Best Invoice Finance Companies for UK SMEs

Jonathan Pike
January 2, 2026
Awards
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 2026-01-02.

Quick Compare:

1Funding AgentFunding Agent is a UK business finance broker that helps SMEs access funding from a panel of lenders.£10,000–£1,000,000; 5%–15% APR; 6 to 72 months
2BarclaysBarclays offers a range of business financing options including secured loans with flexible terms and competitive rates.£25,001–£3,000,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; 1 to 25 years
3Lloyds Bank Commercial FinanceLloyds Bank provides business loans with a focus on growth and sustainability, offering flexible terms and support.£1,000–£50,000; 11.2%–11.2% APR; 1 to 5 years
4HSBC Business Funding SolutionsHSBC offers a variety of small business loans with competitive fixed rates to help manage business growth effectively.£1,000–£25,000; 5.8%–7.1% APR; 1 to 10 years
5FleximizeFleximize provides tailored business loans with a flexible approach and rewards for loyal customers.£0–£25,000; 9.6%–11.3% APR; 1 to 5 years
6Clydesdale Enterprise FinanceClydesdale Bank offers growth financing and structured lending solutions for businesses looking to expand.£0–£0; 6%–6% APR; 1 to 5 years
7Capital on TapCapital on Tap facilitates quick access to funds with competitive rates and rewards for small businesses.£0–£250,000; 13.86%–15.22% APR; Varies
8Virgin StartUp LoanVirgin StartUp offers business loans to new ventures in the UK with a fixed interest rate and support for founders.£500–£25,000; 6%–6% APR; 1 to 5 years
9NatWest Small Business LoanNatWest provides small business loans with competitive rates and flexible repayment options to support growth.£0–£0; 10%–15% APR; 1 to 10 years
10Funding CircleFunding Circle offers fast and affordable business loans for SMEs, focusing on ease and transparency.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–14.9% APR; 6 months to 6 years

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. Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services Bibby Financial Services is a leading independent invoice finance provider that works with a variety of sectors. It offers flexible cash flow solutions often secured on invoices or other assets. Suitable for SMEs needing quick access and flexible terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 7%
  • Max APR: 29%
  • Loan Duration: 12-24 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Broad industry focus

Cons

  • Fees can be high

Sources: http://bibbyfinancialservices.co.uk/

3. Kriya

Kriya Kriya offers flexible funding options including invoice finance and working capital solutions, often facilitated through broker channels. Suitable for SMEs seeking quick, flexible access to capital with various security options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 1.5%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Various

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Working Capital Loan
  • Industries: B2B

Pros

  • Flexible options
  • No hidden costs

Cons

  • Selective finance options

Sources: https://www.4thway.co.uk/visitmarketfinance

4. Skipton Business Finance

Skipton Business Finance Skipton offers invoice finance solutions that can be tailored for both small and larger UK businesses. Suitable for firms seeking flexible funding with quick turnaround times. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Interest-free options available

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Factoring
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Interest-free options
  • Clear costs

Cons

  • Limited product range

Sources: https://www.skiptonbusinessfinance.co.uk/business-finance

5. Close Brothers

Close Brothers Close Brothers provides flexible finance options including asset-backed funding, leasing, and refinancing for UK SMEs. Suitable for firms that require varied collateral options and quick decisions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Various

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Leasing, Refinancing
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Variety of options
  • Specialist products

Cons

  • Rates vary by proposal

Sources: https://www.closeassetfinance.co.uk/s/

6. Aldermore Bank

Aldermore Bank Aldermore offers flexible business finance solutions, including invoice and asset finance, often secured on assets for growth funding. Suitable for SMEs looking for accessible funding options and quick approvals. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 3 months to 7 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Tailored solutions
  • Expert support

Cons

  • Higher minimum loan value

Sources: https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business-finance/

7. Hitachi Capital (Novuna Business Finance)

Hitachi Capital (Novuna Business Finance) Hitachi Capital, now Novuna, offers flexible funding solutions for diverse business sectors, often with options for secured or unsecured finance. Suitable for firms seeking adaptable funding with a variety of security and repayment choices. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £7,500
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 6.3%
  • Max APR: 36.4%
  • Loan Duration: Various

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Straightforward options
  • Speedy fund release

Cons

  • High maximum APR

Sources: https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-finance/

8. Optimum Finance

Optimum Finance Optimum Finance provides invoice financing for SMEs, often secured against invoices and receivables. Suitable for businesses needing quick cash flow solutions with flexible repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Various

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Focus on cash flow
  • Tailored for B2B SMEs

Cons

  • Limited to invoice finance

Sources: https://optimumfinance.co.uk/

9. Metro Bank

Metro Bank Metro Bank offers a variety of business loans, often secured against assets or receivables, with fixed rates and quick approval processes. Suitable for UK SMEs seeking predictable repayment terms and rapid decisions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 9.6%
  • Max APR: 9.6%
  • Loan Duration: 24 to 36 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Fixed APR
  • Fast decisions

Cons

  • Limited loan amount

Sources: https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/business/borrowing/products/commercial-loans/

10. Growth Lending

Growth Lending Growth Lending offers tailored finance solutions, including invoice finance and working capital, often with flexible security arrangements. Suitable for SMEs needing quick access to funds with straightforward terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Working Capital
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Tailored finance
  • Supports growth

Cons

  • Limited public data

Sources: https://www.expertmarket.co.uk/invoice-factoring/top-10-invoice-financing-companies-in-the-uk

How to choose

When selecting a provider for invoice finance, consider the size of funding needed and the speed of access. Brokers like Funding Agent can offer multiple options quickly, while specialised lenders may offer more flexible terms or sector focus. Evaluate fees, repayment structures, and security requirements. Matching your company's cash flow, growth plans, and sector needs will help find the best fit. Always review each lender’s detailed criteria before applying.

Conclusion

Matching your funding to your needs involves choosing between direct lenders, brokers, or specialist providers. Brokers like Funding Agent facilitate quick price comparisons across many options. For larger or sector-specific needs, direct or specialised lenders may be more suitable. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is invoice finance?

Invoice finance is a way for businesses to borrow money against the amounts due from customers. It helps improve cash flow by getting paid faster on outstanding invoices.

What types of invoice finance are available?

Common types include invoice factoring and invoice discounting. Factoring involves a third party managing your sales ledger, while discounting keeps it under your control.

Are there any risks associated with invoice finance?

Risks include potential fees, impact on customer relationships (especially with factoring), and the possibility of debt if invoices remain unpaid.

How does invoice finance benefit UK SMEs?

Invoice finance provides UK SMEs with immediate cash, helping them manage cash flow, pay suppliers, and invest in growth without waiting for customers to pay.

How do I choose the best invoice finance company for my SME?

Consider factors like fees, advance rates, contract flexibility, customer service, and industry experience to find the best fit for your business.

Can all SMEs in the UK apply for invoice finance?

Most SMEs can apply for invoice finance, but eligibility depends on factors like creditworthiness, invoice quality, and industry sector.