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 enables franchises to compare options for various lending needs including unsecured and secured loans, with a focus on speed and flexibility. It suits franchise buyers seeking quick, straightforward funding solutions. 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. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance Nucleus Commercial Finance provides UK SMEs with funding options including secured and unsecured loans. It offers flexible repayment plans and quick access. It suits franchisees and operators needing fast capital with moderate security. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 19%
• Loan Duration: 3 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Flexible terms
• No hidden fees

Cons

• Higher APR for riskier profiles

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk,https://nucleuscommercialfinance.com/about-us https://www.fundingagent.co.uk,https://nucleuscommercialfinance.com/about-us

3. Iwoca

Iwoca Iwoca specializes in rapid digital funding for small businesses. It offers flexible repayment options including short-term loans and lines of credit. It suits franchisees needing quick access to working capital on flexible terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Credit Lines, Working Capital Loans
• Industries: Retail, Automotive, Hospitality

Pros

• Quick application
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• High interest for some users

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/,https://www.theglobalcity.uk/resources/case-studies/iwoca https://www.iwoca.co.uk/,https://www.theglobalcity.uk/resources/case-studies/iwoca

4. Barclays

Barclays Barclays provides a range of business finance products suitable for various sectors and business sizes. It offers quick access to secured and unsecured loans with flexible terms. It suits franchise operators preferring traditional bank support. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
• Industries: Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing, Agriculture

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Strong brand

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

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

5. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers a selection of business loans and finance options. It provides flexible repayment plans for different business needs. It is suitable for franchisees seeking reliable bank support. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 25 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Construction, Agriculture, Healthcare

Pros

• Flexible repayment plans
• Trusted bank

Cons

• Strict lending criteria

Sources: https://lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html,https://www.lloyd.ltd.uk/ https://lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html,https://www.lloyd.ltd.uk/

6. Natwest

Natwest Natwest offers small business loans with straightforward application processes. It focuses on supporting growth and cash flow management. It suits franchisees and new businesses seeking accessible funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
• Industries: Real Estate, Professional Services, Finance

Pros

• Comprehensive support
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Higher rates for smaller loans

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

7. Bizcap

Bizcap Bizcap offers quick business loans designed for fast approval and flexible repayment options. It caters to franchise operators and other businesses needing prompt financial support. It suits high-turnover, cash-flow-focused businesses. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Working Capital Loans
• Industries: Retail, Wholesale, Logistics

Pros

• Fast approval
• Flexible repayment

Cons

• Not suitable for long-term financing

Sources: https://www.bizcap.co.uk/,https://www.bizcap.co.uk/apply https://www.bizcap.co.uk/,https://www.bizcap.co.uk/apply

8. White Oak UK

White Oak UK White Oak UK offers specialised business funding options including asset finance and unsecured loans. It provides flexible terms suitable for growing businesses needing tailored financing solutions. It suits franchisees seeking quick, sector-specific funding options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,500,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Manufacturing, Transportation, Technology

Pros

• Tailored financing solutions
• Quick approval

Cons

• Potentially high costs

Sources: https://whiteoakuk.com/what-alternatives-to-small-business-loans-are-available-for-small-businesses/,https://whiteoakuk.com/short-term-business-loan-uk/ https://whiteoakuk.com/what-alternatives-to-small-business-loans-are-available-for-small-businesses/,https://whiteoakuk.com/short-term-business-loan-uk/

9. Start Up Loans Company

Start Up Loans Company The organisation provides affordable finance and mentoring to new startups, focusing on early-stage businesses. It offers fixed low rates and support for growth. It suits entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking structured startup funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 6%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Start-Up Loans
• Industries: Technology, Retail, Services

Pros

• Fixed low rates
• Mentoring included

Cons

• Limited to start-ups

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

10. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle offers quick access to small business loans through a marketplace model, with flexible terms. It is a suitable choice for franchisees and sectors seeking rapid funding. It provides competitive rates and streamlined application processes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Flexi Loans
• Industries: Retail, Technology, Manufacturing

Pros

• Competitive rates
• No early fee

Cons

• Strict criteria

Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/businesses/

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a UK business loan in 2026, consider your specific needs and the type of funding required. Brokers like Funding Agent can provide quick comparisons for short-term, flexible loans. For larger amounts or secured funding, traditional banks may offer more options. Evaluate the speed of the process, security needed, and the associated fees. Matching the lender type to your purpose ensures better terms and support. Always review eligibility, repayment conditions, and potential costs before applying.

Conclusion

Matching your funding needs with the right provider type is key. Banks like Barclays and Lloyds suit those looking for straightforward, secured loans. Brokers such as Funding Agent help quickly compare options across multiple lenders. Sector-focused or specialist lenders may be better for specific business types or asset-backed needs. Always check current terms and costs with the lender; conditions can change over time.