best lenders to secure a 170k unsecured business loan
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Where to get a 170k 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 is a leading financial service provider that offers unsecured business loans up to £500,000 with fast approval processes. | £10,000–£500,000; 6%–25% APR; 6-60 months |
| 2 | Barclays | Barclays is a British multinational investment bank and financial services company that offers various business loan options including unsecured loans. | £1,000–£5,000,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; 1-25 years |
| 3 | Funding Circle | Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending marketplace that allows investors to lend money directly to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. | £10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–24% APR; 6-60 months |
| 4 | Fleximize | Fleximize provides flexible loans for SMEs with competitive rates and a loyalty pledge offering better rates on repeat borrowing. | £5,000–£250,000; 10.8%–47% APR; 1-48 months |
| 5 | 365 Finance | 365 Finance offers fast business loans with no fixed terms or hidden fees, providing flexible solutions for various business needs. | £10,000–£250,000; 0%–0% APR; Flexible |
| 6 | MAF Finance Group | MAF Finance Group is a specialist finance broker offering tailored business loans and access to a multitude of lending options. | £10,000–£750,000; 8%–20% APR; 3-72 months |
| 7 | SWIG Finance | SWIG Finance provides unsecured and flexible business loans targeting startups and established SMEs in the South West. | £25,001–£250,000; 12%–15% APR; 1-5 years |
| 8 | GoCompare | GoCompare is a UK-based comparison service provider that assists users in comparing financial products, including business loans. | £5,000–£500,000; 5.8%–8.7% APR; 6-60 months |
| 9 | NatWest | NatWest provides comprehensive banking services to businesses, including a range of business loans to support growth. | £1,000–£100,000; 10%–15% APR; 1-7 years |
| 10 | Funding Options | Funding Options is an online business finance marketplace offering diverse finance products from over 50 lenders. | £1,000–£1,000,000; 1.5%–36% APR; 1-60 months |
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent Funding Agent specialises in unsecured business loans that support UK SMEs seeking quick funds. It offers flexible terms and fast approval processes. This makes it suitable for franchise operators needing to bridge cash flow gaps or finance small expansions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Pros
- Fast approval
- No collateral required
Cons
- Interest rates can be high
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/170k-unsecured-business-loans
2. Barclays
Barclays Barclays offers a range of business finance options including unsecured loans and secured facilities. It caters to UK SMEs needing swift access to working capital or investment funds. The provider supports different borrowing needs with flexible repayment terms and security options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-25 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan, Secured Business Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide loan range
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- High minimum loan amount
Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/
3. Funding Circle
Funding Circle Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer platform that connects investors directly with small and medium-sized UK businesses. It provides quick access to medium-term finance suitable for growth or refinancing. The platform supports flexible repayment options and individual loan sizes for varied needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 24%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan
- Industries: Small and Medium Enterprises
Pros
- Quick decision making
- No early settlement fees
Cons
- APR can be high
Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk/
4. Fleximize
Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible loans that adapt to UK SMEs’ cash flow, including options with quick approval and repayment flexibility. It supports businesses seeking adaptable funding and offers revolving credit options along with traditional loans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 10.8%
- Max APR: 47%
- Loan Duration: 1-48 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan, Revenue-Based Financing
- Industries: Technology, Retail
Pros
- Loyalty benefits
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Monthly costs can be high
Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk/
5. 365 Finance
365 Finance 365 Finance provides quick business funding options often without the need for security, suitable for SMEs seeking flexible working capital solutions. It offers fast decisions and minimal paperwork for businesses with immediate liquidity needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Flexible⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revenue-Based Financing
- Industries: Hospitality, Retail
Pros
- No hidden fees
- High approval rate
Cons
- Detailed repayment terms not disclosed
Sources: https://www.365finance.co.uk/unsecured-business-loans/
6. MAF Finance Group
MAF Finance Group MAF Finance Group provides tailored business loans through multiple lenders. It supports UK SMEs needing specialised funding options with flexible repayment terms and quick access to capital.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 8%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan
- Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare
Pros
- Access to multiple lenders
- Flexible repayment options
Cons
- Broker fees may apply
Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk/products/business-loans/unsecured-business-loans
7. SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance SWIG Finance offers unsecured loans mainly for startups and SMEs in the South West. It provides flexible borrowing options with quick decisions and repayment terms tailored to smaller or growing businesses.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,001
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 12%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan
- Industries: Technology, Creative Industries
Pros
- Regional expertise
- Supports startups
Cons
- Limited to South West
Sources: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/business-loans/
8. GoCompare
GoCompare GoCompare is a comparison service that helps UK SMEs compare financial products, including business loans. It offers quick, independent comparisons of lenders to find suitable terms and rates for varied needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5.8%
- Max APR: 8.7%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loan Comparison
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Compares multiple lenders
- Simple and quick comparisons
Cons
- Indirect service
Sources: http://www.gocompare.co.uk/
9. NatWest
NatWest NatWest offers a range of business loans and banking services suitable for UK SMEs needing flexible funding. It provides options with varying security levels to support different business growth stages, with quick access for established and growing businesses.
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 Business Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Reputable bank
- Variety of services
Cons
- Upper loan limit is lower for SMEs
Sources: https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance/small-business-loan.html
10. Funding Options
Funding Options Funding Options is an online marketplace connecting UK SMEs with a wide range of lenders for business finance. It offers quick access to various funding types including unsecured and secured options, with flexible repayment terms tailored to different needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 1.5%
- Max APR: 36%
- Loan Duration: 1-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: Retail, Technology
Pros
- Wide range of lenders
- Quick application process
Cons
- Varied APR rates
Sources: http://funding-options.co.uk/
How to choose
When selecting a lender for a 170 thousand pounds loan, assess the loan size and whether the provider offers unsecured options or requires security. Consider the interest rate and repayment flexibility to match your cash flow. Compare eligibility criteria and fees carefully. A broker or specialist lender can help find the best terms for your needs. Also, review how quickly funds can be accessed and the long-term costs involved.
Conclusion
Matching the right provider depends on your specific needs. Banks like NatWest offer stability and established credit options. Brokers such as Funding Agent provide quick comparisons across multiple lenders. Specialist lenders can support secured or asset-backed needs. Always confirm the current costs and terms directly with the lender. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want 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.
