best lenders to secure a 50k working capital 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 2025-12-08.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent offers tailored financial options for SMEs and franchise operators in the UK. Its solutions include term loans, invoices, and asset finance, with flexible repayment options. The approach is quick, with brokers guiding clients through simpler application processes. It is suitable for businesses seeking short to medium-term working capital needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 4.5%
• Max APR: 12.9%
• Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Invoice Financing, Asset Finance
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Manufacturing

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Fast decision-making

Cons

• Requires detailed financials
• Some loans require collateral

Sources: Funding Agents 50k Working Capital Business Loan

2. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance offers bespoke lending advice and finance solutions primarily focused on property purchase and refinance in the UK. The firm is suited for clients needing high-value secured loans or bridging finance. It emphasises personalised service and options that accommodate various levels of collateral and loan-to-value ratios.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 4%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 12–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Bridging Finance
• Industries: Property, Retail, SMEs

Pros

• Tailored solutions
• Expert advice

Cons

• Higher APR for riskier loans

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/business-loans/

3. Fleximize

Fleximize provides flexible business loans to UK small and medium enterprises, focusing on quick access and adaptable repayment plans. Its services are suitable for companies needing flexible funding solutions with varying collateral options and repayment structures. The process is designed to be fast and straightforward with broker guidance.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 10.8%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
• Industries: Retail, Services, Manufacturing

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Flexible terms

Cons

• High APR for certain profiles

Sources: https://fleximize.com/business-loans/uk

4. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank offers a range of business loans and financial services suited for various levels of funding needs. Its offerings include secured and unsecured options designed for quick access and flexible repayment terms. Ideal for businesses seeking scalable finance, with options spanning from short-term working capital to long-term investments.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 16.5%
• Loan Duration: 1–25 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Trusted bank

Cons

• Potentially higher APR

Sources: https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html

5. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a broad range of financial products, including business loans and advisory services for UK companies. It caters to firms seeking straightforward, flexible finance solutions with quick approval processes. Suitable for growth and operational finance, with various collateral and term options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 1–10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdraft Facilities
• Industries: Healthcare, Agriculture, Retail

Pros

• Wide range of services
• Strong reputation

Cons

• Higher interest rates for small loans

Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/

6. Time Finance

Time Finance offers various finance options for UK SMEs, including working capital, asset finance, and invoice finance. It focuses on quick approval processes and flexible repayment structures suitable for growing businesses in need of operational funding. The firm leverages broker networks to facilitate accessible lending.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Engineering, Technology, Retail

Pros

• Tailored solutions
• Rapid decisions

Cons

• Higher rates on unsecured loans

Sources: https://timefinance.com/clients/

7. iwoca

iwoca specializes in providing quick and flexible business lending solutions in the UK. It caters to SMEs seeking fast approval and adaptable funding arrangements with options for unsecured and secured credit lines. The service prioritizes speed and simplicity for small and medium businesses requiring immediate working capital.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 12%
• Max APR: 26%
• Loan Duration: 1–24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Credit Lines, SME Loans
• Industries: Retail, Service, Manufacturing

Pros

• Flexible repayment
• Quick access

Cons

• High APR for lower credit scores

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/small-business-loans

8. Revolution Brokers

Revolution Brokers facilitates access to business loans and mortgage brokerage services for UK clients. It offers tailored funding solutions with a focus on borrowing secured or unsecured, often involving broker-assisted application processes. It is suited for businesses seeking options beyond standard bank offerings and requiring specialised solutions.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: 6–36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Bridging Loans
• Industries: Property, Hospitality, Retail

Pros

• Custom solutions
• Expert advice

Cons

• Limited product range

Sources: https://www.revolutionbrokers.co.uk/business-loans/

9. HSBC

HSBC HSBC provides a range of business loans and financial products, including flexible overdraft and secured options. It is suited for franchise buyers or businesses planning property purchase or refinance. The bank offers quick access to finance with tailored repayment terms suitable for various business needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £300,000
• Min APR: 5.8%
• Max APR: 10.9%
• Loan Duration: 1–10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
• Industries: Agriculture, Professional Services, Technology

Pros

• Comprehensive banking services
• Global presence

Cons

• Strict lending criteria

Sources: https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/products/flexible-business-loan

10. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers various business loans and financial products to UK clients, including flexible options suited for working capital and growth. Its services are tailored for entities requiring quick access and predictable repayment terms. It supports franchise operators and SMEs looking for reliable finance sources.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1–7 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
• Industries: Agriculture, Technology, Retail

Pros

• Wide branch network
• Strong support services

Cons

• Moderately high interest rates

Sources: https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance/small-business-loan.html

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a 50k working capital loan, consider the purpose and security of the loan. Bank options, like HSBC or Lloyds, offer quick access and personalised service for standard needs. Brokers such as Funding Agent can provide access to a variety of alternative lenders suited for specific situations. Evaluate interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and eligibility criteria carefully. Matching the provider type to your business needs ensures better suitability and a smoother process.

Conclusion

Matching the right lender to your finance needs depends on your situation. Banks like HSBC or Lloyds are suitable for secured, larger loans or ongoing banking services. Brokers like Funding Agent facilitate access to a range of lenders and products, ideal for quick comparison and tailored solutions. Specialist providers often focus on specific sectors or collateral-based funding. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.