The Best Unsecured Business loan Lenders for Accountants in the UK for 2026

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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 2025-10-03.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent specializes in unsecured business loans for UK SMEs. Its offerings include flexible options suitable for working capital, growth, or refinancing. The process is typically straightforward, with quick decisions and a range of loan sizes, often brokered for access to multiple lenders.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 8.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Low APR
- High loan amounts
Cons
- Requires detailed financial history
2. Performance Finance
Performance Finance offers bespoke business finance solutions geared towards professionals. Its products can include secured or unsecured options, with a focus on flexibility and tailored repayment plans for sectors like legal, accountancy, or medical fields.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 7 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Finance for professionals
- Industries: Legal, Accountancy, Medical
Pros
- Tailored to professionals
- Flexible terms
Cons
- APR information limited
Sources: https://www.performancefinance.co.uk/funding-options/business-loans/
3. Rangewell
Rangewell functions as a broker providing access to a wide network of business finance lenders. Its services include business loans suited for clients looking for flexible terms and a variety of products, often brokered for competitive options across sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Variable⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Brokered Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide network
- Comprehensive mapping
Cons
- No direct lending
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/lender-reviews/rangewell-reviews
4. British Business Bank
British Business Bank offers a range of government-backed financial products for UK SMEs. Its services include development loans and equity finance, often suitable for early-stage or growth-phase businesses seeking flexible funding options. The process typically involves straightforward application procedures.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Development Loans, Equity Finance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Government-backed
- Diverse loan products
Cons
- Limited maximum amount
Sources: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/business-guidance/guidance-articles/finance/start-up-loan
5. Funding Options
Funding Options facilitates quick access to business finance for UK firms. Its services include matching businesses with a broad network of lenders, useful for those seeking rapid funding or diverse borrowing options. The platform supports various types of finance including loans and commercial mortgages.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £20,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: Flexible terms⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide range of lenders
- Fast match service
Cons
- Varied APR
Sources: https://www.fundingoptions.com/
6. Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank offers a range of business loans designed for UK SMEs. Its options include flexible repayment plans and competitive interest rates to support growth or investment needs. The application process is typically quick, serving a broad range of sectors and business sizes.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Up to 25 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Established bank
- Long repayment terms
Cons
- Higher minimum APR
Sources: https://lloydsbank.com/business/business-loans.html
7. Barclays
Barclays offers various lending options including fixed or variable rate loans. These solutions are suitable for UK SMEs seeking adaptable terms and reliable support. Their products serve a range of sectors, with application processes designed for straightforward assessment.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000
- Min APR: 14.9%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1-25 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Flexible rates
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Higher minimum APR
Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/
8. iwoca
iwoca provides flexible financing options for UK SMEs, including short-term loans and credit lines. Its services focus on quick approval and custom repayment structures, often supporting businesses with less extensive credit histories. The platform is designed to offer fast funding solutions tailored to business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 18%
- Max APR: 49%
- Loan Duration: Up to 12 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Credit Lines
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Quick decision
- Immediate funding
Cons
- High APR
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/small-business-loans
9. Shawbrook Bank
Shawbrook Bank offers tailored lending options for established UK businesses. Its focus includes short-term business loans, asset financing, and secured or unsecured credit. The platform aims to provide efficient service with flexible repayment arrangements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 14.1%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Healthcare, Transport, Logistics
Pros
- Fixed rates
- Loan variety
Cons
- High acceptance fee
Sources: https://www.shawbrook.co.uk/business/business-lending/unsecured-business-lending/
10. MAF Finance Group
MAF Finance Group provides a wide range of financial solutions, including asset finance and invoice discounting. Its services are geared toward UK SMEs seeking flexible, non-secured financing options for growth or operational needs. The firm offers customisable repayment terms across industries.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Manufacturing, Transport
Pros
- Large loan ranges
- Industry specialists
Cons
- APR information limited
Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk/products/business-loans/unsecured-business-loans
How to choose
Matching the right lender depends on your specific needs. Bank lenders offer reliable, often fixed-term loans for established businesses. Brokers and specialist lenders provide greater flexibility and access to a wider range of products, often for fast or unsecured borrowing. Evaluating loan size, APR, security, and repayment options helps determine the best fit. Always consider how repayments align with your cash flow and sector seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying.
Conclusion
Matching your needs to provider type is key. Banks suit those seeking established products and longer terms. Brokers can connect you to multiple lenders for more options. Specialist lenders often offer quicker, unsecured, or sector-specific solutions. 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.