Best Unsecured Commercial Loan Lenders 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 unsecured business loans with loan amounts up to £500,000 and APR as low as 6.9%. Its focus is on quick, straightforward funding solutions for UK SMEs, often brokered through online platforms. It suits those seeking fast access without collateral and flexible repayment terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
• Industries: General

Pros

• Competitive rates

Cons

• Details on minimum loan amounts unspecified

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-unsecured-msme-loan-lenders-uk

2. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers flexible business loans with both fixed and variable rates, and no early repayment fees. It provides options suitable for a range of working capital needs, and both secured and unsecured lending. It suits UK SMEs seeking predictable repayment options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 1-25 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Fixed Rate Loans, Variable Rate Loans
• Industries: General

Pros

• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Higher APR for smaller loans

Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/

3. Metro Bank

Metro Bank Metro Bank provides commercial loans tailored for SMEs. It focuses on quick approval and flexible terms, often suitable for working capital and business expansion. It suits UK SMEs seeking transparent lending options. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 9.6%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial Loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Fixed interest rates

Cons

• Specific loan details not extensively disclosed

Sources: https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/business/borrowing/products/commercial-loans/

4. TSB

TSB TSB offers fixed-rate business loans that are suitable for standard funding needs. It provides straightforward repayment options, often used for small to medium-sized projects or working capital. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £13,000
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 9.9%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Up to 5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Fixed Rate Loans
• Industries: General

Pros

• Variety of loan options

Cons

• Higher minimum loan amount

Sources: https://www.tsb.co.uk/business/loans-and-finance/business-lending-rates.html

5. Yorkshire Bank

Yorkshire Bank Yorkshire Bank offers various types of business loans including fixed-rate and cashflow finance. It is suitable for SMEs planning long-term or flexible funding strategies. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,001
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Variable⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Fixed Rate Loans, Cashflow Finance
• Industries: General

Pros

• High maximum loan amount

Cons

• Specific APR details not available

Sources: https://secure.ybonline.co.uk/business/our-products/treasury-solutions/tailored-business-loan/

6. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers business loans starting at 0.9% per month with a loyalty pledge to reduce rates over time. It caters to SMEs seeking flexible, fast funding, often with quick approval and custom repayment options. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 10.2%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Marketing, General

Pros

• Loyalty rate reduction

Cons

• APR could be higher over time

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

7. Portman Finance

Portman Finance Portman Finance offers a broad range of financial products including term loans and asset finance, typically suitable for growing SMEs. It focuses on flexible solutions for different funding needs, often brokered through partners for quick access. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: Up to 6 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial Loans
• Industries: General

Pros

• Wide range of loan amounts

Cons

• High-interest rates depending on credit

Sources: https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/business-loans/

8. Winchester Commercial Finance

Winchester Commercial Finance Winchester Commercial Finance specialises in property and commercial finance brokering. It focuses on helping businesses secure property-related funding and refinancing with tailored options. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here’s what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Flexible⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Property Finance, Commercial Finance
• Industries: Real Estate, General

Pros

• Customized finance solutions

Cons

• Specific loan and interest details not disclosed

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

9. Novuna

Novuna Novuna offers flexible business finance solutions, often through quick and straightforward application processes. It focuses on providing short-term and small-scale funding options for UK SMEs looking for simple, accessible finance. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £35,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Short-term⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Cash Flow Loans
• Industries: General

Pros

• Flexible finance options

Cons

• Limited maximum loan amount

Sources: https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-finance/

10. Shawbrook Bank

Shawbrook Bank Shawbrook Bank delivers unsecured business loans primarily for SMEs. Its offerings include flexible terms suitable for growth or cash flow. It suits UK SMEs seeking predictable, short to medium-term finance. Here's what to know:

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: General

Pros

• Specific SMEs focus

Cons

• Potential high APR

Sources: https://www.shawbrook.co.uk/business/business-lending/unsecured-business-lending/

How to choose

Match loan size and APR to your budget, check eligibility, and balance speed against flexibility. Consider how repayments fit your franchise cash flow and seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying. For unsecured loans, assess the provider's speed and transparency. Think about whether a broker or a direct lender suits your needs best. Always compare the total cost and the repayment options available.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider depends on your funding purpose. Bank lenders typically offer straightforward products suitable for established needs. Brokers like Funding Agent can help you find flexible unsecured options quickly. Sector specialists may offer tailored finance for specific asset types or property. Always confirm current terms and costs with your chosen lender; pricing and conditions may change. Funding Agent remains a strong choice for quick comparisons across multiple options. Careful selection ensures your financing aligns with your business goals.