Best Unsecured Commercial Loan Lenders for Legal Firms in the UK
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 2025-10-08.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent Funding Agent focuses on unsecured loans for legal firms and small businesses. It offers flexible terms suitable for fast access to working capital. The process is straightforward and quickly tailored to your needs. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 12.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, SME Loans
- Industries: Legal, SME
Pros
- Flexible terms
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Higher rates for lower credit scores
2. Funding Circle
Funding Circle Funding Circle provides quick access to UK small and medium-sized business loans through peer-to-peer platforms. It connects borrowers with investors, offering a simplified process with varied loan options. It is suitable for firms seeking flexibility and rapid decisions. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Legal, Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Quick decision making
- No early settlement fees
Cons
- Strict credit requirements
Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk/
3. Nucleus Commercial Finance
Nucleus Commercial Finance Nucleus offers tailored financial solutions for businesses needing flexible unsecured lending options. It is suitable for firms seeking growth or refinancing, providing options without extensive collateral requirements. The process is designed to be fast and adaptable. Here's what to know:
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, Equipment Finance
- Industries: Legal, Healthcare, Construction
Pros
- Customisable finance options
Cons
- Higher APR for risky clients
Sources: https://www.nucleuscommercialfinance.com
4. Iwoca
Iwoca Iwoca provides flexible, quick-access business loans for SMEs needing funding for short-term or immediate working capital needs. It offers a simple application process with options for collateral or unsecured borrowing. It is ideal for firms requiring rapid access. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Fashion, Legal
Pros
- Only pay interest on funds used
- Fast application process
Cons
- Short loan duration
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk
5. Fleximize
Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible business loans suitable for growth, with quick turnaround and customised options. It provides current rates and loyalty discounts that help streamline borrowing for legal and small firms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Bridging Finance
- Industries: Legal, Marketing, Healthcare
Pros
- Loyalty pledge for discounted future borrowing
Cons
- Higher rates for new borrowers
Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk
6. Clifton Private Finance
Clifton Private Finance Clifton Private Finance offers private and business finance options, with flexible secured and unsecured products. It is suitable for firms seeking quick access to refinancing or purchase capital. The process quickens decision-making for asset or property-backed needs. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £20,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Mortgages
- Industries: Real Estate, Legal
Pros
- Wide range of finance options
Cons
- Higher rates for unsecured loans
Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk
7. Swoop Funding
Swoop Funding Swoop provides a platform connecting businesses to multiple lenders for various loan amounts and durations. It is suitable for firms wanting access to a range of funding options through a simple application. The service brokers to multiple lenders to find suitable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1-36 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: E-commerce, Legal, Manufacturing
Pros
- Access to multiple lenders
- Free application process
Cons
- Varied terms across lenders
Sources: https://swoopfunding.com
8. Portman Finance Group
Portman Finance Group Portman offers business loans and asset finance using brokered access for UK SMEs. Its flexible solutions are suitable for those seeking quick approvals for expansion or purchase. The process offers good access to funding with optional collateral. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: 6-72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Construction, Legal
Pros
- Large amounts available
Cons
- Broad APR range
Sources: https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk
9. Shawbrook Bank
Shawbrook Bank Shawbrook offers specialised business finance solutions, including unsecured loans for UK firms. It provides options for growth or refinancing with flexible features. The process supports quick decisions, ideal for medium-sized needs. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 14.1%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Legal, Healthcare
Pros
- Fixed interest rates
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Application fees
Sources: https://www.shawbrook.co.uk
10. Cashflow Solutions
Cashflow Solutions Cashflow Solutions offers unsecured loans for small and medium-sized businesses to support cash flow and expansion. It provides straightforward access for firms needing quick funds without collateral. The process is transparent and tailored for fast approval. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £20,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 14%
- Loan Duration: 1-72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Working Capital Loans
- Industries: Retail, Legal
Pros
- Diverse loan terms
- Support for cash flow management
Cons
- Higher rates for unsecured loans
Sources: https://www.cashflowsolutions.co.uk
How to choose
When selecting a lender for legal firm funding, consider the loan purpose and required amount. Bank lenders often offer quick, straightforward unsecured options for small sums. Brokers and specialised finance providers can access wider ranges of secured or unsecured products with flexible terms. Check eligibility criteria, fees, and repayment conditions carefully. Matching the loan type to your situation ensures better fit and loan success. Consider how repayment terms align with your cash flow and sector needs.
Conclusion
Matching the right lender to your business needs is essential. For quick, simple unsecured loans, banks or direct lenders like Funding Agent work well. For larger amounts or more complex needs, brokers or specialist sector financers may offer better options. Always verify current costs and conditions with your chosen provider. 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.
