The Best Unsecured Business loan Lenders for Recruitment Agencies in the UK for 2026

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 2025-10-02.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent is a prominent financial services company that offers a range of financing options, including unsecured business loans tailored for recruitment agencies in the UK. Its offerings focus on quick access and flexible repayment options suitable for SMEs needing working capital or growth funds. The process is designed to be straightforward, prioritising speed and minimal security requirements.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Recruitment, Retail, Consultancy

Pros

• Fast approvals
• Flexible repayment terms

Cons

• High APR for riskier profiles

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/unsecured-business-loans-for-recruitment-agencies

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a major peer-to-peer platform that connects UK SMEs with investors for business growth. It offers quick access to loans for franchise buyers, property purchases, or working capital. The focus is on flexibility and speed, often with brokered options to suit diverse needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Peer-to-Peer Lending
• Industries: SMEs from various sectors

Pros

• Quick decisions
• Large loan amounts

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

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

3. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers a flexible funding platform for UK businesses, specialising in quick, unsecured business loans and flexible repayment plans. Its services include brokered access and customisable terms suitable for various sectors, including recruitment. It prioritises fast access to growth capital and working capital needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 10.2%
• Max APR: 18.5%
• Loan Duration: 3-48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Unsecured Loans, Flexiloan
• Industries: Varied sectors, including SMEs

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Flexible loan terms

Cons

• Higher starting APR

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

4. Bizcap

Bizcap Bizcap specialises in fast business funding solutions for UK companies, focusing on quick approvals and flexible repayment options. It offers unsecured and asset-backed financing, suitable for sectors like retail and construction. The service emphasizes speed and ease for growth or operational needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 18%
• Loan Duration: 12-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Lines of Credit
• Industries: Retail, Construction, Manufacturing

Pros

• Rapid approval times
• Open-minded lending

Cons

• Higher fees for lower credit scores

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

5. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding Swoop Funding is a flexible funding platform that provides quick access to loans, grants, and equity options for UK businesses. It brokers access to diverse financing sources to support working capital, property, or growth initiatives.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Grants, Equity Finance
• Industries: Retail, Recruitment, SMEs

Pros

• Wide range of funding options
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/

6. Love Finance

Love Finance Love Finance provides quick access to unsecured business loans for SMEs in the UK, offering fast approval and rapid payouts. Its offerings suit businesses seeking straightforward, unsecured funding for operational needs or expansion. The process emphasises speed and simplicity, with options for brokered access and flexible repayment terms.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 21.9%
• Loan Duration: 6-36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Retail, Services, Manufacturing

Pros

• Quick funding
• Transparent terms

Cons

• Limited loan amount for high-risk applicants

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

7. British Business Bank

British Business Bank The British Business Bank focuses on supporting SMEs with varied financial products, including loans suitable for franchise growth and working capital. It offers programmes that may include unsecured options for smaller V controlled or start-up businesses. The service is geared toward fiscal support and development initiatives, often with a focus on fostering sector growth.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 12-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Equity Finance, Start-up Loans
• Industries: General Enterprises, Technology, Start-ups

Pros

• Government-backed
• Low interest rates

Cons

• Limited to start-up and small ventures

Sources: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/

8. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance Nucleus Commercial Finance offers flexible, tailored funding options for UK businesses. It supports unsecured and asset-backed loans, prioritising quick approval and customisable repayment plans suitable for various sectors, including recruitment and manufacturing. Its services include brokered solutions to facilitate quick access to working capital and growth funding.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 18%
• Loan Duration: 4-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Revenue-Based Financing, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services

Pros

• Large loan amounts
• Tailored packages

Cons

• Eligibility can be stringent

Sources: https://nucleuscommercialfinance.com/

9. iwoca

iwoca iwoca provides quick, flexible loans for UK SMEs and businesses in Germany. Its offerings include unsecured and asset-backed options, suitable for working capital, equipment purchase, or growth initiatives. It emphasizes rapid access and flexible repayment plans tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Line of Credit
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, SMEs

Pros

• Quick decision process
• Flexible repayment

Cons

• Higher rates for new customers

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

10. LendingCrowd

LendingCrowd LendingCrowd connects UK SMEs with peer-to-peer investors to facilitate business loans. Its platform offers competitive rates and flexible terms for growth, operational, or project finance needs. It is suitable for companies looking for alternative funding options with quick access and transparent processes.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.95%
• Max APR: 12.25%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans, Business Loans
• Industries: Technology, Retail, Professional Services

Pros

• No early repayment fees
• Transparent pricing

Cons

• Higher fees for riskier profiles

Sources: https://www.lendingcrowd.com/

How to choose

Choosing the right provider depends on your funding needs and repayment ability. For quick access and minimal paperwork, consider alternative lenders or online platforms. Brokers can help find the best terms if you meet standard criteria. Sector specialists may offer tailored products for recruitment agencies. Compare fees, loan sizes, and speeds to match your situation. Ensure you review eligibility and early repayment conditions before applying.

Conclusion

Matching your funding needs with the right lender involves understanding their focus and process. Bank providers offer secured, larger loans for established businesses. Brokers can connect you with a range of providers, including those specialising in unsecured or quick loans. Sector-specific lenders like Funding Agent cater to recruitment agencies seeking tailored solutions. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change. 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.