Top Asset Finance Lenders for Recruitment Agencies in the UK for 2026

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 2025-10-06.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a prominent provider of business loans and asset financing in the UK. It works with SMEs needing straightforward financing options. Their offerings include flexible terms and quick access, usually secured against business assets. It suits those seeking reliable, short-to-medium-term funding for growth and operational needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 9%
• Max APR: 24.9%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Asset Financing, Equity Financing
• Industries: Recruitment, Marketing

Pros

• Fast approval
• Flexible financing options

Cons

• Higher APR for new customers

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

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform connecting small businesses with investors. It provides quick access to unsecured or secured loans, suitable for growth or refinancing. It is often used by SMEs requiring larger, flexible funding options with predictable repayment plans.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 6-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Line of Credit
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Competitive rates
• Large loan amounts

Cons

• Eligibility restrictions

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

3. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible funding solutions for SMEs. It provides tailored business loans to meet growth and operational needs, with options to secure funds quickly. Their product suite supports businesses looking for adaptable repayment terms and fast access to capital.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 10.2%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3-48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Flexiloan, Flexiloan Lite
• Industries: Start-ups, Established businesses

Pros

• Loyalty pledge for returning customers
• Quick application process

Cons

• Higher rates for lower credit scores

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

4. Bizcap

Bizcap Bizcap provides quick, flexible fundingOptions for SMEs needing working capital. It sources asset-backed loans and grants suitable for diverse industries. The platform offers fast access with flexible repayment schedules to support business growth and operational expenses.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Lines of Credit
• Industries: Wholesale, Retail

Pros

• Fast approval times
• Flexible credit options

Cons

• Higher cost for unsecured loans

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

5. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding Swoop offers a platform connecting businesses with various funding options including loans, grants, and investments. It caters to SMEs needing flexible, quick funding for growth and operational costs. The service supports multiple funding types and provides tailored options to fit different business models.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Loans, Grants, Investments
• Industries: Retail, Agriculture, Construction

Pros

• Variety of funding options
• Tailored solutions

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://swoopfunding.com

6. Sonovate

Sonovate Sonovate provides invoice financing that helps recruitment agencies manage cash flow efficiently. It focuses on quick access to funding secured against unpaid invoices. The service is designed for agencies needing reliable, short-term finance solutions to support their staffing operations.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Financing
• Industries: Recruitment

Pros

• Custom solutions for recruitment
• Fast invoice processing

Cons

• Limited to invoice financing only

Sources: https://www.sonovate.com

7. Fintelligent

Fintelligent Fintelligent offers funding options tailored for recruitment firms and SMEs. It provides specialised asset-backed and unsecured loans, often brokered through partnerships. The platform supports growth, refinancing, and operational finance with an emphasis on sector-specific solutions.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Finance Solutions
• Industries: Finance, Legal, Real Estate

Pros

• Expert in asset finance
• Sector-specific solutions

Cons

• Lack of information on loan terms

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

8. Aurora Capital

Aurora Capital Aurora Capital provides quick, flexible business funding to UK SMEs. It offers secured and unsecured loans, often with rapid approval and customisable repayment plans. Its services support fast growth, acquisition, or refinancing needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 1-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Merchant Cash Advance
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Flexible loan options
• Competitive rates

Cons

• Requires strong credit profile

Sources: https://auroracapital.co.uk

9. First Oak Capital

First Oak Capital First Oak Capital provides tailored funding solutions, often secured against assets like machinery or property. It supports UK SMEs in acquiring or refinancing equipment and assets quickly. Their flexible terms and high loan amounts suit businesses aiming for growth or restructuring.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans
• Industries: Agriculture, Construction

Pros

• Specializes in asset finance
• High loan amounts

Cons

• Requires collateral

Sources: https://firstoakcapital.co.uk

10. Portman Finance Group

Portman Finance Group Portman offers finance solutions including asset finance and loans for UK SMEs. It provides flexible options that can be secured or unsecured, supporting growth and working capital needs. Its services are suitable for businesses requiring quick access and custom repayment terms.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 4.4%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Specializes in SME finance
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk

How to choose

Matching a lender to your recruitment agency's needs involves understanding the type of financing and provider. Bank lenders often offer competitive rates for secured loans with longer terms. Brokers can access a wider range of flexible options, including unsecured or specialised funding. Sector-focused lenders may provide tailored tools and sector-specific solutions. Careful review of fees, repayment flexibility, and eligibility criteria helps ensure the right fit. Consider your cash flow, project size, and security preferences before selecting a provider.

Conclusion

Matching the right lender depends on your specific needs. Bank lenders are suitable for secured, long-term funding. Brokers provide broader options with more flexibility. Specialist and sector-specific providers offer tailored solutions for recruitment agencies. Always review current costs and terms directly with the lender; pricing can change. 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.