Top Unsecured Corporate loans in 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 2025-10-07.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent offers unsecured business loans tailored for small and medium-sized firms. It focuses on quick approval and flexible repayment options, making it suitable for immediate working capital needs and growth. The loans are unsecured, with no collateral requirement, and are designed for speed and simplicity.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 8.9%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured loans, Business loans
• Industries: Startups, SMEs

Pros

• Low APR rates
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Availability dependent on business type

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

2. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance Nucleus provides a variety of funding solutions suitable for larger and growing businesses. It has quick access to flexible, unsecured loans that can be tailored to specific needs. The company specialises in asset-based and unsecured options for a broad range of sectors.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 18%
• Loan Duration: 3-72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured loans, Commercial finance
• Industries: Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare

Pros

• Custom-tailored pricing
• Flexible terms

Cons

• APR can be high for less prime clients

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/funding-circle-vs-nucleus-commercial-finance

3. iwoca

iwoca iwoca supplies fast, flexible funding options for small and medium-sized enterprises. It offers unsecured loans and credit lines with quick approval processes. Suitable for those needing quick access to capital and flexible repayment plans.

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, Credit lines
• Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Automotive

Pros

• Quick approval
• Flexible repayments

Cons

• APR can vary significantly

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/finance-explained/business-loan-interest-rates

4. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers unsecured business loans suited for small firms. It provides quick access to funding up to £100,000 with fixed interest rates. These loans are ideal for established businesses seeking predictable payment terms.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 1-10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business loans
• Industries: Agriculture, Healthcare, Real estate

Pros

• Established bank
• Comprehensive support

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/growth-guarantee-scheme

5. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle operates as an online marketplace linking investors to SMEs. It offers unsecured loans with quick access to capital for small businesses. Funding is typically suited for growth and working capital 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: Unsecured loans, Peer-to-peer lending
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Wide loan range
• Fast processing

Cons

• APR can be high for higher risk profiles

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

6. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible funding options ideal for SMEs, with unsecured loans that adapt to business cash flow. It supports both short-term needs and long-term growth. The platform concentrates on quick approvals and personalised service.

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: Unsecured loans, Business loans
• Industries: Marketing, Consulting, SMEs

Pros

• Loyalty discounts
• Personalized service

Cons

• High APR for new borrowers

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

7. Bizcap

Bizcap Bizcap provides fast, flexible business loans mainly geared towards small and medium enterprises. It offers unsecured funding with quick approval. Suitable for urgent working capital, expansion or new projects.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 3-36 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured loans, Lines of credit
• Industries: Wholesale, Retail, Trade

Pros

• Fast funding
• Flexible terms

Cons

• APR information not transparent

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

8. Capify

Capify Capify offers small business loans with quick access to capital for UK SMEs. It provides unsecured or secured funding options with rapid approval processes for a range of needs including expansion and working capital.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £3,000,000
• Min APR: 67.89%
• Max APR: 67.89%
• Loan Duration: 1-12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• High maximum loan amount
• Quick processing

Cons

• High APR

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

9. Active Bank

Active Bank Active Bank offers tailored financial solutions, focusing on sectors like real estate and services. Its loans are typically unsecured or secured with collateral, providing options for specific business needs and growth strategies.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business loans, Secured loans
• Industries: Real estate, Professional services

Pros

• Competitive rates
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Limited to active industries.
• Requires secured assets

Sources: http://www.activebusinessfinance.co.uk/

10. Capify

Capify Capify is a trusted provider offering flexible funding options for UK SMEs. Its loans include unsecured and secured offers that facilitate growth, with rapid approval for various business needs such as expansion and working capital.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 67.89%
• Max APR: 67.89%
• Loan Duration: 3-12 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business finance
• Industries: Service, Retail

Pros

• High loan availability
• Quick approvals

Cons

• Very high APR

Sources: https://www.capify.co.uk/small-business-loans/

How to choose

When selecting a funding provider for your UK franchise, consider the loan purpose, amount, and repayment terms. Bank lenders often offer lower rates but require collateral and longer application times. Brokers can provide quick access and a range of options but may come with higher fees. Specialist lenders focus on specific sectors or secured loans, which may be suitable for larger or asset-backed needs. Always review eligibility, costs, and early repayment policies before making a decision.

Conclusion

Matching the provider type to your use case is important. Banks are suitable for larger, secured loans with predictable terms. Brokers can help with faster access and flexible options. Specialist lenders may fit niche needs or asset-backed financing. Always verify 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.