Best Fast Funding Lenders for UK Small Businesses

Jonathan Pike
December 10, 2025
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
2Funding CircleFunding Circle offers fast, affordable loans for SMEs needing amounts from £10,000 to £750,000, with flexible repayment terms.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–0% APR; 6 to 72 months
3BarclaysBarclays provides business loans with flexible terms and competitive rates, serving a wide range of industries in the UK.£1,000–£3,000,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; 1 to 25 years
4NatWestNatWest offers tailored financial solutions for SMEs, including loans with competitive APR rates and flexible repayment options.£1,000–£100,000; 10%–15% APR; 1 to 7 years
5Virgin MoneyVirgin Money specializes in providing business loans that support startups and established businesses with flexible finance options.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Up to 5 years
6Shawbrook BankShawbrook Bank caters to SMEs with specialized lending and savings solutions, supporting a range of commercial and property sectors.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
7CapifyCapify provides fast and flexible business loans with a quick application process, suitable for SMEs needing immediate capital.£5,000–£0; 67.89%–0% APR; 1 to 12 months
8iwocaiwoca offers flexible funding options to small businesses, with interest rates based on individual business risk assessments.£1,000–£1,000,000; 6%–15% APR; Up to 5 years
9Boost CapitalBoost Capital delivers fast, alternative funding solutions, catering to a wide range of industries in the UK, ensuring quick access to funds.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
10EzbobEzbob provides automated business lending solutions integrating innovative technology for fast and easy processing of small business loans.£25,000–£1,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 36 to 60 months

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. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle offers fast, affordable loans for SMEs needing amounts from £10,000 to £750,000, with flexible repayment terms. It is suitable for businesses seeking quick access to funding with transparent processes. 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: Business Loans, FlexiPay Line of Credit
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Fast funding process
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Not suitable for very new businesses

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

3. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a range of business lending options including flexible, unsecured, and secured loans for different purposes. It is suitable for established businesses seeking comprehensive financial products. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £3,000,000
  • Min APR: 11.2%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 25 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Flexible repayment terms
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • High APR for smaller loans

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

4. NatWest

NatWest NatWest provides a variety of business financing options including loans and overdrafts. It is suitable for SMEs looking for flexible, often secured, funding solutions. 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: Various

Pros

  • Tailored solutions
  • Wide range of loan amounts

Cons

  • APR can be high without collateral

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

5. Virgin Money

Virgin Money Virgin Money focuses on providing business loans mainly for startups and small businesses. It offers flexible finance options with quick access. Suitable for new and growing businesses needing capital quickly. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 5 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Startup Loans
  • Industries: Startups

Pros

  • No advertising APR
  • Flexible use of funds

Cons

  • Limited loan types

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/lenders/virgin-money-business-loans

6. Shawbrook Bank

Shawbrook Bank Shawbrook Bank provides specialist lending and savings solutions focused on business needs. It caters mainly to SMEs and property developers. Suitable for secured and unsecured financing with flexible repayment options. 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: Specialty Lending, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Commercial, Property

Pros

  • Specialist financial services
  • Strong industry support

Cons

  • Limited accessibility for smaller businesses

Sources: https://www.shawbrook.co.uk/business/

7. Capify

Capify Capify offers fast, flexible business loans ideal for SMEs requiring immediate capital. It provides quick decision times and straightforward application processes. Suitable for businesses seeking quick funding solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 67.89%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 12 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Quick funding
  • Simple application

Cons

  • High APR

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

8. iwoca

iwoca iwoca provides flexible funding options including lines of credit and small business loans. It is suitable for growing SMEs needing quick access with flexible repayment. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 5 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Credit Lines, Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • No early repayment fees
  • Flexible eligibility

Cons

  • Rates can be high for high-risk sectors

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

9. Boost Capital

Boost Capital Boost Capital offers fast, alternative funding solutions suited for a variety of industries. It aims to provide quick access to finance with flexible terms. Suitable for SMEs requiring rapid funding and straightforward process. 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: Business Loans, Merchant Cash Advances
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Quick access to cash
  • Flexible solutions

Cons

  • Potentially high fees

Sources: https://www.capalona.co.uk/our-lenders/boost-capital/

10. Ezbob

Ezbob Ezbob offers automated business lending solutions using innovative technology. It is suitable for SMEs seeking fast, fully digital application processes and quick decision times. It supports various types of short to medium-term small business finance. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 36 to 60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Term Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Fast processing
  • Innovative tech platform

Cons

  • Limited products

Sources: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/article/5895/specialist-lenders-secure-multimillion-pound-funding-from-shawbrook

How to choose

When selecting from the 10 best fast funding lenders for UK small businesses, consider your specific financial needs and priorities. Bank lenders often provide larger, secured loans suitable for property or equipment purchases. Brokers can offer access to a network of lenders with rapid decision times for working capital. Specialist lenders typically cater to niche needs or faster approvals for short-term finance. Evaluate factors such as loan size, repayment flexibility, security requirements, and fees before making a decision. Matching your use case to the right provider helps ensure your business gets the appropriate funding quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Matching the right lender to your needs depends on your funding purpose. Bank lenders suit larger, secured projects. Brokers can help find quick, flexible options across multiple lenders. Specialist lenders focus on niche or fast approvals for specific finance types. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across options. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fast funding for small businesses?

Fast funding refers to quick access to loans or finance options that help small businesses get the money they need promptly, often within a few days.

What are the typical requirements for fast funding loans?

Most lenders require proof of business trading history, a UK business bank account, identification documents, and sometimes a credit check.

How quickly can I expect to receive funds after applying?

Many lenders can approve loans within 24-48 hours, with funds transferred to your business account as fast as the next working day.

Which lenders provide the fastest business funding in the UK?

Lenders such as Tide, Iwoca, Funding Circle, and Liberis are known for offering fast funding solutions for UK small businesses.

Can start-ups get fast funding from these lenders?

Some lenders offer funding to start-ups, but many prefer businesses with some trading history. It's best to check each lender's criteria.

Are fast funding loans more expensive than traditional loans?

Fast funding loans can have higher fees or interest rates due to the quick processing, but they offer valuable cash flow support in urgent situations.