best lenders to secure a 20k 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.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a leading financial services company offering unsecured business loans tailored to meet the needs of small and medium enterprises. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £200,000
• Min APR: 6.5%
• Max APR: 19.9%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Competitive rates
• Flexible repayment terms

Cons

• Not available for all sectors

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/unsecured-business-loans

2. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers comprehensive business loans with both fixed and variable interest rates, catering to various business needs. Suitable for franchise buyers, capital investment, or operational expenses, it provides options with flexible terms backed by a bank's stability. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Commercial Mortgages
• Industries: General Business, Real Estate

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Higher APR for small loans

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

3. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize is a digital lending platform that provides fast access to flexible business loans. It offers unsecured and secured options suitable for SMEs seeking speed and customiseable repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £2,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 10.8%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 1–48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Revenue-based Financing
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Professional Services

Pros

• Quick funding
• Personalized service

Cons

• Monthly fees

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

4. HSBC

HSBC HSBC offers business loans with options for fixed and variable interest rates. These loans support small and medium-sized enterprises in purchasing equipment or expanding operations. It suits UK SMEs seeking reliable and flexible financing solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 5.7%
• Max APR: 18.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–120 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Business Mortgages
• Industries: General Business, Manufacturing

Pros

• Variety of loan products
• International banking

Cons

• Strict eligibility

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/business-loans/hsbc-business-loans/

5. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers tailored business loan solutions to support UK businesses in growth. It provides options with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Suitable for franchise buyers or established companies, it aims to meet different credit needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Asset Financing
• Industries: Retail, Technology

Pros

• Flexible loan terms
• High loan limits

Cons

• Higher interest for unsecured loans

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

6. Portman Finance Group

Portman Finance Group Portman Finance Group provides finance solutions including unsecured loans for UK businesses. It operates through brokers and direct lending, suitable for those seeking flexible or quick funding options. Here are the key points:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 4.4%
• Max APR: 12%
• Loan Duration: 12–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: Automotive, Healthcare, Real Estate

Pros

• Wide range of financial products
• Competitive APR

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/

7. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance Century Finance offers straightforward, flexible unsecured loans often used for working capital or quick growth. This provider supports UK SMEs in securing fast funding without collateral. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 6–36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Hospitality, Services

Pros

• Fast approval
• No collateral required

Cons

• Higher APR for new customers

Sources: https://www.centurybusinessfinance.co.uk/unsecured-business-loans

8. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance Clifton Private Finance provides bespoke unsecured business loans through brokerage services, suitable for those needing flexible funding for growth or acquisitions. It helps UK SMEs access up to £250,000 with tailored options. Here are the highlights:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £20,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 8.5%
• Max APR: 22%
• Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Development Finance
• Industries: Construction, Retail

Pros

• Tailored solutions
• Faster processing

Cons

• Broker fees required

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/unsecured-business-loans/

9. Merchant Savvy

Merchant Savvy Merchant Savvy compares unsecured business loans across providers, helping UK SMEs find suitable options. It offers independent reviews and detailed insights into loan features, suitable for those seeking transparency in financing. Here is what to consider:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 9.6%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Invoice Financing
• Industries: General Business

Pros

• Comprehensive comparison
• Independent reviews

Cons

• Not a direct lender

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

10. Boost Capital

Boost Capital Boost Capital offers quick unsecured loans designed for small businesses. Its flexible repayment options cater to business cash flow, making it suitable for various SME needs across sectors. Here is what to consider:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 24%
• Loan Duration: 6–36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Merchant Cash Advances
• Industries: Retail, Service

Pros

• Rapid funding
• Adaptable repayment

Cons

• High interest rates

Sources: https://www.expertsure.com/uk/business-loans/unsecured-business-loans/

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a 20 thousand pounds unsecured business loan, consider your specific financial needs. Brokers can offer access to multiple lenders and tailored options quickly. Banks typically provide reliable but slower responses, suitable for defined budgets and longer-term planning. Specialist lenders may focus on unsecured loans with fast approvals but often at higher rates. Evaluate your repayment flexibility against loan costs and eligibility criteria. Comparing options helps ensure you choose the best fit for your business growth and cash flow management.

Conclusion

Selecting the right lender depends on your funding priority. Bank lenders offer stability and fixed terms, while brokers provide broad market access. Specialist providers might cater to faster funding needs with higher rates. Always review lender criteria, costs, and repayment terms before applying. 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.