Looking for the best lenders to secure a 230k unsecured business loan?

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 provides quick, straightforward unsecured business loans with amounts up to £500,000 and APR as low as 6.9%. Suitable for SMEs seeking simple, flexible options and predictable repayment terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 8.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: SME, Supply Chain

Pros

• Quick application process
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Higher APR for longer terms

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/business-loans,https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-unsecured-business-loan-lenders-uk https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/business-loans,https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-unsecured-business-loan-lenders-uk

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle offers fixed-rate term loans up to £750,000 over 6–72 months. It suits UK SMEs seeking reliable, straightforward funding options with transparent rates. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: SME

Pros

• No early settlement fee
• Fixed rates

Cons

• Requires trading history

Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk,https://aptpayment.co.uk/business-loans/funding-circle/ https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk,https://aptpayment.co.uk/business-loans/funding-circle/

3. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible business loans with both unsecured and secured options for SMEs. Known for quick access and customised terms, it aids businesses seeking adaptable funding. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 9.6%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
• Industries: Retail, Services

Pros

• Loyal customer discounts
• Fast processing

Cons

• Requires personal guarantee

Sources: https://fleximize.com/business-loans/loan-purposes-and-industries,https://www.fleximize.co.uk https://fleximize.com/business-loans/loan-purposes-and-industries,https://www.fleximize.co.uk

4. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance Nucleus provides small business loans with both unsecured and secured options. It focuses on flexible funding solutions suitable for SME needs, combining speed and variety. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £3,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 16.5%
• Loan Duration: 3–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
• Industries: SME

Pros

• Fast decisions
• Variety of products

Cons

• Higher interest for larger sums

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

5. 365 Finance

365 Finance 365 Finance offers flexible, unsecured funding options for SMEs, often focusing on quick access and simplified repayment structures. It caters to SMEs seeking easy, accessible funding with predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Flexible⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advances, Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

• High approval rate
• No fixed payback terms

Cons

• Variable repayment amounts

Sources: https://www.365finance.co.uk/sme-financing/,https://www.365finance.co.uk/ https://www.365finance.co.uk/sme-financing/,https://www.365finance.co.uk/

6. MoneySuperMarket

MoneySuperMarket MoneySuperMarket is a top UK comparison platform that offers insights into business loan options. It connects SMEs with various providers and simplifies the selection 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 Loan Comparison
• Industries: General

Pros

• Comprehensive comparisons
• User-friendly

Cons

• Indirect lender

Sources: https://www.moneysupermarket.com,https://bionic.co.uk/business-finance/ https://www.moneysupermarket.com,https://bionic.co.uk/business-finance/

7. Merchant Savvy

Merchant Savvy Merchant Savvy offers resources to compare unsecured business loans from a range of UK lenders. It helps SMEs find suitable options efficiently. 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 Loan Comparison
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Wide lender selection
• Up-to-date rates

Cons

• Comparison site, not direct lender

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

8. Time Finance

Time Finance Time Finance offers tailored secured business loans to help SMEs expand and manage cash flow. It is known for flexible terms and supportive service tailored to business needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Tailored⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Business Loans
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Tailored to growth
• Large funding amounts

Cons

• Requires collateral

Sources: https://timefinance.com/business-loans/

9. SWIG Finance

SWIG Finance SWIG Finance offers unsecured business loans specifically for SMEs and small businesses in the UK. Known for competitive rates and fast service, it aims to support quick business growth. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: SME

Pros

• Competitive rates
• Focus on SMEs

Cons

• Loan cap at 250k

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

10. Love Finance

Love Finance Love Finance provides quick online unsecured loans ideal for small businesses needing fast access and simple application processes. It targets SMEs that want straightforward, flexible funding. 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: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: General

Pros

• Quick online application
• Personalized offers

Cons

• Less transparency on limits

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

How to choose

Match loan size and APR to your budget, check eligibility, and balance speed against flexibility. Consider how repayments fit your franchise cash flow and seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying. For securing a 230 thousand pounds loan, choose the right provider type. Consider whether you need a traditional bank loan, a broker's access, or a lender with specialist unsecured offers. Ensure you compare fixed rates, repayment options, and flexibility. Think about your business’s ability to meet collateral or guarantor requirements. Selecting the right lender helps ensure the loan supports your franchise growth efficiently.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider to your needs depends on your loan purpose and business size. Bank loans suit those with assets or assets to secure. Brokers can offer access to a range of lenders and products. Specialist lenders focus on unsecured or sector-specific funding. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs wanting 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.