Best Lenders to Help Your Business Secure an Unsecured Business Loan Over 9 Years
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 2026-02-13.
Funding Agent focuses on brokering a variety of unsecured business loans for UK small and medium-sized enterprises. It is typically suited for franchise buyers and operators seeking clear financing options without collateral. Their service emphasises speed, straightforward eligibility checks, and simple application processes to help borrowers compare multiple lenders.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
- Industries: UK SME's
Pros
- fastest and easiest application process
- No collateral required
Cons
- lower track record, only trading 1 year
LendInvest specialises in property finance, providing bridging loans and buy-to-let mortgages primarily for real estate investors. It suits clients involved in property purchase or refinance who need specialised mortgage solutions. Their offerings involve short-term finance with various repayment structures and typical loan-to-value ratios consistent with the property finance sector.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Buy-to-let Mortgages
- Industries: Real Estate
Pros
- Strong market presence
- Specialist lending
Cons
- Limited to property finance
IWOCA offers flexible credit solutions focused on working capital and unsecured loans for small businesses across Europe. It is typically suitable for those requiring fast access to funds without providing personal guarantees. Their offerings provide flexible repayment terms and speedy decisions, appealing to businesses seeking straightforward credit lines.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 12%
- Max APR: 72%
- Loan Duration: 3-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Working Capital, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Tech, Retail, Logistics
Pros
- No personal guarantee
- Quick decision making
Cons
- Higher interest rates for the risk
Funding Circle connects businesses seeking unsecured loans to investors interested in lending returns. It suits SMEs that have solid credit profiles and prefer fixed repayments without collateral. Their platform offers various repayment plans and provides access to competitive finance through peer investors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 3.49%
- Max APR: 27%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Small Business Loans
- Industries: Hospitality, Healthcare, Construction
Pros
- Quick application process
- Range of investor options
Cons
- Interest rates can be high
RateSetter provides peer-to-peer lending services connecting individual lenders to small businesses. It is suitable for companies looking for flexible unsecured loans with transparent fees. Their platform emphasises direct lending, which may offer varied funding availability and competitive pricing.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £3,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 5.9%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Lending, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Wholesale, Agriculture, Manufacturing
Pros
- Flexible fund access
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Funds availability can vary
MarketFinance specialises in invoice finance and short-term business loans through a technology-driven platform. It suits businesses looking to improve cash flow with flexible repayment options and invoice-backed financing. The platform offers fast setup and cost transparency ideal for service and retail sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: 3-24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Business Loans
- Industries: Professional services, Retail
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Quick setup process
Cons
- Higher rates for smaller businesses
7. Santander
Santander offers bank-backed business loans and overdraft facilities tailored to SMEs. It is typically chosen by businesses seeking reliable financing with established banking support. Their products provide flexible repayments with access to in-branch advice and longer loan terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 6.8%
- Max APR: 29.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, Business Overdrafts
- Industries: Retail, Services, Manufacturing
Pros
- Wide branch network
- Trusted name
Barclays offers bank financial products including unsecured loans, overdrafts, and asset finance aimed at SMEs. It fits businesses that require comprehensive banking services with varied financing types. Barclays provides structured loan options alongside traditional banking support.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Real Estate
Pros
- Established banking institution
- Comprehensive support
Cons
- Eligibility requirements can be strict
NatWest provides access to various unsecured loans and business mortgages targeting UK SMEs. It suits businesses seeking flexible credit lines and professional banking support. NatWest offers multiple repayment options and aims to help clients grow sustainably with tailored financial products.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 7.9%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Business Mortgages
- Industries: Technology, Retail, Construction
Pros
- Range of financial products
- Good customer support
Cons
- Higher rates on smaller loans
Lloyds Bank offers a broad range of business loan and asset finance options tailored for diverse business needs. It is suitable for SMEs seeking personalised service with various repayment structures and solid banking support. Lloyds provides flexibility and comprehensive business financial solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 8.4%
- Max APR: 20.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Service, Manufacturing
Pros
- Personalized service
- Wide range of options
Cons
- Strict application process
How to choose
When selecting lenders for unsecured business loans over extended periods, assess loan size and APR in relation to your budget and business needs. Consider eligibility criteria carefully, as these vary across banks, brokers, and specialist lenders. Prioritise repayment flexibility and check whether collateral is required. Speed of funding and application simplicity are important for time-sensitive needs. Review fees and early repayment options to avoid unexpected costs. Match lender capabilities to your franchise’s cash flow and growth plans.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your specific needs. Banks offer stability and broad product ranges but may require stricter eligibility and collateral. Brokers like Funding Agent Funding Agent provide access to multiple lenders with faster comparison and application processes. Specialist lenders cater to niche sectors or financing types with tailored terms. Consider your loan size — such as a 200 thousand pounds loan — and purpose to align with the appropriate provider. Always verify current terms directly with the lender before committing.
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