The Best Unsecured Business loan Lenders for Legal and compliance Agencies 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 Funding Agent offers competitive unsecured business loans with flexible terms suitable for a wide range of industries. It matches SMEs and legal agencies seeking quick access to small loans without collateral. The process emphasises speed and straightforward approval, with options suitable for various repayment preferences.
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: Term Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Multiple
Pros
- Flexible loan terms
- No collateral required
Cons
- Interest rates vary
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-unsecured-business-loans-for-uk-smes
2. Funding Circle
Funding Circle Funding Circle offers quick, affordable loans for UK businesses with a brokered approach that connects borrowers to investors. It focuses on speed and competitive rates, suitable for businesses needing fast funding and flexible terms. The platform facilitates various types of loans for different sectors.
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: Business Loans, Peer-to-Peer Lending
- Industries: General Business
Pros
- Quick application process
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Not suitable for high-risk businesses
Sources: https://aptpayment.co.uk/business-loans/funding-circle/
3. Nucleus Commercial Finance
Nucleus Commercial Finance Nucleus Commercial Finance provides financial products ideal for SMEs needing flexible funding solutions. Often brokered for speed, these options are suitable for businesses seeking unsecured loans or asset-based facilities. They emphasise tailored terms for different sectors and loan sizes.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Bridging Finance
- Industries: SMEs, Professional Services
Pros
- Tailored solutions
- Flexible terms
Cons
- APR can be high for some clients
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/funding-circle-vs-nucleus-commercial-finance
4. Iwoca
Iwoca Iwoca specialises in quick decision financing for small businesses needing short-term capital. Its flexible options are suited for those seeking unsecured loans with transparent pricing. The platform prioritises ease of process and fast approval times.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 18%
- Max APR: 60%
- Loan Duration: 1–12 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Short-Term Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Retail, Ecommerce
Pros
- Fast approval
- Flexible repayments
Cons
- Higher APR for high-risk profiles
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/small-business-loans
5. Fleximize
Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible unsecured small business loans focused on growth. Its brokered products aim for quick access, with tailored repayment options. Designed for expanding businesses, the platform emphasises speed and custom terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 10.2%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 3–48 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Bridging Loans
- Industries: Small Businesses
Pros
- Growth incentives
- Loyalty discounts
Cons
- Require established businesses
Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk/
6. MAF Finance Group
MAF Finance Group MAF Finance Group offers a spectrum of financing choices, from unsecured loans to asset finance options. They focus on quick access to funds, often brokered, to meet working capital or growth needs for SMEs and agencies. Their solutions aim to balance ease of access with flexible repayment structures.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3–72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Diverse funding options
- Access to various lenders
Cons
- Varies by lender
Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk/
7. Capify
Capify Capify provides alternative funding options, including merchant cash advances and unsecured loans, often brokered for quick access. Its tailored solutions suit UK small to medium-sized enterprises seeking fast, flexible capital without extensive collateral requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £3,000,000
- Min APR: 67.89%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Quick funding
- Personalized offers
Cons
- High APR
Sources: https://www.capify.co.uk/annual-percentage-rate-apr-explained/
8. Active Business Finance
Active Business Finance Provides flexible funding for small businesses in the UK. Its brokered unsecured loan options are suitable for working capital, growth, or refinancing. The solutions focus on quick access and tailored repayment plans for various sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Working Capital
- Industries: Small Enterprises
Pros
- Tailored solutions
- Fast decision making
Cons
- Specific to small businesses
Sources: http://www.activebusinessfinance.co.uk/
9. Virgin StartUp
Virgin StartUp Virgin Startup primarily offers small, affordable loans aimed at entrepreneurs and startups. They focus on supporting early-stage growth, often providing mentoring and additional resources. The level of flexibility and speed highlights their emphasis on nurturing new businesses.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 6%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Startup Loans
- Industries: Startups
Pros
- Mentoring options
- Low fixed APR
Cons
- Limited to startups
- Small loan amounts
10. Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank Lloyds Bank offers various business loans, including fixed-rate unsecured options for small and medium-sized firms. Their products are brokered or directly available for quick funding, suitable for businesses seeking straightforward access with predictable repayment terms. The offerings are tailored to different business needs across sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 11.2%
- Loan Duration: 1–10 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Business Overdrafts
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Reliable lender
- Fixed interest rates
Cons
- Limited to lower amounts
Sources: https://lloydstsb.co.uk/business/business-loans.html
How to choose
Matching the right provider to your needs involves considering loan size, APR, and repayment terms. Bank lenders often focus on longer-term financing and may require collateral or security. Brokers can access a variety of lenders, offering speed and flexibility for different sectors. Specialist or alternative funders tend to offer quick, unsecured options tailored for specific sectors like legal or compliance agencies. Review each lender's criteria, fees, and early repayment options carefully to choose the best fit for your business scenario. Doing thorough research ensures you select a lender that matches your risk profile and growth objectives.
Conclusion
Matching the right lender depends on your business needs and the type of finance required. Bank lenders provide reliable fixed-rate options for those with collateral or strong credit histories. Brokers are suitable for quick comparisons and access to multiple offers. Specialised lenders, such as Funding Agent, focus on unsecured, flexible solutions for SMEs and legal agencies. Always verify current costs and terms with the lender 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.