April 14, 2026
Lists

Best Lenders to Secure a 400k Unsecured Business Loan

Discover the best lenders offering unsecured business loans up to £400,000. Learn about eligibility, rates, and how to secure finance for your business's growth.
Square image with a black border and white background
Best Lenders to Secure a 400k Unsecured Business Loan
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

Jesse Spence is a Funding Research and Content Lead at Funding Agent with 4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business owners, not only, improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance but also find the right funding providers for their needs.

Best Lenders to Secure a 400k 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 2026-04-07.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent provides a platform that focuses on swift comparison of business finance options for UK SMEs. It typically suits franchise buyers and operators seeking unsecured loans with clear eligibility criteria. The service emphasises a straightforward application process with quick matching to suitable lenders and flexible repayment options without collateral requirements.

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

Sources: Funding Agent

2. iwoca

iwoca focuses on providing flexible short-term unsecured loans for small and medium UK businesses. It is suitable for franchise buyers needing fast, simple access to finance with flexible terms and no early repayment penalties. Their offering targets businesses seeking quick decisions and loan options without collateral requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 8%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: Various industries

Pros

  • Quick decisions in 24 hours
  • No early repayment fees
  • Flexible loan terms

Cons

  • High APR for very short-term loans

Sources: Source

3. Funding Circle

Funding Circle offers term loans primarily designed for UK SMEs seeking affordable funding with clear terms. It suits franchise buyers looking for loans without collateral and preferring fixed repayments over medium to longer durations. The platform focuses on speed of approval, competitive pricing, and accessibility across various sectors.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Term Loans
  • Industries: Various sectors

Pros

  • Quick approvals
  • No early settlement fees

Cons

  • Strict credit checks

Sources: Source

4. Fleximize

Fleximize specialises in both secured and unsecured loans tailored for UK SMEs requiring flexibility in borrowing. It is suitable for franchise buyers wanting choice in loan terms and repayment structures with a focus on speed and competitive rates. Their award-winning service aims for a balance of ease and varied finance options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 9%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 3 months to 4 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: Multiple industries

Pros

  • Competitive rates
  • Fast approval process

Cons

  • Higher rates for unsecured loans

Sources: Source

5. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance offers both secured and unsecured loans, focusing on tailored funding solutions for UK SMEs. It is suited for franchise buyers who need flexibility and potentially higher loan amounts across various industries. The provider supports customised repayment plans and may service complex funding needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £3,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Large loan amounts
  • Flexible repayment terms

Cons

  • Complex application process

Sources: Source

6. Capify

Capify delivers quick and flexible unsecured business funding largely focused on UK SME needs. It is suitable for borrowers requiring rapid decisions with adaptable loan conditions. While specific APRs are not provided, the lender highlights ease of access and flexible terms as key features.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Fast decision-making process
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Higher cost for smaller amounts

Sources: Source

7. Bizcap

Bizcap focuses on fast access to unsecured and secured business loans, designed for UK SMEs including those with less-than-perfect credit histories. It suits franchise buyers who prioritise speed and accessibility without extensive credit checks. The offer emphasises rapid approvals and flexible finance options across sectors.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 2 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Rapid approval
  • No credit check required

Cons

  • Higher interest rates

Sources: Source

8. Active Business Finance

Active Business Finance provides tailored secured and unsecured business finance solutions, focusing on support for UK SMEs across various sectors. Its suitability lies with franchise buyers needing bespoke financial products and flexible repayment plans. The provider emphasises tailored offerings with consideration for business-specific requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: General

Pros

  • Tailored financial solutions
  • Quick approval

Cons

  • Limited to certain industries

Sources: Source

9. Century Business Finance

Century Business Finance specialises in fast-track lending tailored to UK SMEs, offering secured and unsecured loans. It suits franchise buyers looking for flexible terms with supportive service. Their approach focuses on speed and structured solutions to meet varying industry requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: Diverse industries

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Supportive process

Cons

  • Higher rates for short-term loans

Sources: Source

10. Millbrook Business Finance

Millbrook Business Finance offers bespoke secured and unsecured loan solutions for UK SMEs, ideal for franchise buyers seeking tailored financing. It focuses on customised options with no early repayment penalties and fixed repayment terms. Their process addresses specific business needs through flexible yet structured lending.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Secured Business Loans
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Customized solutions
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting a lender for a 400k unsecured business loan, begin by aligning the loan size and APR with your available budget. Evaluate each lender’s criteria, focusing on eligibility requirements and repayment flexibility. Consider how quickly the loan can be processed if speed is a priority. Assess if collateral is required or if unsecured options fit your needs. Review fees, including early repayment charges, and factor in your franchise’s cash flow and seasonal variations. Finally, explore whether using a broker or going directly to a specialist lender suits your situation best.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your business’s specific needs, whether that be a bank offering structured term loans, a broker providing access to multiple options, or a specialist focusing on unique lending criteria. Funding Agent is a solid choice for SMEs wanting to quickly compare various unsecured business loans around the 400 thousand pounds loan range. For larger sums, asset-backed lending, or niche industry requirements, specialist lenders may be more appropriate. Always verify current terms, rates, and eligibility before proceeding to ensure the best fit for your franchise financing.

Table of Contents
Example H2
Example H3

Let’s launch your project?

arrow button

Find the right lender for you!

Generate offers
Cta image

FAQs

What is an unsecured business loan?
Can I get a £400k unsecured business loan with bad credit?
Which lenders offer unsecured loans of £400k or more?
What are the typical interest rates for unsecured business loans?
How long does it take to get approved for an unsecured business loan?
What documents are needed to apply for a £400k unsecured business loan?

Get Funding For
Your Business

Generate offers
Cta image
1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2iwocaIwoca offers flexible short-term loans catering to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK, with a focus on speed and simplicity.£1,000–£1,000,000; 8%–0% APR; 1 to 24 months
3Funding CircleFunding Circle is the UK's leading platform for small business loans, providing fast, affordable financing options up to £750,000.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–0% APR; 6 months to 5 years
4FleximizeFleximize is an award-winning business lender offering flexible loans to UK SMEs, with options to borrow up to £500,000.£5,000–£500,000; 9%–0% APR; 3 months to 4 years
5Nucleus Commercial FinanceNucleus Commercial Finance offers tailored funding solutions including secured and unsecured loans ranging from £3,000 to £2,000,000.£3,000–£2,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 6 months to 5 years
6CapifyCapify specializes in quick and flexible business funding solutions, offering up to £1,000,000 for UK businesses.£5,000–£1,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
7BizcapBizcap provides quick access to substantial funding, focusing on speed of service and accessibility, even for those with imperfect credit.£5,000–£1,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Up to 2 years
8Active Business FinanceActive Business Finance offers tailored solutions with a focus on supporting SMEs across the UK with various financial products.£5,000–£500,000; 0%–0% APR; 6 months to 5 years
9Century Business FinanceCentury Business Finance is committed to supporting SME growth with tailored, fast-track lending solutions.£10,000–£250,000; 0%–0% APR; 1 to 5 years
10Millbrook Business FinanceMillbrook delivers bespoke financial solutions for UK business financing, specializing in both secured and unsecured loans.£5,000–£500,000; 0%–0% APR; 1 to 5 years
Apply now