Best unsecured commercial loan lenders for Recruitment Agencies 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 offers a range of unsecured financing options suitable for UK recruitment agencies. Its services are often fast and accessible, providing solutions for a variety of business needs. The lender is known for quick approvals and competitive rates.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 6-48 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Invoice Financing, Asset Financing
• Industries: Recruitment, SME

Pros

• Fast approvals
• Competitive APR
• Tailored for recruitment agencies

Cons

• Not available for startups

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-unsecured-business-loan-lenders-for-recruitment-agencies-uk

2. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a UK-based platform offering alternative lending options for SMEs. It facilitates flexible loans that are often suitable for property purchase, refinance, or working capital. The service is known for speed and ease of access.

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: Term Loans, Line of Credit
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Professional Services

Pros

• Flexible loan terms
• Competitive APR
• High loan amounts

Cons

• Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk,https://aptpayment.co.uk/business-loans/funding-circle/ https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk,https://aptpayment.co.uk/business-loans/funding-circle/

3. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance Clifton Private Finance focuses on providing short-term property finance solutions, including bridging loans and bespoke property finance options. They often assist with property transactions such as purchase or refinance, with flexibility in security and LTV.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 3-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Business Loans
• Industries: Real Estate, Property Development

Pros

• Custom solutions
• High approval rate

Cons

• High initial rates possible

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

4. Iwoca

Iwoca Iwoca provides a range of flexible business financing options including unsecured loans and asset-backed facilities. It prioritises quick decision-making and rapid access for UK SMEs, often suited to growth or working capital needs.

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, Invoice Factoring
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Services

Pros

• Quick approval
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Higher rates for new businesses

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

5. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible funding options, including unsecured and secured business loans, for established SMEs. Its services are often fast and suitable for growing companies with predictable cash flow needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 3-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Flexiloan, Flexiloan Lite
• Industries: SME, Retail, Services

Pros

• No penalties for early payment
• Flexible repayment plans

Cons

• Limited to established businesses

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

6. Capalona

Capalona Capalona acts as an online broker matching UK SMEs with finance providers. It provides access to a wide range of products, including unsecured and secured loans. It is suitable for SMEs seeking transparent, flexible funding options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 1-36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Invoice Financing
• Industries: SME, Retail, Construction

Pros

• Wide lender network
• Easy application process

Cons

• Broker fees may apply

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

7. Bizcap

Bizcap Bizcap is a lender offering rapid, flexible financial solutions for UK SMEs, focusing on underserved industries. It can provide quick access to working capital, often with minimal collateral requirements.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans, Lines of Credit
• Industries: Wholesale, Retail, Service

Pros

• Same-day funding
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Interest rates can vary significantly

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

8. Nerdwallet

Nerdwallet Nerdwallet UK provides guidance and comparison tools for various business loans, including unsecured options. Suitable for SMEs, it helps identify suitable funding based on user needs and preferences.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 6-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
• Industries: Finance, Consumer Services

Pros

• Comprehensive financial guidance
• Wide range of financial products

Cons

• Primarily a comparison site

Sources: https://www.nerdwallet.com/uk/

9. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding Swoop provides digital lending options, including loans and grants, often with fast approval processes. It caters to UK SMEs needing flexible funding to support growth and operational needs.

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: Loans, Equity Finance, Grants
• Industries: Agriculture, Construction, Retail

Pros

• Diverse finance options
• Digital platform

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/uk/

10. Capify

Capify Capify offers small business loans and alternative funding options tailored for UK SMEs. It often provides fast access to funding, suitable for a range of business needs with flexible repayment options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

• Tailored repayment plans
• Focus on small businesses

Cons

• Higher rates for short terms

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

How to choose

When selecting a lender for recruitment agency needs, consider the type of funding required. Bank lenders tend to offer larger amounts with stricter criteria, while brokers can connect you to a variety of options. Specialist providers often focus on unsecured or sector-specific loans. Matching your needs to the lender's strengths will improve your chances of success. Evaluate costs, eligibility, and repayment flexibility to find the best fit for your business.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider depends on your specific needs. Banks are suitable for larger, secured loans. Brokers can offer access to diverse options. Specialist lenders focus on niche markets or unsecured loans. Always review 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.