
Best Fast Funding Lenders for UK Small Businesses
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. 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
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.

