The Best Working Capital Loan Lenders 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 2025-10-07.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent provides financial solutions for UK SMEs seeking quick access to funding with a straightforward process. It offers options suitable for those needing estimates, high approval speed, and minimal collateral. Its solutions are often brokered, giving broader access to different funding types based on sector and business need.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Equity Finance, Debt Finance
• Industries: Recruitment Agencies

Pros

• Streamlined application process
• Competitive rates

Cons

• Limited to certain industries

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-working-capital-loans-for-recruitment-agencies-in-the-uk

2. Fleximize

Fleximize offers flexible business loans for SMEs that require rapid access to capital. Its solutions are suited for businesses needing quick turnaround, with flexibility in repayment and clear pricing. The provider connects borrowers with financial options that can adapt to changing business needs and industry sectors.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Revolving Credit
• Industries: Marketing, E-commerce

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Quick funding
• No hidden fees

Cons

• Higher APR for bad credit

Sources: https://fleximize.com/business-loans/working-capital-loans,https://www.fleximize.co.uk https://fleximize.com/business-loans/working-capital-loans,https://www.fleximize.co.uk

3. Funding Circle

Funding Circle provides quick decision-making and flexible repayment options for SMEs seeking alternative sources of finance. It is often suitable for those requiring a mix of speed, sector flexibility, and tailored finance. The platform connects borrowers with marketplaces that can match different business needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Credit Lines
• Industries: Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

• Fast approval
• No hidden costs

Cons

• High eligibility criteria

Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk/ https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/funding-circle-vs-iwoca

4. Iwoca

Iwoca offers flexible credit options including loans and lines of credit designed for UK SMEs. It prioritises transparency and speed in its application process. Suitable for those who want quick access with flexible repayment terms, often secured against business assets or cash flow.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1-12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Credit Lines
• Industries: Retail, Service industry

Pros

• Flexible repayments
• Transparent fees

Cons

• Higher interest rates for higher risk applications

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

5. Capify

Capify provides flexible funding solutions such as merchant cash advances and business loans. It caters to UK SMEs that need quick access with customised repayment options. It can be brokered or direct, depending on business preference and sector requirements.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £3,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3-12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Business Loans
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

• Personalized service
• Varied loan amounts

Cons

• Short repayment terms

Sources: https://www.capify.co.uk/small-business-loans/,https://www.capify.co.uk/45-million-fund/ https://www.capify.co.uk/small-business-loans/,https://www.capify.co.uk/45-million-fund/

6. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance offers alternative funding options tailored to UK SMEs, including asset-based lending and invoice finance. It supports sectors with flexible products focused on growth and restructuring. It is often suitable for businesses seeking customised financial support.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Based Lending, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Construction, Manufacturing

Pros

• Personalized service
• Range of products

Cons

• Limited public information on costs

Sources: https://nucleuscommercialfinance.com/

7. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding offers a platform to compare various finance options for UK businesses. It facilitates access to multiple lenders through a single application. Suitable for those seeking transparent and flexible funding solutions, often brokered or marketplace-based.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Equity Funding
• Industries: Tech, Healthcare, Retail

Pros

• Wide range of options
• Tailored solutions

Cons

• Acts as a broker

Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/

8. Portman Finance Group

Portman Finance Group offers a range of financial products including asset finance and business loans. It caters to sectors requiring tailored funding solutions with flexible repayment options. Often suitable for businesses planning longer-term growth or equipment purchase.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Up to 6 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Construction

Pros

• Both lender and broker
• Long-term loans available

Cons

• Interest rates depend on detailed assessment

Sources: https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/business-loans/

9. White Oak UK

White Oak UK provides business finance options including asset-based lending and working capital. It aims to support growing and restructuring UK SMEs. Its solutions are often flexible and can be customised for different sectors and needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Working Capital Loans
• Industries: Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Pros

• Customizable finance solutions
• Established provider

Cons

• Details on loan terms are limited

Sources: https://whiteoakuk.com/

10. Novuna

Novuna offers flexible finance solutions including quick loans and cash flow improvements. It is suitable for SMEs that require straightforward and rapid funding. The provider's focus is on addressing short-term financial needs with simple term options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £200,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Up to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Cash Flow Loans, Business Finance
• Industries: Small Businesses, New Startups

Pros

• Quick funding
• Easy application process

Cons

• Limited loan amounts

Sources: https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-cash-flow/cash-flow-finance-resource-hub/business-cash-flow-loans/

How to choose

Choose a lender based on your funding needs, speed, and sector. Banks typically offer larger loans with detailed criteria. Brokers can access a variety of options for different sectors and request flexibility. Sector-specific providers may focus on specialised loan types or security arrangements. Consider repayment terms, fees, and application speed to find the best fit. Matching your business profile to the right provider helps ensure suitable funding.

Conclusion

Matching provider type to your use case is important. Banks usually offer larger, secured loans. Brokers provide access to multiple lenders and faster decisions. Sector specialists focus on particular industries or loan types. Always review current terms and costs before applying. 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-specific strategies. Confirm details directly with the lender before proceeding.