Top 10 Business Funding Providers for UK SMEs in 2026

Jonathan Pike

December 12, 2025

Quick Compare:

1	Funding Agent	Funding 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
2	Nucleus Commercial Finance	Nucleus offers a range of finance solutions for UK businesses, providing tailored funding options up to £2 million.	£10,000–£150,000; 5%–19% APR; 3 to 36 months
3	iwoca	iwoca provides flexible business loans to SMEs, offering financing options from £1,000 to £1,000,000 with quick decisions.	£1,000–£1,000,000; 18%–49% APR; 1 to 24 months
4	Barclays	Barclays offers a range of business loans and financing solutions for SMEs, with tailored rates and terms.	£1,000–£100,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; 1 to 10 years
5	Lloyds Bank	Lloyds Bank provides comprehensive banking services to SMEs, with loans up to £50,000 and beyond for business growth.	£1,000–£50,000; 11.2%–0% APR; Up to 25 years
6	NatWest	NatWest supports UK SMEs with a variety of financial products, including loans and overdrafts tailored to support business growth.	£1,000–£100,000; 10%–15% APR; 1 to 7 years
7	Funding Circle	Funding Circle is a leading UK-based SME lending platform, providing straightforward business loans with competitive interest rates.	£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–14.9% APR; 6 to 72 months
8	Virgin StartUp	Virgin StartUp, a nonprofit, supports UK entrepreneurs with start-up loans up to £25,000, offering fixed interest rates and mentoring.	£500–£25,000; 6%–6% APR; 1 to 5 years
9	MAF Finance Group	MAF Finance Group offers tailored finance solutions for businesses, including asset finance and invoice discounting services.	£10,000–£750,000; 0%–0% APR; 3 to 72 months
10	Santander	Santander offers flexible lending solutions to UK businesses with options for both fixed and variable rate facilities.	£500–£25,000; 7.9%–23.7% APR; Up to 25 years

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a UK business finance broker that helps SMEs access funding from a panel of lenders. It specialises in quick, flexible funding options backed by a range of lenders. Suitable for franchise operators needing short-term or growth finance, often secured on assets or with favourable terms. The platform provides access to different loan types with varying collateral requirements to match diverse needs.

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 provides a broad range of SME funding solutions, often involving unsecured or secured facilities suitable for working capital, asset purchase, or refinance. It caters to businesses seeking flexible, brokered funding with fixed or variable options and competitive rates. Typical use cases include growth, inventory, or capital expenditure needs.

Loan Details

Min Amount: £10,000
Max Amount: £150,000
Min APR: 5%
Max APR: 19%
Loan Duration: 3 to 36 months⌛

Services & Industries

Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan, Cash Flow Finance
Industries: Various UK industries, Particularly SMEs

Pros

Flexible terms
No early repayment fees

Cons

Higher APR for higher risk

Sources: https://www.fundinvoice.co.uk/blog/advice/nucleus-lowers-unsecured-business-loan-rates.html

3. iwoca

iwoca iwoca offers fast business loans with a focus on SME growth needs. It provides flexible borrowing options, often with quick approval and digital application processes. Suitable for businesses requiring short-term working capital, inventory, or development funds with various security options.

Loan Details

Min Amount: £1,000
Max Amount: £1,000,000
Min APR: 18%
Max APR: 49%
Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

Finance Types: Working Capital Loan, Business Loan
Industries: Small businesses across various sectors

Pros

Quick approval
No early repayment fees

Cons

High APR on some loans

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/finance-explained/business-loan-interest-rates

4. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a wide range of business loans and financing options, often with speedy decision-making processes. It provides secured and unsecured facilities suitable for various business needs, including growth, purchase, or refinance projects.

Loan Details

Min Amount: £1,000
Max Amount: £100,000
Min APR: 11.2%
Max APR: 14.9%
Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

Finance Types: Business Loan, Overdrafts, Mortgages
Industries: Agriculture, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

Flexible terms
Trusted bank

Cons

Limited to creditworthy borrowers

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

5. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers a variety of business lending options, including loans and overdrafts. It supports growing businesses with options for both short-term and long-term financing, often secured on assets or with fixed terms. Suitable for businesses planning expansion or needing flexible repayment structures.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

Finance Types: Business Overdraft, Fixed Rate Loan
Industries: Healthcare, Retail, Real Estate

Pros

Established bank
Long-term loans

Cons

Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: https://lloydstsb.co.uk/business/business-loans.html

6. NatWest

NatWest NatWest provides a variety of financial products, including business loans and overdrafts, to support growth and cash flow management. It offers flexible, often collateral-backed options suitable for a range of businesses, from start-ups to established firms.

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: Small Business Loan, Business Overdraft
Industries: Legal services, Real Estate

Pros

Wide range of services
Quick access to funds

Cons

Rates depend on credit score

Sources: https://www.natwest.com/business.html

7. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects UK SMEs with investors. It offers straightforward loans often suited for growth, equipment, or cash flow needs. The platform enables access to competitive rates and flexible terms via brokered or direct applications.

Loan Details

Min Amount: £10,000
Max Amount: £750,000
Min APR: 6.9%
Max APR: 14.9%
Loan Duration: 6 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

Finance Types: Term Loan, FlexiPay Line
Industries: Small and medium-sized enterprises

Pros

No early settlement fee
Transparent rates

Cons

Interest rates vary by loan size

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

8. Virgin StartUp

Virgin StartUp Virgin StartUp supports entrepreneurs with start-up loans, primarily focusing on new businesses. It provides fixed interest rates and mentoring. Often suitable for early-stage companies seeking manageable funding for launching or expansion.

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: StartUp Loan
Industries: Start-ups, Entrepreneurs

Pros

Mentoring available
No application fees

Cons

Limited to new businesses

Sources: https://www.virginstartup.org/

9. MAF Finance Group

MAF Finance Group MAF Finance Group offers tailored finance solutions often including asset finance and invoice discounting. It is suitable for businesses seeking flexible, brokered funding options for growth or refinancing. The platform provides options with varying collateral or security requirements to match diverse needs.

Loan Details

Min Amount: £10,000
Max Amount: £750,000
Min APR: 0%
Max APR: 0%
Loan Duration: 3 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Asset Finance
Industries: Manufacturing, Transport

Pros

Nationwide service
Tailored finance options

Cons

Rates not specified online

Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk/

10. Santander

Santander Santander provides flexible funding solutions suited to diverse UK businesses. It offers both fixed and variable rate facilities, often with quick decision-making processes. Suitable for growth, project finance, or refinancing needs across sectors.

Loan Details

Min Amount: £500
Max Amount: £25,000
Min APR: 7.9%
Max APR: 23.7%
Loan Duration: Up to 25 years⌛

Services & Industries

Finance Types: Business Loan, Overdraft
Industries: Charities, Education, Hospitality

Pros

Global bank support
Flexible loan options

Cons

Complex application process

Sources: https://www.santander.co.uk/corporate/solutions/finance/business-loans

How to choose

When selecting the top UK SME funding providers in 2026, evaluate your funding purpose and size. Bank lenders are generally suitable for larger, secured loans and predictable repayment. Brokers offer quick access to a variety of options, often with flexible terms. Consider loan speed, collateral, limit, and costs to match your business needs. Carefully review eligibility criteria, fees, and early repayment terms for each provider. Matching the provider to your specific use case ensures better value and fewer issues later.

Conclusion

Matching your funding needs with the right provider depends on the purpose and security requirements. Banks typically offer larger, secured loans with longer terms. Brokers provide faster, flexible options suited for short-term or varied needs. Sector specialists focus on specific industries. Funding Agent is a strong option for SMEs that want quick comparisons across providers. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.