best lenders to secure a 200k 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 2025-12-08.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a leading finance company specializing in providing tailored unsecured business loans for SMEs with competitive rates and personalized service. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 12.5%
• Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, SME Loans, Startup Loans
• Industries: Finance, Technology, Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

• Competitive APR rates
• Personalized service
• Flexible loan amounts

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: Funding Agents 200k Unsecured Business Loans

2. SWIG Finance

SWIG Finance SWIG Finance provides financial support to SMEs in the UK with a focus on unsecured business loans with fast approval processes. It connects borrowers with lenders offering quick funding and flexible repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 12%
• Max APR: 16%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Growth Finance
• Industries: Hospitality, Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

• Flexible loan terms
• No asset security required

Cons

• Higher APR for borrowers with lower credit scores

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

3. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance Century Business Finance provides unsecured loans tailored for UK SMEs. It facilitates quick decisions and flexible repayment options to support business growth. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Growth Loans
• Industries: Retail, Service Industry, Technology

Pros

• Fast approval
• Flexible repayment options

Cons

• Not available for new businesses

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

4. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers a variety of business loans to grow SMEs. It provides options for unsecured borrowing and asset-backed finance, with quick decisions and flexible terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 13.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Equipment Finance
• Industries: Finance, Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

• Established lender
• Diverse financing options

Cons

• Higher interest for higher amounts

Sources: https://lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html

5. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers business loans suitable for various needs. It provides unsecured options for growth and assets-backed products for financing larger projects. The lender supports quick decisions and clear terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 8.5%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
• Industries: Retail, Services, Construction

Pros

• Fixed rates
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Loan amounts limited to £25k

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

6. Aurora Capital

Aurora Capital Aurora Capital provides a range of business funding solutions including unsecured loans with quick access to finance. It works with businesses looking for flexible options and rapid funding to support growth. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 13.5%
• Loan Duration: 1–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Commercial Loans
• Industries: Retail, Technology, Healthcare

Pros

• Quick funding decision
• Wide range of loan sizes

Cons

• Strict eligibility requirements

Sources: https://auroracapital.co.uk/unsecured-business-loans/

7. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers a broad range of financial products including unsecured business loans and flexible finance options. It caters to businesses seeking quick access to working capital or investment funds with adaptable repayment plans. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 12–84 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Start-Up Loans
• Industries: Healthcare, Retail, Technology

Pros

• No early repayment charges
• Variety of loan amounts

Cons

• Higher APR for unsecured loans

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

8. Capitalise

Capitalise Capitalise connects SMEs with multiple lenders, providing quick access to unsecured loans suitable for various funding needs. It offers flexible options with a streamlined process to help businesses access funding rapidly. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 7.9%
• Max APR: 29.9%
• Loan Duration: 3–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Wide network of lenders
• Fast processing

Cons

• Wide range of APRs

Sources: https://capitalise.com/gb/unsecured-business-loans

9. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle offers fast, flexible financing options for small businesses. It connects borrowers to investors using a brokered marketplace and provides transparent, quick funding solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Working Capital Loans
• Industries: Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Pros

• Low starting APR
• Tailored repayment

Cons

• Eligibility requirements strict

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

10. MoneySuperMarket

MoneySuperMarket MoneySuperMarket compares loans from multiple lenders, offering quick quotes and transparent rates. It helps businesses find unsecured options suitable for various funding needs quickly. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £50,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 14%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Comparison Services, Business Loans
• Industries: Retail, Finance, Services

Pros

• Transparent comparison
• Diverse lender choice

Cons

• Not a direct lender

Sources: http://www.moneysupermarket.co.uk/

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a 200k unsecured business loan, consider the nature of your business needs. Bank lenders typically offer flexible borrowing options for established businesses seeking quick decisions. Broker platforms can connect you with multiple lenders and provide tailored choices. Specialist lenders might focus on high-value or sector-specific loans. Check the eligibility criteria, costs, and repayment terms to ensure the best match for your franchise or business plans. Speed is important, but so is fitting the loan to your cash flow and long-term goals.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider depends on your funding purpose and business profile. Banks offer straightforward unsecured loans for established firms. Brokers provide access to multiple lenders and options. Sector-specific or specialist lenders may better suit niche needs. Always compare current costs and terms before proceeding. 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.