Top Business 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 2025-10-06.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent offers a range of small business finance options, including term loans and lines of credit. It focuses on quick, straightforward access for UK SMEs. Suitable for those needing predictable and fast funding, often without collateral. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 12.9%
• Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Lines of Credit
• Industries: Retail, Technology, Manufacturing

Pros

• Fast approvals
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Limited to UK businesses

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

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects small businesses with investors. It is suitable for SMEs seeking flexible loan options and quick access to capital, often with a focus on transparency. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Hospitality, Construction

Pros

• Low starting interest rate
• Peer-to-peer lending

Cons

• Risk-adjusted APR can be high

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

3. iwoca

iwoca iwoca provides flexible finance options for UK small businesses, including short-term loans and lines of credit. It supports fast funding with minimal paperwork. Suitable for businesses needing quick access to working capital, often with flexible repayment options. Here's what to know:

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: Lines of Credit, Short-term Loans
• Industries: Retail, Services

Pros

• Quick decision process
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Higher monthly rates

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

4. YouLend

YouLend YouLend offers innovative revenue-based financing solutions for SMEs, enabling flexible repayment tied to revenue streams. It often appeals to growing businesses seeking non-traditional funding options. Suitable for cash flow-sensitive companies needing adaptable repayment, usually without collateral. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Revenue-Based Financing
• Industries: E-commerce, Retail

Pros

• Flexible repayment
• Supports SMB growth

Cons

• Higher APR for some businesses

Sources: http://www.youlend.co.uk/

5. Tide

Tide Tide offers a range of business banking solutions, including loans designed for small and mid-sized UK enterprises. It provides quick access with flexible terms, suited for businesses seeking straightforward financing. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 26.6
• Loan Duration: 12-36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Fixed-Rate Loans
• Industries: Startups, Small Enterprises

Pros

• Wide variety of business solutions
• Integration with banking

Cons

• High maximum interest rate

Sources: https://www.tide.co/

6. Nationwide Finance

Nationwide Finance Nationwide Finance provides direct business loans for UK companies, often without broker involvement. It is suitable for businesses seeking quick, straightforward funding options for growth or operational needs. Here’s what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £6,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Variable⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Direct Business Loans
• Industries: Various

Pros

• No broker fees
• Direct lender options

Cons

• Personal guarantees may be required

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

7. Capify

Capify Capify provides flexible funding solutions, including merchant cash advances and short-term loans, often with quick approval processes. It targets UK SMEs looking for rapid financing options, suitable for working capital or growth needs. Here’s what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £3,000,000
• Min APR: 67.89%
• Max APR: 67.89%
• Loan Duration: 12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Fast funding availability
• Flexible approvals

Cons

• High APR

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

8. Virgin StartUp

Virgin StartUp Virgin StartUp offers tailored funding options and mentoring for startups. It focuses on early-stage businesses and provides accessible loans to support growth. Suitable for entrepreneurs looking for support and capital, often with flexible repayment plans. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 6%
• Loan Duration: 36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Startup Loans
• Industries: Startups

Pros

• Mentorship offered
• Low interest rates for startups

Cons

• Limited to startups

Sources: https://www.virginstartup.org/

9. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers a broad range of business lending options, including flexible secured and unsecured loans. It caters to SMEs and larger businesses seeking reliable, quick access to capital. Suitable for established companies needing operational or growth finance, often with adaptable repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 12-84 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: SMEs, Large Enterprises

Pros

• Flexible loan terms
• Recognized bank

Cons

• Potentially high interest rates

Sources: https://www.natwest.com/

10. HSBC

HSBC HSBC offers a wide range of business finance options, including tailored loans for SMEs and large corporations. It aims to provide flexible, global solutions often with quick, accessible processes. Suitable for established businesses seeking growth or working capital, with various collateral and repayment structures. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 5.8%
• Max APR: 5.8%
• Loan Duration: 12-120 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Global financial institution
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Limited to fixed-rate options

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

How to choose

Matching the right lender depends on your specific needs. Bank options like HSBC or NatWest often provide reliable, quick funding for operational or growth needs. Broker platforms like Funding Agent can offer more transparent comparisons across different providers. Consider your funding purpose, urgency, security preferences, and whether you prefer direct or brokered access. Reviewing fees, repayment flexibility, and eligibility criteria ensures you select the most suitable option for your business circumstances. Balance cost, speed, and security when making your decision.

Conclusion

Matching your use case with the right provider is key. Banks like HSBC or NatWest can offer quick, reliable funding for established businesses. Brokers such as Funding Agent help compare and find tailored solutions efficiently. Specialist lenders focus on niche needs or intermediary services. Always verify current costs and terms with the provider; pricing may change. Choosing the right lender depends on your business size, sector, and funding priorities.