best lenders to secure a 30k 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 unsecured business loans with loan amounts up to £500,000 and APR as low as 6.9%. It caters to UK SMEs needing quick access to funding with straightforward application processes. It offers flexible terms and rapid approval, making it suitable for those seeking fast liquidity for growth or working capital. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £30,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 1–5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan, Startup Loan
• Industries: Various - no specified limitation

Pros

• Low minimum APR
• High maximum loan amount

Cons

• Higher rates for higher amounts

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/30k-unsecured-business-loans

2. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers a variety of business loans suitable for UK SMEs seeking flexible funding options. Its products often support specific sectors like legal, real estate, and business services. The lender is known for quick service and customised solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 11.6%
• Max APR: 13%
• Loan Duration: 1–7 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Fixed Rate Business Loan, Variable Rate Business Loan
• Industries: Legal, Real Estate, Business Services

Pros

• Wide range of loan amounts
• Accessible for SMEs

Cons

• Higher APR for smaller loans

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

3. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a range of business loans across sectors, known for flexible options that include secured and unsecured products. It supports diverse business needs and industry types. The bank’s quick processing and broad product suite are typical benefits. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Large loan amounts available
• Flexibility in terms

Cons

• High maximum APR

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

4. Bizcap

Bizcap Bizcap provides flexible business loans with rapid approval, suitable for various sectors needing quick capital. Its offerings are designed to support UK SMEs with efficient application processes and tailored solutions. The lender emphasises speed and flexibility for growth or cash flow needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varied Terms⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan, Line of Credit
• Industries: Retail, Wholesale

Pros

• Fast approval
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Higher rates not specified

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

5. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible business loans designed for UK SMEs, with features like top-ups and repayment holidays. It caters to various industries requiring adaptable funding options and quick access. Its approach focuses on straightforward terms and speed. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 0.9%
• Max APR: 42.4%
• Loan Duration: 1–48 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Flexible repayment options
• Low starting APR

Cons

• High maximum APR

Sources: https://www.fleximize.com/

6. Iwoca

Iwoca Iwoca offers business loans suitable for UK SMEs across many industries, emphasising quick decisions and flexible funding. Its products include unsecured options with fast approval processes designed to meet varied working capital or growth needs. The lender supports those requiring rapid access and straightforward borrowing. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 1.5%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Quick approval
• Flexible terms

Cons

• High APR for longer terms

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

7. HSBC

HSBC HSBC offers a broad range of business loans suitable for UK SMEs, often supporting sector-specific needs. Its products include fixed and variable rate options, with a focus on fast approval and extensive market presence. The bank caters to businesses requiring flexible terms and diverse financing solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 8.6%
• Max APR: 11.3%
• Loan Duration: 12 months to 20 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Fixed Rate Loan, Flexible Business Loan
• Industries: Manufacturing, Professional Services

Pros

• Wide range of financial services
• Low starting APR

Cons

• Higher APR for smaller loans

Sources: https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/products/small-business-loan

8. Johnson Reed

Johnson Reed Johnson Reed specialises in quick financing solutions for UK SMEs, focusing on asset-backed loans and tailored options. It supports sectors needing fast decision-making and flexible repayment plans. Its services include straightforward application processes and rapid funding, suitable for equipment or asset purchases. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varied Terms⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loan, Asset Financing
• Industries: Various SMEs

Pros

• Fast funding process
• Tailored solutions

Cons

• Details on APR unclear

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

Conclusion

When choosing a lender for a 30 thousand pounds unsecured business loan, consider the type of provider. Banks often offer quick, straightforward products suited for larger or collateral-backed funding. Brokers and specialised lenders can provide tailored options, sometimes with more flexibility or faster approvals. Always compare costs, eligibility criteria, and repayment terms. Funding Agent is a strong choice for quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers may suit sector-specific needs or asset-backed requirements. Confirm current costs and terms with the lender before proceeding.

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 a small, unsecured loan like 30K, look for providers with quick approvals and transparent costs. Evaluate whether a broker or direct lender best fits your needs. Prioritise lenders that offer straightforward application processes and suitable repayment options. Comparing different types of lenders helps find the best fit for your business circumstances.

Conclusion

Matching the right lender to your needs involves understanding the differences between banks, brokers, and specialist lenders. Banks typically provide faster, more traditional products suited for secured needs. Brokers can access broader markets and tailored solutions when collateral or specific products are required. Specialist or alternative lenders often focus on flexibility or quick approvals for smaller amounts. Always verify rates and terms before applying. Funding Agent is a good starting point for quick comparisons of various options. Carefully review each option to find the most suitable provider for securing a 30K unsecured business loan.