April 7, 2026
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Best Secured Business Loan Lenders for the Social Care Industry

Discover the best secured business loan lenders tailored for the social care industry in the UK. Compare rates and find flexible financing options to grow your social care business.
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Best Secured Business Loan Lenders for the Social Care Industry
James Laden
Co-founder and CEO

James Laden is the Co-founder and CEO of Funding Agent. He has 8 years of experience working with major financial companies in the UK, and now focuses on making business funding simpler for SMEs through a faster, technology-led application journey. He writes about business lending, alternative finance, and what lenders look for when assessing applications.

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.

1. HSBC

HSBC offers a broad portfolio of financial products, including business loans focused on various business needs. Its loans are suited for UK SMEs looking for structured financing with options for secured and unsecured borrowing. The lender provides flexible repayment terms and clarity on loan conditions, supporting businesses with predictable financing.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Wide range of loan options
  • Global financial expertise

Cons

  • Potentially higher APR for smaller loans

Sources: Source

2. Portman Finance Group

Portman Finance Group focuses on bespoke lending solutions including both secured and unsecured business loans. It is typically suited for smaller UK SMEs requiring flexible loan structures and fast approval processes. The provider offers variable repayment options and considers a range of security types for lending decisions.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 3 months to 6 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Unsecured Business Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Quick funding approval
  • Flexible repayment options

Cons

  • Limited to smaller businesses

Sources: Source

3. NatWest

NatWest provides comprehensive banking services including business loans designed to support SMEs with cash flow and growth needs. This lender suits businesses seeking conventional bank loans with predictable repayment schedules. It offers a range of loan products with flexible collateral options and considerations based on risk profile.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • No early repayment fees
  • Large maximum loan size

Cons

  • APR can be higher based on risk profile

Sources: Source

4. OakNorth Bank

OakNorth Bank targets fast-growing SMEs with specialised business loans, often offering larger sums backed by secured lending. This provider is suited for businesses seeking bespoke loan arrangements with flexibility on durations. OakNorth considers business growth potential and provides tailored financing solutions with bespoke repayment structures.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000,000
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Custom durations

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Tailored for high-growth businesses
  • Large loan sizes available

Cons

  • Minimum loan size may not suit smaller businesses

Sources: Source

5. Fleximize

Fleximize supplies flexible business loans including secured and unsecured options, ideal for SMEs requiring personalised funding solutions. It suits companies in need of adaptable loan terms with a focus on speed and ease of application. Fleximize supports bespoke lending with various repayment schedules tailored to borrower needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 month to 48 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Flexibility in loan terms

Cons

  • Limits on maximum loan amounts for larger businesses

Sources: Source

6. Triodos Bank

Triodos Bank specialises in lending to businesses with social and environmental aims, providing sustainable business loan options. Its products suit companies requiring finance linked to ethical practices and social impact. The lender offers a range of secured and unsecured solutions with flexible terms to support sustainability-focused enterprises.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £100,000
  • Max Amount: £20,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 15 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: Environmental, Social

Pros

  • Focus on sustainable businesses
  • Range of loan sizes

Cons

  • May not suit traditional businesses

Sources: Source

7. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank delivers a variety of secured business loans for SMEs aiming to manage growth and cash flow effectively. It is suited for firms preferring structured loans with fixed rates and longer durations. Lloyds provides support through its branch network and offers repayment options suited for predictable budgeting.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Wide branch network
  • Fixed rates available

Cons

  • Fixed APR might be high for some businesses

Sources: Source

8. Close Brothers Business Finance

Close Brothers Business Finance specialises in asset-based lending and secured loans supporting SMEs across manufacturing and construction sectors. It suits businesses needing tailored finance that utilises business assets as security. The lender provides adaptable durations and finance solutions aligned with industry needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Custom durations

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Construction

Pros

  • Industry expertise
  • Flexible finance solutions

Cons

  • Not widely recognized in all sectors

Sources: Source

9. Esme Loans

Esme Loans provides digital unsecured lending suited for SMEs seeking quick access to finance with a straightforward application process. It is typically suitable for businesses preferring online platforms and transparency in loan offers. Repayment terms are set clearly, facilitating fast decisions without collateral requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 3.24%
  • Max APR: 22.2%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Fully digital application process
  • Quick decision time

Cons

  • Strict lending criteria

Sources: Source

10. Barclays

Barclays is a major UK bank providing a diverse range of business loans, including secured and unsecured options for SMEs. It is well suited for businesses needing established lending partners with broad product availability. Barclays offers structured repayment plans alongside various security and eligibility options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 5.1%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Wide range of financial products
  • Strong brand reputation

Cons

  • Application process may be lengthy

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting the best secured business loan lenders for the social care industry, focus on providers that understand the sector's unique funding needs. Assess the lender's approach to collateral and loan-to-value considerations, ensuring their products align with asset types common in social care. Prioritise flexibility in repayment terms to accommodate fluctuating cash flows typical of the sector. Also, consider processing times and how quickly funds are accessible, as operational continuity is critical. Reviewing lenders’ eligibility criteria and any sector-specialist experience will support a better fit.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your loan purpose and business type. Established banks can offer stability and broad product ranges, while brokers may provide more options or specialist lending access. Specialist lenders often cater to niche industries or specific financing needs. Matching your needs with provider expertise and loan terms is essential for a successful outcome. Always confirm current costs and terms directly with the lender before applying, as pricing and availability may change.

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1HSBCHSBC provides a wide range of financial products and services, including business loans, to support growth and expansion for UK SMEs.£1,000–£10,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 1 to 10 years
2Portman Finance GroupPortman Finance Group offers tailored financial solutions, including secured and unsecured business loans, specializing in flexible terms for UK SMEs.£10,000–£2,000,000; 6.9%–0% APR; 3 months to 6 years
3NatWestNatWest offers a comprehensive range of banking services, including business loans, for SMEs to enhance their cash flow and expansions.£1,000–£10,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 1 to 10 years
4OakNorth BankOakNorth Bank specializes in business loans aimed at fast-growing SMEs, offering flexible loan arrangements from £1 million upwards.£1,000,000–£0; 0%–0% APR; Custom durations
5FleximizeFleximize offers flexible funding options like secured and unsecured business loans, catering particularly to UK SMEs needing bespoke financial solutions.£2,000–£500,000; 0%–0% APR; 1 month to 48 months
6Triodos BankTriodos Bank provides sustainable financial services, extending business loans to companies focused on social and environmental impact.£100,000–£20,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 1 to 15 years
7Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers a wide range of business financial solutions, including secured loans to help UK SMEs manage growth and cash flow needs.£1,000–£50,000; 11.2%–11.2% APR; 1 to 25 years
8Close Brothers Business FinanceClose Brothers provides asset-based lending solutions and secured loans, supporting UK SMEs across various industries.£10,000–£1,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Custom durations
9Esme LoansEsme Loans offers digital lending solutions for UK SMEs, providing unsecured loan products with a transparent process.£10,000–£250,000; 3.24%–22.2% APR; 1 to 5 years
10BarclaysBarclays is one of the UK's major banks, offering a range of financial services including secured and unsecured business loans to support SMEs.£1,000–£10,000,000; 5.1%–15% APR; 1 to 10 years