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 helps franchise buyers seeking quick, flexible options with transparent terms. It offers structured financing for various purposes with brokered access to multiple lenders.

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. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a fintech that connects investors with SME loans. It is suitable for franchise buyers seeking direct, transparent options, and quick approval. It offers loan products suitable for various business needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 6 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Term Loan
• Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Pros

• Quick decisions
• Flexible repayments

Cons

• Requires good credit history

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

3. iwoca

iwoca iwoca offers flexible business loans to SMEs in the UK and Germany. It covers a range of credit options for working capital, asset purchase, or growth. It is suitable for franchise buyers needing quick access and diverse repayment choices.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Working Capital Loan
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Technology

Pros

• Flexible terms
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• High APR for high-risk borrowers

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

4. Approved Finance

Approved Finance Approved Finance is a provider of tailored business loans and asset finance. It connects SMEs to options for growth, working capital, and refinancing. Suitable for franchisees seeking quick decision-making and flexible terms.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loan, Asset Finance
• Industries: Manufacturing, Retail, Construction

Pros

• Quick application process
• Dedicated account teams

Cons

• Eligibility criteria may apply

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

5. Portman Finance

Portman Finance Portman Finance Group offers flexible loans and asset finance options for UK SMEs. It caters to businesses seeking quick access with structured repayment plans. Ideal for growth, asset purchase, or refinancing needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 4.4%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: 3 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Term Loan
• Industries: Healthcare, Agriculture, Construction

Pros

• Fast approval
• No collateral needed

Cons

• Higher rates for unsecured loans

Sources: https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/business-loans/,https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/ https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/business-loans/,https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/

6. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers a variety of business lending options including term loans and overdrafts suitable for SMEs. It provides fast access and tailored repayment plans for a range of business needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loan, Overdraft
• Industries: Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Pros

• Flexible terms
• National coverage

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: https://lloydstsb.co.uk/business/business-loans.html,https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/industry-expertise.html https://lloydstsb.co.uk/business/business-loans.html,https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/industry-expertise.html

7. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a range of business loans including unsecured and secured options for SMEs. It provides flexible repayment options and sector-specific solutions with quick decision times.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Business Loan
• Industries: Agriculture, Retail, Technology

Pros

• Flexible repayment options
• No early repayment fees

Con

• Limited loan amounts for new customers

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/

8. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers a range of business loans and overdraft facilities for SMEs. It supports various funding needs with quick approvals and flexible repayment plans, often secured against assets or cash flow.

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 Loan, Overdraft
• Industries: Agriculture, Farming, Retail

Pros

• Quick approval
• Comprehensive support

Cons

• High APR for certain 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

9. HSBC

HSBC HSBC offers a wide range of business loans, including secured and unsecured options. It supports varied funding needs from small to larger enterprises with flexible terms and repayment options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 5.8%
• Max APR: 7.1%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loan, Unsecured Loan
• Industries: Manufacturing, Real Estate, Healthcare

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Global coverage

Cons

• Requires extensive documentation

Sources: https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/,https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/corporate/campaigns/sectors https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/,https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/corporate/campaigns/sectors

10. Virgin StartUp Loans

Virgin StartUp Loans provides government-backed startup loans to entrepreneurs and small businesses. It is suitable for those seeking initial funding with manageable terms and flexible repayment options. Commonly used for launch and early-stage growth.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 10%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Startup Loan
• Industries: Startup, Technology, E-commerce

Pros

• Government-backed security
• Low-interest rates

Cons

• Exclusively for startups

Sources: https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/funding/best-small-business-loans/,https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/funding/best-small-business-loans/,https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

How to choose

Choosing the right lender is key for short term business finance. Consider whether a bank, broker or specialist provider best meets your needs. Banks often offer quick access for established businesses. Brokers can provide comparison and flexibility. Specialist lenders may focus on specific sectors or shorter terms. Evaluate lender criteria, fees and repayment flexibility before deciding.

Conclusion

Matching the provider type to your funding needs helps. Banks are suitable for larger, secured loans. Brokers like Funding Agent offer quick comparisons for diverse options. Sector specialists may provide tailored products for certain businesses. Always verify current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change. 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.