Quick Compare:

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a UK business finance broker that helps SMEs access funding from a panel of lenders. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 6 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Working Capital Loan, Business Expansion Loan
• Industries: Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Pros

• Competitive APR
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Eligibility criteria apply

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

2. iwoca

iwoca iwoca offers business loans to SMEs ranging from £1,000 to £1,000,000, helping various sectors like retail and services. It is suitable for fast funding and flexible repayment options, often brokered through online application processes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Working Capital Loan, Business Loan
• Industries: Retail, Services, Hospitality

Pros

• Quick decision
• No penalties for early repayment

Cons

• Higher APR for some applicants

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/small-business-loans

3. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize is a provider of flexible business finance often suitable for SMEs needing quick access to working capital or growth funding. It facilitates secured and unsecured options with brokered support to customise repayment plans. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Up to 12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Working Capital Loan
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, General

Pros

• Flexible repayment terms
• Loyalty benefits

Cons

• Requires turnover proof

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

4. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance Clifton Private Finance is a broker offering tailored loans for businesses seeking flexible terms and high-value funding options. It provides brokered access to various types of loans, suitable for various business needs and sectors. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £3,000
• Max Amount: £25,000,000
• Min APR: 4%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: Flexible⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Business Loan, Unsecured Business Loan
• Industries: Real Estate, General Business

Pros

• Bespoke financial solutions
• High loan amounts available

Cons

• May require a lengthy application process

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/business-loans/

5. Kennet Equipment Leasing

Kennet Equipment Leasing Kennet Leasing specialises in funding equipment purchases for businesses across industries. It offers brokered finance options with flexible terms, suitable for companies looking to upgrade or acquire assets. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 7 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Leasing, Hire Purchase
• Industries: Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare

Pros

• Expertise in equipment leasing
• Tailored financing

Cons

• Limited to equipment financing

Sources: https://www.kennet-leasing.co.uk/

6. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform offering fixed-rate loans to SMEs for working capital, expansion, or refinancing. It provides brokered access with straightforward application processes suitable for various sectors. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Line of Credit
• Industries: Hospitality, Retail, Services

Pros

• No early settlement fees
• Competitive rates

Cons

• Peer-to-peer structure might delay funds

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

7. White Oak UK

White Oak UK White Oak UK specialises in providing flexible finance solutions, including secured and unsecured loans. It services multiple sectors with brokered access to tailored products suited to growth or capital needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 7.5%
• Max APR: 18.9%
• Loan Duration: 12 months to 5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Manufacturing, Services, Healthcare

Pros

• Quick funding
• Wide range of loan sizes

Cons

• Higher fees for larger loans

Sources: https://whiteoakuk.com/

8. Swoop

Swoop Swoop connects SMEs with tailored funding solutions, including loans and equity finance, often brokered via digital platforms. It provides access across sectors with flexible approval processes and a variety of repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 3.9%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Technology, Retail, General

Pros

• Tailored funding solutions
• Wide network of lenders

Cons

• Collateral may be required

Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/uk/sectors/

9. Union Business Finance

Union Business Finance Union Business Finance provides flexible commercial loans for SMEs, often including fast approval options. It offers brokered services for various sectors, supporting SME growth with tailored funding solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Up to 48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
• Industries: General Business, Retail

Pros

• Flexible financing options
• Rapid approval process

Cons

• Requires good credit history

Sources: https://unionbusinessfinance.co.uk/

10. Union Business Finance

Union Business Finance Union Business Finance is a broker offering tailored loan solutions with rapid decision-making. It supports SMEs across sectors with brokered access to secured and unsecured options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured & Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Various sectors

Pros

• Specialist brokerage support
• Variety of finance options

Cons

• Not directly a lender

Sources: https://unionbusinessfinance.co.uk/

How to choose

Matching the right provider depends on your specific funding needs. For equipment finance, consider lenders that focus on asset-backed or secured loans. Brokers can offer access to multiple options but check their terms carefully. Evaluate factors like loan size, APR, repayment flexibility and speed to find the best fit for your franchise. Always review eligibility requirements, fees, and early repayment terms before applying. It helps to compare providers' offerings to match your sector and growth plans effectively.

Conclusion

Matching your funding needs with the appropriate provider involves understanding the difference between direct lenders, brokers and specialist financiers. Banks offer straightforward products for secured or unsecured loans. Brokers provide access to various lenders and options. Specialist lenders focus on particular sectors or asset types. Consider what qualities matter most for your business. 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.