best lenders to secure a 120k unsecured business loan in the UK

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 2026-01-13.

Quick Compare:

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent focuses on quick and flexible unsecured loans for UK small businesses. It offers a range of funding options suitable for various sectors. The process is efficient and designed to meet urgent financing needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 5.9%
• Max APR: 19.9%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans, Invoice Financing
• Industries: Technology, Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

• Tailored solutions
• Fast approval process

Cons

• Not available for startups

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.com/products/unsecured-business-loans

2. Maf Finance Group

Maf Finance Group Maf Finance Group connects businesses with a wide network of lenders to access unsecured business loans. It is suitable for firms seeking quick funding options. The process can be brokered for tailored offerings. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
• Industries: Professional Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Pros

• Wide network of lenders
• Flexible terms

Cons

• APR details not disclosed prominently

Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk/products/business-loans/unsecured-business-loans

3. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance Century Business Finance specialises in unsecured loans for SMEs, offering quick funds with flexible terms. Suitable for businesses needing rapid access to capital. The service combines speed with convenience for various sectors. Here’s what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Working Capital Loans
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Construction

Pros

• Fast funding approval
• No collateral needed

Cons

• Loan duration details not clear

Sources: https://www.centurybusinessfinance.co.uk/unsecured-business-loans

4. Tide

Tide Tide offers business banking solutions including unsecured loans suitable for UK SMEs with flexible terms. It is designed to support small businesses seeking quick funding options. The platform provides transparency and straightforward application processes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £20,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans
• Industries: Small Businesses, Contractors, Freelancers

Pros

• Wide range of loan amounts
• No impact on credit score inquiry

Cons

• Limited term details

Sources: https://www.tide.co/business-loans

5. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle provides fast and accessible unsecured business loans for UK SMEs looking to expand or manage cash flow. It offers rapid funding with flexible options. Suitable for those wanting straightforward borrowing solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Line of Credit
• Industries: Small Businesses, Expanding Companies

Pros

• No early settlement fees

Cons

• Loan terms not highly flexible

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

6. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance Clifton specialises in bespoke finance solutions including unsecured loans for property, retail, and miscellaneous sectors. It offers tailored packages that fit different needs and risk levels. The process provides flexibility and a variety of terms for property and business sectors. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £20,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans, Bridging Loans
• Industries: Property, Retail, Wholesale

Pros

• Wide range of financial solutions

Cons

• Rates vary greatly with risk

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/business-loans

7. Boost Capital

Boost Capital Boost Capital delivers quick and flexible funding options for UK small businesses. It provides access to capital through unsecured loans, merchant cash advances, and other flexible products. The approach prioritises speed and ease for borrowers. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £3,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3–36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Merchant Cash Advances
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Flexible funding
• Quick decisions

Con

• Higher interest rates for short terms

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

8. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a variety of business loans suitable for different needs. It provides options for secured and unsecured borrowing with competitive fixed or variable APRs. The service caters to UK SMEs seeking flexible terms and quick access. 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: 12–300 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• No early repayment fees

Con

• Higher APR for small loans

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

9. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank provides competitive business loans with various repayment options, suitable for different types of businesses. It offers straightforward application processes to help UK SMEs access funds quickly. The services are designed for flexible repayment plans. Here’s what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 11.2%
• Loan Duration: 1–5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans
• Industries: Small Businesses

Pros

• Competitive APR
• Multiple loan uses

Con

• Limited maximum loan amount

Sources: https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html

10. Funding Options

Funding Options Funding Options offers a comparison platform for UK small and medium businesses seeking various types of loans. It provides access to multiple lenders and loan products, including unsecured options. The focus is on transparency and guiding borrowers to suitable solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £20,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Large network of lenders
• No impact on credit scores

Con

• Exact terms depend on individual lenders

Sources: https://www.fundingoptions.com/knowledge/business-loans/

How to choose

When seeking a 120 thousand pounds unsecured business loan, consider your specific funding needs. Identify whether a broker or direct lender offers better terms. Look at loan size, interest rate, and repayment flexibility. Evaluate provider security and speed of funding. Matching the right lender to your purpose ensures better borrowing conditions and repayment options. Focus on avoiding hidden fees and understanding early repayment terms. This helps you choose the most suitable and cost-effective solution.

Conclusion

Matching the right lender to your needs depends on your specific use case. For quick, comparison-based options, Funding Agent offers a straightforward choice. Larger amounts or asset-backed needs might require banks or specialised providers. Consider whether you prefer broker access or direct lenders based on your criteria. Always verify current costs and terms before signing. Funding Agent is one of several options to explore for a 120 thousand pounds loan.