October 1, 2025
Lists

Best Unsecured SME Loan Lenders in the UK

Discover the top 10 unsecured MSME loan lenders in the UK for 2026. Find the best options for your small business with competitive rates and flexible terms.
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan ranges, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Prices accurate as of 2025-10-01.

RankProviderSummaryLoan range; APR; Term
1Funding AgentFunding Agent provides unsecured business loans with loan amounts up to £500,000 and APR as low as 6.9%.£1,000–£500,000; 6.9%–8.9% APR; 0–0 months
2Nucleus Commercial FinanceNucleus provides tailored business finance solutions, offering unsecured loans from £10,000 to £2 million with APRs starting at 5%.£10,000–£2,000,000; 5%–9% APR; 0–0 months
3iwocaIwoca offers flexible funding from £1,000 to £1,000,000 with repayment windows ranging from one day to 24 months.£1,000–£1,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 0–0 months
4BarclaysBarclays supports a range of sectors with dedicated industry specialists offering asset financing.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; 0–0 months
5Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers business loans with terms up to 25 years and borrowings starting from £1,000.£1,000–£0; 0%–0% APR; 0–0 months
6NatWestNatWest provides various financing options aimed at helping UK companies manage cash flow and achieve growth objectives.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; 0–0 months
7MAF Finance GroupMAF Finance Group is a leading nationwide finance broker offering asset finance, unsecured loans, and other financial solutions.£10,000–£2,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 0–0 months
8Virgin StartUpVirgin StartUp provides personal loans for businesses up to £25,000 with fixed rates and expert mentoring.£0–£25,000; 6%–6% APR; 0–0 months
9Business to HelpBusiness to Help focuses on providing unsecured loans tailored for small businesses in need of funds for growth.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; 0–0 months
10LendingCrowdLendingCrowd provides peer-to-peer loans for SMEs, focusing on competitive rates and quick online processes.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; 0–0 months

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on unsecured business loans for UK SMEs. Their loans cater to businesses seeking predictable terms and clear options, with a highlight on terms suited for quick decision-making and transparent fees.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 8.9%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured business loans
  • Industries: General

Pros

  • Low APR starting from 6.9%
  • High loan amount up to £500,000

Cons

  • Unknown

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-10-unsecured-business-loans-for-startups-in-the-uk

2. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance offers a diverse range of unsecured loans ideal for SMEs requiring flexibility and tailored terms. Known for competitive starting APRs, they provide adaptable solutions suited to varying financial needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 5%
  • Max APR: 9%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured loans, Property finance, Bridging finance
  • Industries: General

Pros

  • Flexible terms up to 6 years
  • Competitive starting APR

Cons

  • Potential higher rates for high-risk clients

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-10-unsecured-business-loans-for-startups-in-the-uk,https://www.fundinvoice.co.uk/blog/advice/post/nucleus-lowers-unsecured-business-loan-rates.html https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-10-unsecured-business-loans-for-startups-in-the-uk,https://www.fundinvoice.co.uk/blog/advice/post/nucleus-lowers-unsecured-business-loan-rates.html

3. iwoca

iwoca delivers quick funding solutions tailored for SMEs with flexible loan durations. Their options suit businesses needing prompt funding decisions without early repayment penalties.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Working capital
  • Industries: General

Pros

  • Quick decision making
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • Limited loan duration

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk,https://www.iwoca.co.uk/business-loan-calculator https://www.iwoca.co.uk,https://www.iwoca.co.uk/business-loan-calculator

4. Barclays

Barclays offers comprehensive financial services with a focus on asset finance and industry specialization. Ideal for SMEs across diverse sectors seeking expert advice and tailored financial support.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset finance, Unsecured loans
  • Industries: Agriculture, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Professional services

Pros

  • Wide range of supported industries
  • Specialist sector advice

Cons

  • Unknown APR range and loan amounts

Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/sectors,https://www.barclayscorporate.com/industry-expertise/ https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/sectors,https://www.barclayscorporate.com/industry-expertise/

5. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank provides long-term business loans tailored to SMEs needing extended repayment durations. Their options allow for significant flexibility in managing business growth needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans
  • Industries: General

Pros

  • Long loan durations
  • Tailored business support

Cons

  • Unknown maximum loan amount
  • Unknown APR range

Sources: https://lloydstsb.co.uk/business/business-loans.html

6. NatWest

NatWest offers diverse financing solutions to assist SMEs in managing cash flow effectively. Their product range caters to companies seeking comprehensive cash management tools alongside lending.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Cash management
  • Industries: General

Pros

  • Reputable provider
  • Access to various business financial services

Cons

  • Unknown loan specifics

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/lenders/natwest-business-loan

7. MAF Finance Group

MAF Finance Group acts as a finance broker catering to a variety of needs with asset finance and unsecured options. They provide solutions across numerous industries and offer nationwide support.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset finance, Unsecured loans, Invoice discounting
  • Industries: General

Pros

  • Wide range of finance options
  • Nationwide support

Cons

  • Unknown APR rates

Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk,https://maffinancegroup.co.uk/products https://maffinancegroup.co.uk,https://maffinancegroup.co.uk/products

8. Virgin StartUp

Virgin StartUp specializes in providing loans with added mentoring for budding entrepreneurs. Their services are designed for startups needing both financial support and guidance, offering competitive fixed rates.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 6%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business startup loans
  • Industries: Startups

Pros

  • Includes mentoring support
  • Fixed low APR of 6%

Cons

  • Lower maximum loan amount

Sources: https://www.startuploans.co.uk/media-centre/start-loans-delivers-ps10m-loans-oxfordshires-small-business-entrepreneurs

9. Business to Help

Business to Help dedicates its efforts to supporting small businesses in securing the finance they need for growth. Their unsecured loans cater to those who want tailored funding without extensive criteria.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured loans
  • Industries: Small Business

Pros

  • Helps small businesses
  • Tailored funding solutions

Cons

  • Limited public financial information

Sources: https://swoopfunding.com/uk/business-loans/small-business-loans/

10. LendingCrowd

LendingCrowd excels in the peer-to-peer lending space, offering swift and competitive loan processes for SMEs. Their services are suitable for businesses prioritizing speed and flexible terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Min Duration: 0 months
  • Max Duration: 0 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Peer-to-peer loans
  • Industries: SME

Pros

  • Innovative peer-to-peer model
  • Fast application process

Cons

  • Limited APR and loan amount data

Sources: https://fundingbay.co.uk/best-unsecured-business-loan-lenders/

How to choose

Choosing the right lender involves assessing loan size, APR, and how terms fit your budget. Check eligibility requirements and consider the trade-off between speed and long-term flexibility. Evaluate how repayments align with your cash flow, especially during seasonal fluctuations. Make sure to review lender terms, potential fees, and early repayment options. Comparing multiple providers can help find a good match for your business needs.

Conclusion

When considering loan providers, align their offerings with your business requirements. Banks may offer security and comprehensive services, while brokers provide varied access, and specialists focus on niche sectors. Funding Agent is suitable for SMEs seeking multiple comparisons with ease. Evaluate all current terms and funding options before proceeding, as conditions may evolve.

Table of Contents
Example H2
Example H3

Let’s launch your project?

arrow button

FAQ’S

What is an unsecured SME loan?
Who can apply for unsecured SME loans in the UK?
What are the advantages of unsecured SME loans?
How do I choose the best unsecured SME loan lender?
What is the typical loan amount offered by unsecured SME loan lenders?
How long does it take to get approved for an unsecured SME loan?

Get Funding For
Your Business

Generate offers
Cta image