January 13, 2026
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best lenders to secure a 40k unsecured business loan

best lenders to secure a 40k unsecured business loan

Discover the best lenders to secure a £40,000 unsecured business loan. Compare rates, terms, and eligibility to find the right finance option for your UK business.
James Laden
Co-founder and CEO

8 years of experience working with major financial companies in the UK, and now focuses on making business funding simpler for SMEs through a faster, technology-led application journey.

best lenders to secure a 40k 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:

1Funding AgentFunding Agent is a leading provider of business finance solutions, specializing in unsecured loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.£10,000–£500,000; 6.9%–24.9% APR; 3-72 months
2Funding CircleFunding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending marketplace that allows investors to lend directly to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–15% APR; 6-72 months
3Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers a range of business loans tailored to the needs of SMEs in the UK, from unsecured loans to asset finance solutions.£1,000–£50,000; 5%–15% APR; 6 to 72 months
4BarclaysBarclays is a major UK bank providing a variety of business loans with both fixed and variable rate options to help businesses grow and expand.£1,000–£25,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; 1 to 10 years
5NatWestNatWest offers business financial solutions, including loans, to support the financial needs of SMEs, helping them manage cash flow and expansion.£1,000–£100,000; 10%–15% APR; 1-7 years
6MAF Finance GroupMAF Finance Group serves as a broker for UK businesses, offering tailored finance solutions including unsecured business loans.£10,000–£750,000; 8.5%–20% APR; 3-72 months
7Merchant SavvyMerchant Savvy is a UK-based platform providing businesses with comparative rates for unsecured loans to enhance their market offerings.£0–£0; 9.6%–0% APR; 1-5 years
8FleximizeFleximize offers flexible financing solutions tailored to the specific needs of UK businesses, including unsecured and secured loans.£10,000–£500,000; 22.8%–39.6% APR; 1-48 months
9Century Business FinanceCentury Business Finance specializes in providing unsecured loans to SMEs in the UK, with fast approval and competitive interest rates.£10,000–£250,000; 0%–0% APR; 1-5 years
10365 Finance365 Finance provides flexible, unsecured revenue-based finance solutions for small UK businesses, without APRs or fixed terms.£10,000–£400,000; 0%–0% APR; Flexible

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent provides a range of unsecured business loans, focusing on quick approval and flexible terms. It serves SMEs seeking straightforward access to finance without collateral requirements. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 24.9%
  • Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Line of Credit
  • Industries: SMEs

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Higher rates for poor credit

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/services

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle operates a peer-to-peer marketplace connecting investors with small and medium-sized businesses. It offers quick decisions and flexible terms, suitable for SMEs financing growth or cash flow. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 6-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
  • Industries: Retail, Legal, Healthcare

Pros

  • Fast decision
  • No early repayment fee

Cons

  • Stringent eligibility criteria

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

3. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers a variety of business loans designed to support SMEs with flexible borrowing options. It caters to businesses looking for quick access and predictable repayment plans. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 5%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 72 months⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Legal, Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

  • Wide range of financial products
  • Trusted brand

Cons

  • Complex application process

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

4. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a range of business loans for SMEs with flexible terms and clear options, suitable for growth and expansion. It provides quick access and competitive rates. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 11.2%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
  • Industries: Agriculture, Healthcare, Technology

Pros

  • Quick disbursement
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • High interest rates

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

5. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers a range of business finance options, including loans that can support SMEs needing quick funds for growth or operational needs. It serves businesses seeking straightforward, reliable borrowing solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000
  • Min APR: 10%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 1-7 years⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
  • Industries: Real Estate, Services, Non-Profit

Pros

  • Well-established bank
  • Good customer service

Cons

  • Stricter requirements for high amounts

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

6. MAF Finance Group

MAF Finance Group MAF Finance Group acts as a broker providing access to various finance options, including unsecured business loans tailored for UK firms. It focuses on fast, flexible funding solutions suited to different business needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 8.5%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare

Pros

  • Tailored solutions
  • Wide range of products

Cons

  • Broker service may delay funding

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

7. Merchant Savvy

Merchant Savvy Merchant Savvy is a platform that compares unsecured business loan rates from various lenders, helping UK businesses find suitable financing options. It is ideal for firms seeking quick comparisons without direct lending. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 9.6%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
  • Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

  • Expert advice
  • Comprehensive comparisons

Cons

  • Limited direct lending

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

8. Flexize

Fleximize Fleximize provides flexible business loans with quick approval and adaptable repayment plans. It serves SMEs needing tailored funding options and wider access to unsecured or secured credit. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 22.8%
  • Max APR: 39.6%
  • Loan Duration: 1-48 months⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan, Secured Loan
  • Industries: Retail, Services

Pros

  • Flexible repayment options
  • Customer service excellence

Cons

  • Higher APR on initial loan

Sources: https://fleximize.com/

9. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance Century Business Finance offers unsecured loans mainly for SMEs in the UK, with fast approvals and competitive interest rates. It is suitable for businesses seeking quick, straightforward funding options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loan
  • Industries: Breweries, Retail

Pros

  • Fast approval process
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Limited service range

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

10. 365 Finance

365 Finance 365 Finance offers unsecured revenue-based financing suitable for small UK businesses needing quick access to funds. It does not require fixed terms or APRs, focusing on flexible repayment through sales. Here’s what to know:

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £400,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Flexible⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Revenue-Based Finance
  • Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

  • High approval rate
  • No APR

Cons

  • Repayment through sales
  • Complex agreements

Sources: https://www.365finance.co.uk/

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a 40 thousand pounds unsecured business loan, consider the purpose and size of your funding needs. Bank lenders often require good credit and collateral but offer lower rates and longer terms. Brokers can match you with flexible options quickly, especially if your credit profile is complex. Specialist providers might focus on unsecured or revenue-based loans, suitable for fast access and limited collateral. Evaluate fee structures, repayment flexibility, and eligibility criteria to find the best fit for your business situation.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider to your needs involves understanding the type of loan and lender. Banks offer stable, often longer-term financing. Brokers provide quick access to various options. Specialist lenders serve specific sectors or funding types. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Always check current costs and terms directly with the lender; pricing and conditions may change.

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FAQs

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