Best Term Loan Lenders for Recruitment Agencies in the UK

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 2025-10-08.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent offers tailored finance options for UK SMEs, including term loans, invoice finance, and asset finance. It facilitates quick approvals and flexible repayment plans, suitable for recruitment agencies seeking predictable funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 6.5%
• Max APR: 24.9%
• Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Invoice Finance, Asset Finance
• Industries: Recruitment, Marketing, Consultancy

Pros

• Tailored solutions for recruitment agencies
• Competitive APR rates

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-equity-finance-lenders-for-uk-recruitment-agencies

2. Fleximize

Flexmaximize provides flexible financial products for UK SMEs, including term loans and other unsecured options. It offers quick decisions, with funding suitable for working capital or expansion needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3-48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Flexible repayment options
• Loyalty Pledge for returning clients

Cons

• Higher rates for lower credit scores

Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk

3. Capalona

Capalona offers a range of flexible business loans and financing solutions, brokered across multiple lenders. It suits UK SMEs looking for adaptable funding options for growth or cash flow. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Invoice Financing
• Industries: Various sectors

Pros

• Wide range of lenders
• Quick application process

Cons

• Varied interest rates depending on lender

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

4. Funding Circle

Funding Circle offers a digital platform for small business loans, enabling quick access to funding. It suits UK SMEs seeking flexible terms and straightforward application processes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 4.5%
• Max APR: 19.9%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: SME Loans
• Industries: Small Businesses, SMEs

Pros

• Simple online application
• Transparent fees

Cons

• Limited to certain sectors

Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/about-us/

5. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance provides flexible funding options for UK SMEs. It offers a range of unsecured and secured loans, with quick decision-making and custom terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Tailored finance solutions
• Flexible repayment terms

Cons

• Higher APR for unsecured loans

Sources: https://www.fundinvoice.co.uk/blog/advice/post/nucleus-lowers-unsecured-business-loan-rates.html

6. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance specialises in property and development finance, offering tailored solutions for property purchase or refinance. It caters to UK and international clients seeking property-related funding with flexible terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6-120 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Development Finance
• Industries: Property, Agriculture

Pros

• High-quality lending advice
• Wide range of finance options

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/about-us/

7. White Oak UK

White Oak UK provides business loans and finance solutions for UK SMEs, including asset finance and specialised funding. It is suitable for companies needing quick access and adaptable repayment terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 6.95%
• Max APR: 9%
• Loan Duration: 12-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, VAT & Tax Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: SMEs, Consultancy

Pros

• Specialist SME focus
• Competitive rates

Cons

• Arrangement fees for some loans

Sources: https://www.capalona.co.uk/our-lenders/white-oak-uk/

8. Iwoca

Iwoca specialises in short-term business loans with quick approval and flexible options. It supports UK SMEs by offering quick access to working capital and funding for growth. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 1-12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Credit Lines
• Industries: Small Businesses, Retail

Pros

• Fast application process
• Available to a wide range of businesses

Cons

• High APR for short terms

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/finance-explained/business-loan-interest-rates

9. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding offers comprehensive funding solutions including traditional loans and alternative finance, suitable for UK SMEs. It provides quick access with flexible terms for businesses needing working capital, growth funding, or refinancing. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 12-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Equity Finance
• Industries: SMEs, Startups

Pros

• Broad range of funding options
• Specialized in matching businesses with funding

Cons

• Complex comparison process

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-business-loans-for-uk-consultancy-agencies-in-2025-not-ready

10. Sonovate

Sonovate provides invoice financing solutions tailored to recruitment agencies and sectors, supporting fast access to funds against invoices. It is suitable for UK SMEs needing quick liquidity options with flexible terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 5.9%
• Max APR: 19.9%
• Loan Duration: 3-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Cash Flow Solutions
• Industries: Recruitment, Consultancy

Pros

• Quick funding based on invoices
• Tailored for recruitment sectors

Cons

• Limited to invoice finance
• Higher APR for small invoices

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-invoice-finance-lenders-for-recruitment-agencies-in-the-uk

How to choose

Match loan size and APR to your budget, check eligibility, and balance speed against flexibility. Consider how repayments fit your franchise cash flow and seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying. For recruitment agencies, consider whether you need a broker with specialised lenders or a direct bank offering simple term loans. It is important to compare the flexibility, security, and repayment options to suit your specific needs. By carefully assessing these factors, you can select the most appropriate lender for your funding requirement.

Conclusion

Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit larger amounts, asset-backed needs, or sector specialisms. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change. To find the best fit, consider whether you prefer a bank, broker, or specialist lender. Each has different advantages depending on your borrowing needs and sector. Careful evaluation ensures you choose the right financing for your recruitment agency in 2025.