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.
HSBC specialises in bank business loans designed for SMEs. It is suitable for franchise buyers needing structured terms and clear eligibility criteria. The provider offers loans with fixed repayment options and requires security depending on the lending product chosen.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.3%
- Max APR: 11.3%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loan, Term Loan, Overdraft
- Industries: Retail
Pros
- Wide range of loan amounts
- Flexible terms
Cons
- APR might be higher for some profiles
Barclays provides bank business loans catering to a range of lending solutions. It is typical for franchise buyers or SMEs seeking flexible repayment terms and options between fixed and variable rates. The loans generally require security and offer transparent fee structures including no early repayment penalties.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 25 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loan, Variable Rate Loan
- Industries: Various including Retail
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Flexible lending solutions
Cons
- Not all rates are publicly disclosed
NatWest offers bank business loans featuring fixed and variable rates. It typically suits franchise buyers and other SMEs needing tailored support with access to varied repayment options. Lending usually requires secured assets or guarantees with a focus on transparent borrowing criteria.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 11.3%
- Max APR: 11.3%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loan, Variable Rate Loan
- Industries: Retail, Other SMEs
Pros
- Range of loan products.
- Tailored support.
Cons
- Specific terms vary per product offering.
Close Brothers focuses on asset finance and commercial lending for UK SMEs. The products suit franchise buyers requiring loans secured on assets or commercial equipment. Terms typically allow for flexible repayment schedules and collateral requirements aligned with borrowing needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Asset Finance, Secured Loans
- Industries: Various including Retail
Pros
- Flexible repayment options
- Supports asset-based lending
Cons
- APR dependent on borrower profile
Time Finance provides secured loan funding for SMEs. It is suited to franchise buyers seeking tailored funding with security requirements. Flexibility is offered in repayment terms supporting business growth plans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loan
- Industries: Retail
Pros
- Flexible funding solutions
- Specializes in secured loans
Cons
- APR details not fully disclosed
Metro Bank offers business loans to SMEs focusing on flexible repayment plans. The lending is appropriate for franchise buyers valuing straightforward terms and varying security arrangements. Loan options may include overdraft facilities alongside traditional loans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loan, Overdraft
- Industries: Various including Retail
Pros
- Flexible repayment options
- Focus on SME lending
Cons
- Detailed rates not provided
Fleximize offers alternative SME loans with flexible terms and competitive interest rates starting at 0.9%. This lender suits franchise buyers requiring various repayment types and brokered access to unsecured and secured options. Loans typically provide speed and flexibility without strict collateral requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0.9%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loan, Unsecured Business Loan
- Industries: Retail, Various SMEs
Pros
- Low starting interest rates
- Flexible loan offerings
Cons
- Only APR minimum provided
iwoca provides quick decision unsecured business loans with flexible terms for SME borrowers. It is suitable for franchise buyers needing fast access to working capital. Typical loans do not require extensive collateral and offer adaptable repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.5%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan
- Industries: Various including Retail
Pros
- Fast decision process
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Only starting rates known
SWIG Finance lends primarily to smaller businesses in specific UK regions with a focus on SME support. Suitable for franchise buyers valuing personalised service and local decision-making. Loan offerings include growth capital with tailored repayment flexibility and focus on relationships rather than just security.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: SME Loan, Growth Capital
- Industries: Retail, Small enterprises
Pros
- Tailored support for SMEs
- People-based lending approach
Lloyds Bank provides a wide variety of business lending products. It is appropriate for franchise buyers and other SMEs that need flexible secured loans with options on repayment duration and loan size. The provider offers a range of lending solutions, including fixed rate loans with varying collateral needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 25 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loan, Fixed Rate Loan
- Industries: Various including Retail
Pros
- Comprehensive loan offerings
- Long repayment terms
Cons
- APR not disclosed in detail
How to choose
When selecting the best secured business loan lenders for the retail industry, start by matching your loan size and APR requirements to your budget. Evaluate eligibility criterias carefully and consider how repayment schedules will impact your franchise’s cash flow and seasonal fluctuations. Prioritise lenders offering flexibility in repayment types and collateral options that fit your business profile. Assess the speed of loan approval and disbursement against the flexibility offered to ensure the terms accommodate your growth plans. Review any fees and conditions around early repayment before committing. Seek lenders with transparent criteria and appropriate support services for retail businesses.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on the specific use case and business type. Banks tend to offer structured loans with clear terms suitable for established businesses and larger needs. Brokers and specialist lenders may provide more flexible or quicker access to funding but often with different eligibility or security requirements. For funding around 200 thousand pounds loan and similar amounts, review options carefully to find a provider matching your repayment capacity and collateral ability. Always confirm current costs, terms, and criteria directly with the lender before applying, referring to the Funding Agent sources for additional guidance.
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