Top Business Loan Refinancing 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 2025-10-09.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent specializes in quick, accessible solutions for UK SMEs requiring short-term financing options. It offers a streamlined platform that matches businesses with flexible funding choices, often with brokered access. The provider is suitable for those seeking transparent terms and fast approval processes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Short-Term Loans, Invoice Financing
• Industries: Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

• Fast approval
• Flexible terms

Cons

• High APR for riskier profiles

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-short-term-business-loan-providers

2. Lloyds

Lloyds provides a variety of business loans with options for secured and unsecured financing, suitable for business expansion and equipment purchases. It often offers favourable rates and terms for established SMEs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: Insurance, Banking

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Secured loans available

Cons

• Higher interest rates for unsecured loans

Sources: https://lloydstsb.co.uk/business/business-loans.html

3. HSBC

HSBC offers a range of business loans including flexible, secured, and unsecured options designed for small to medium-sized firms. It caters to various financing needs such as operating capital or growth funding. 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: 1–10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: SME Loans, Green Loans
• Industries: Banking, Finance

Pros

• Competitive flat rates
• Global banking resources

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

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

4. Barclays

Barclays offers a range of business loans including fixed and variable rate options suitable for both growth and refinancing needs. Its flexible terms support various business models. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 14.9%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 1–10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
• Industries: Retail, Real Estate

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Flexible options

Cons

• Higher rates for lower loan amounts

Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/

5. NatWest

NatWest offers a range of business lending including short-term loans, investment finance, and asset-backed options. It caters to SMEs looking for flexible and quick funding solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1–7 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Investment Finance
• Industries: Financial Services, Commercial Banking

Pros

• Rapid loan processing
• Widely accessible

Cons

• Variable interest rates

Sources: https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance/small-business-loan.html

6. Funding Circle

Funding Circle offers a marketplace platform connecting SMEs with investors for fast, flexible business loans. It facilitates quick funding with a variety of options suited for growth or refinancing needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 1–6 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, SME Loans
• Industries: SME, Retail

Pros

• Quick decision times
• Transparent fees

Cons

• Higher APR for longer terms

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

7. KIS Finance

KIS Finance provides specialised financing such as bridging loans and development finance tailored to property and construction sectors. It offers quick, bespoke funding solutions for UK SMEs and property investors. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.5%
• Max APR: 19.9%
• Loan Duration: 1–12 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Bespoke solutions
• Quick funding

Cons

• Short loan terms

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

8. Watts Commercial Finance

Watts Commercial Finance provides a broad range of business finance options focusing on commercial mortgages, asset finance, and acquisition funding. It supports UK SMEs with flexible finance solutions for property and growth projects. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 7.9%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial Mortgages, Acquisition Funding
• Industries: Commercial Real Estate, Acquisitions

Pros

• Specialized advice
• Wide lender access

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://watts-commercial.co.uk/

9. Newable

Newable offers business funding that includes short-term loans, invoice factoring, and growth capital, often with quick approval processes. It supports SMEs seeking flexible, tailored financial solutions for expansion and development. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £150,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 1–5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Factoring, Business Loans
• Industries: Manufacturing, Technology

Pros

• Flexible repayment plans
• Supportive business environment

Cons

• Limited maximum loan amount

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

10. Pure Property Finance

Pure Property Finance provides bespoke property finance solutions including bridging loans and commercial mortgages tailored for UK businesses. It is suitable for property investors and companies seeking structured property funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £250,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 4.5%
• Max APR: 15.5%
• Loan Duration: 12–30 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Property Finance
• Industries: Property Investment, Construction

Pros

• Competitive rates
• Specialist advice

Cons

• High minimum loan amount

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

How to choose

When selecting a lender in the UK top business loan refinancing market, consider your funding purpose and required amount. Bank providers generally offer competitive rates for secured loans and longer terms. Brokers can help access multiple options quickly and may navigate complex applications. Specialist lenders or niche providers are suitable for unique or sector-specific needs. Always review fees, repayment conditions, and flexibility before making a decision.

Conclusion

Matching lender types to your use case is key. Bank lenders often suit those seeking secured, larger loans with long-term stability. Brokers can connect you to faster, flexible options across providers. Specialist or sector-specific lenders serve specific property or development needs. 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.