Top 10 Franchise Finance lenders in the uk for 2025

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For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan ranges, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. prices accurate as of 2025-09-25.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent is a UK finance platform that helps SMEs compare and access funding options quickly, focusing on speed, clarity, and a wide lender panel. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 24.9%
- Min Duration: 3 months
- Max Duration: 72 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, Asset finance, Invoice finance, Merchant cash advance, Working capital
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Construction, Professional services, Ecommerce
Pros
- Fast comparison and indicative offers
- Broad lender coverage
- Simple application
Cons
- Broker fees may apply in some cases
- Availability depends on lender criteria
Sources: Funding Agent, About Funding Agent, Products
2. Swoop Funding
Swoop Funding is a UK-based online lending platform offering franchise finance loans ranging from £1,000 up to £5 million, tailored to new and existing franchise owners for business growth and startup expenses. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 35%
- Min Duration: 6 months
- Max Duration: 72 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Asset finance, Invoice finance, Working capital
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Professional services, Franchise operations
Pros
- Wide loan amount range
- Tailored franchise funding solutions
- Access to multiple lenders
Cons
- Higher APRs for smaller loans
- Strict eligibility criteria for some loans
Sources: Swoop Funding, Franchise Finance Swoop Funding FAQ
3. Clifton Private Finance
Clifton Private Finance is an independent UK brokerage specialising in property, asset and franchise finance, providing tailored business loans and bridging finance solutions for franchise buyers and operators. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £25,000,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 20%
- Min Duration: 3 months
- Max Duration: 84 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging loans, Secured loans, Unsecured loans
- Industries: Real estate, Construction, Hospitality, Franchise business
Pros
- Tailored financing advice
- Flexible loan durations
- Experienced broker support
Cons
- Minimum loan amounts relatively high
- Brokerage fees applicable
Sources: Clifton Private Finance, Franchise Finance Blog Clifton Private Finance, Services
4. Sorbus Finance
Sorbus Finance is an independent finance broker in the UK specialising in franchise finance, helping clients secure funding tailored to franchise business models across various industries. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6.5%
- Max APR: 25%
- Min Duration: 6 months
- Max Duration: 60 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Asset finance, Invoice finance
- Industries: Franchise businesses, Retail, Professional services, Logistics
Pros
- Specialist franchise lender understanding
- Wide lender panel
- Tailored funding packages
Cons
- May require collateral or guarantor
- Some loans have higher fees
Sources: Sorbus Finance, Franchise Funding UK 2025 Sorbus Finance, Finance Industries Supported
5. Rosewood Finance
Rosewood Finance offers bespoke franchise loans and funding solutions for UK entrepreneurs with packages designed to cover franchise purchase costs, VAT, and working capital needs. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,500,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 18%
- Min Duration: 3 months
- Max Duration: 72 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Invoice finance, Working capital
- Industries: Franchise operations, Retail, Hospitality, Food services
Pros
- Flexible loan options
- Fast application and approval
- Experienced franchise finance team
Cons
- Limited public APR information
- May require personal guarantees
Sources: Rosewood Finance, Franchise Finance Rosewood Finance, Blog
6. Iwoca
Iwoca provides a range of flexible franchise finance products, including unsecured loans and credit lines, designed for both start-up and established franchise businesses in the UK. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 15%
- Max APR: 49%
- Min Duration: 1 months
- Max Duration: 24 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, Credit lines, Invoice finance
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Professional services, Franchise
Pros
- Quick application process
- Flexible repayment terms
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Higher APR range
- Strict eligibility requirements
Sources: Iwoca, Franchise Finance Iwoca, Pricing
7. Principal Business Finance
Principal Business Finance Principal Business Finance offers franchise funding solutions for start-up and established franchise businesses with strategic financial solutions tailored to franchise business needs. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 22%
- Min Duration: 6 months
- Max Duration: 60 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Asset finance, Working capital
- Industries: Franchise businesses, Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Funding aligned to franchise model
- Access to larger funding amounts
- Dedicated support
Cons
- Loan eligibility criteria apply
- Usually requires business plan
Sources: Principal Business Finance, Franchise Finance
8. Portman Finance Group
Portman Finance Group Portman Finance Group is a UK business to business finance lender and broker providing fast, flexible franchise finance solutions to start-ups and established franchises across all sectors. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 7.2%
- Max APR: 15%
- Min Duration: 6 months
- Max Duration: 72 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business loans, Hire purchase, Asset finance
- Industries: Franchise businesses, Retail, Construction, Hospitality
Pros
- Fast decisions
- Flexible loan options
- Specialist franchise finance knowledge
Cons
- May require personal guarantees
- Not all loans available to all businesses
Sources: Portman Finance Group, Franchise Finance Portman Finance Group, FAQs
9. Fleximize
Fleximize Fleximize is a UK digital lender specialising in SME loans including franchise finance, offering loans up to £500,000 with terms from 3 to 60 months and competitive interest rates. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 10.8%
- Max APR: 24.9%
- Min Duration: 3 months
- Max Duration: 60 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, Secured business loans, Revenue based finance
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Professional services, Franchise businesses
Pros
- Quick funding
- Flexible repayment options
- No early repayment penalties
Cons
- Requires good credit score
- May have higher rates for shorter terms
Sources: Fleximize, Franchise Loans Fleximize Review
10. Start Up Loans
Start Up Loans Start Up Loans UK provides government-backed loans to help new franchise business owners with affordable funding, offering loans from £500 to £25,000 with fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 12%
- Min Duration: 12 months
- Max Duration: 60 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Government-backed loans, Start-up loans
- Industries: Start-ups, Franchise businesses, Small enterprises
Pros
- Government-backed guarantees
- Low fixed interest rates
- Support and mentoring included
Cons
- Loan limits lower than commercial lenders
- Eligibility criteria can be strict
Sources: Start Up Loans, Franchise Funding
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.
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.