custom terms based on product
6NatWestNatWest offers comprehensive business loan products in the UK, with options that include fixed and variable loans to support small and large enterprises.£25,001–£10,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Variable
7Funding CircleFunding Circle is the UK's largest online platform for business finance, offering small business loans up to £750k swiftly and efficiently.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–0% APR; 6 to 60 months
8Millbrook Business FinanceMillbrook Business Finance offers both unsecured and secured business loans tailored to needs and status of UK businesses.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Custom terms
9Funding Options by TideFunding Options by Tide compares over 80 lenders to match businesses with the best loan offers, focusing on straightforward approval processes.£1,000–£20,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
10SantanderSantander UK offers a range of business loan options up to £1 million, dedicated to supporting UK businesses with flexible terms and competitive rates.£5,000–£1,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Variable