Best Lenders to Secure a Unsecured Business Loan Over 4 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 2026-02-12.
Funding Agent focuses on brokering unsecured business loans and other working capital finance options for UK SMEs. Its services suit small and medium businesses looking for a fast and simple way to compare multiple offers. Products typically provide flexible terms without collateral, with an emphasis on speed and eligibility matching.
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
Barclays specialises in bank business loans with a wide product range including unsecured loans and overdrafts. Its offerings are suited to UK SMEs that require reliable funding with varied options and structured repayment schedules. The provider is known for strong financial standing, with flexibility on loan durations and industry coverage.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 3.4%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: All
Pros
- Wide variety of loan options
- Strong financial reputation
Cons
- Higher APR for small amounts
HSBC offers bank-based unsecured business loans designed for SME financing with flexible features. This provider suits businesses looking for structured repayments and a variety of loan options across industries. It focuses on predictable terms combined with tailored products enabled by global banking resources.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £300,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 14%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, SME Financing
- Industries: All
Pros
- Established global bank
- Variety of financing options
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
Lloyds Bank provides unsecured loans tailored to varied business needs and sectors. It is typically suitable for businesses valuing flexible repayments and support across retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. The lender offers options that require no collateral and advocate early repayment without penalty.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 3.9%
- Max APR: 25.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Manufacturing
Pros
- Flexible repayment options
- No fees for early repayment
5. Santander
Santander delivers unsecured loans along with varied financial products aimed at growing UK businesses. It suits SMEs in retail and professional services needing flexible terms and competitive rates. The lender combines sector-specific solutions with merchant services for additional funding pathways.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 15.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Merchant Services
- Industries: Retail, Professional Services
Pros
- Competitive APR
- Strong customer service
Cons
- Application process can be lengthy
NatWest offers unsecured business loans with competitive terms and quick applications. It is suited to UK SMEs seeking straightforward products without hidden fees and support across multiple industries. The lender focuses on transparency and speed of decision-making for smaller to medium loan amounts.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 5.3%
- Max APR: 13.5%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
- Industries: All
Pros
- Quick decision
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Higher interest for longer terms
Metro Bank focuses on providing unsecured loans with flexible terms and customer-oriented service to SMEs. This lender suits businesses prioritising personalised support and a range of options within loans and SME financing. The approach is practical, with consideration for industry diversity and loan flexibility.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, SME Loans
- Industries: Services, Retail, Transport
Pros
- Strong customer support
- Wide range of options
TSB Bank provides straightforward unsecured loans primarily suited to retail and service sectors. The lender offers flexible durations and competitive rates for SMEs needing practical financing solutions without complex security requirements. Loan options are designed for ease of use with varied repayment periods.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 4.5%
- Max APR: 18.5%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Retail, Services
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Flexible durations
Cons
- Online services can be limited
Aldermore Bank specialises in unsecured loans and business mortgages tailored to UK SMEs. It is suitable for clients needing customised financial solutions with flexible structures. The lender prioritises solid customer support and works within industry sectors like manufacturing and retail.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.2%
- Max APR: 15.2%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Business Mortgages
- Industries: Manufacturing, Retail
Pros
- Tailored solutions
- Solid support
Cons
- Loan sizes may not suit all
Shawbrook Bank offers personalised unsecured financing with a focus on growth capital for UK SMEs. It is appropriate for businesses seeking tailored terms across healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors. The provider emphasises competitive APRs and flexible repayment schedules with a thorough application process.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Growth Capital
- Industries: Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Competitive APR
Cons
- Rigorous application process
How to choose
When selecting the best lenders for unsecured business loans over four years, assess your specific borrowing needs and repayment capacity carefully. Compare loan sizes, APRs, and term lengths to find matching options within your budget. Consider the application process speed and whether flexible repayment or early settlement is allowed. Check lender eligibility criteria and review loan features such as collateral requirements and industry focus. Using brokers can provide broader market access, while banks may offer stricter but stable terms. Always verify the full costs, conditions, and suitability before applying.
Conclusion
Securing an unsecured business loan of 200 thousand pounds or more requires matching the lender to your use case. Banks tend to offer established products with set criteria and stable pricing. Brokers like Funding Agent provide access to a wider array of lenders and can speed the selection process. Specialist lenders cater to niche needs or industries with tailored approaches. Funding Agent is a useful tool for SMEs seeking quick comparisons across multiple unsecured business loan options. Always review terms and conditions from the provider that best fits your business scenario.
.png)
