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 2026-03-30.
Barclays focuses on flexible business loans including fixed and variable rate options suitable for a range of SMEs. It is generally suited to franchise buyers and operators seeking predictable terms and access to various industries. Barclays offers options with varied repayment terms, emphasising straightforward access and clear eligibility requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 12.9%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, Commercial mortgages
- Industries: General business
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher APR for smaller loans
HSBC provides small business loans with competitive fixed rates aimed at supporting SME growth and working capital needs. It is typically suited to franchises or small businesses requiring structured repayment plans. HSBC combines flexible repayment options with clear criteria, offering a moderate speed of funding suitable for stable business plans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 8.6%
- Max APR: 11.3%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Small business loans, Commercial business loans
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Fixed interest rates
- Flexible loan terms
Cons
- Limited loan amounts for smaller businesses
NatWest offers a range of business loans including overdrafts focused on UK SMEs requiring quick access to finance. It is commonly suitable for smaller franchises or businesses with turnover below certain thresholds. NatWest’s products provide simple application processes with clear eligibility and predictable repayment terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.3%
- Max APR: 12.24%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Overdraft
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Quick online application
- No arrangement fees
Cons
- Limited to businesses under £2m turnover
OakNorth Bank specialises in bespoke business loans, typically starting at a high minimum, tailored for ambitious companies. Its products are best suited for franchises or businesses needing large loan amounts with flexible terms. OakNorth provides options that may include secured or unsecured financing, with a strong focus on customisation.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000,000
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Flexible ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured business loans, Unsecured business loans
- Industries: Real estate, Healthcare, Hospitality
Pros
- Bespoke solutions
- Large loan amounts
Iwoca offers short-term business loans with a focus on speed and flexibility, suitable for SMEs requiring quick access to working capital. It is often used by businesses needing revolving credit with fast decisions. Iwoca’s loans typically involve straightforward application processes with competitive rates for short durations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 49%
- Max APR: 49%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Short-term loans, Revolving credit
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Fast decision
- Flexible repayment
Cons
- High APR for extended terms
6. CapExpand
CapExpand specialises in merchant cash advances and revenue-based funding solutions for SMEs seeking fast access to capital. It suits franchises needing quick and flexible working capital without traditional loan structures. CapExpand’s approach often involves high approval rates but may require personal guarantees.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant cash advance, Revenue based funding
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Fast funding
- High approval rate
Cons
- Personal guarantee required
Novuna offers tailored cash flow solutions focusing on unsecured and working capital loans. It is suited for SMEs and franchises seeking flexible funding with varied terms. Novuna provides finance options with adaptable conditions, though some specifics remain unspecified.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, Working capital loans
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Fast access
- Flexible funding
Same Day Business Loans specialises in instant short-term unsecured loans ideal for fast funding needs. It suits franchises and consulting firms requiring same-day decisions and quick access to capital. Their products focus on speed and simplicity, often with minimal collateral requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: As little as 2 hours ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured loans
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Same day decision
- Fast funding
9. Santander UK
Santander UK offers a broad range of business finance products including overdrafts and loans suitable for UK SMEs. It accommodates franchises seeking flexible solutions with varying APRs and terms. Santander emphasises choice and a wide range of industries, often with straightforward application procedures.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Overdrafts, Business loans
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Flexible options
- Wide range of services
Metro Bank provides business loans and asset finance options focused on simplicity and strong customer service. It is suitable for franchises and SMEs seeking straightforward loan products with clear terms. Metro Bank emphasises ease of process and reliability, fitting moderate funding needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Asset finance
- Industries: General business
Pros
- Strong customer service
- Simple processes
How to choose
When selecting same-day business loan lenders for the consulting industry, focus on lenders offering rapid approval and funding to meet urgent needs. Compare loan sizes and APRs to fit your budget without compromising cash flow stability. Evaluate lender eligibility criteria and required documentation to ensure a smooth application. Balance speed with flexibility by reviewing repayment terms and options for early settlement. Consider whether unsecured or secured loans better suit your business context. Lastly, review fees and total costs to make an informed decision aligned with your consulting practice’s financial strategy.
Conclusion
Matching the right lender depends on your financing needs and business profile. Banks typically provide structured loans suited for well-established franchises with predictable cash flow. Brokers can offer access to diverse funding sources, ideal for specialised or complex applications. Specialist lenders often focus on niche markets or fast funding solutions but may have higher costs. Always verify current terms and eligibility directly with providers. For additional guidance, consider reaching out to a reliable Funding Agent when planning a 200 thousand pounds loan for your franchise.