
Best Invoice Finance Companies for UK SMEs
Jonathan Pike
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:
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.

