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Unsecured business loans can be an attractive option for asset-light businesses that need fast access to growth capital. Unsecured loans are a very flexible way to access the funding you need - and our brokers are here to help you navigate the market and find the right deal.
At UK Business Finance, we work with over 50 lenders and access the whole market to bring you the best quotes. Whether it’s an unsecured loan for a small business or an established SME, we guide you through the whole process and even write your loan applications on your behalf. Our services are also obligation and fee-free, so you can find the right deal for your business without paying more than you need to.
An unsecured loan allows you to borrow money for your business without having to provide an asset, such as property or machinery, as security. Instead, a lender will decide whether to approve the loan based on your trading history and the creditworthiness of you (sole trader) or your business (limited company). This makes it a fast and relatively simple way to get your hands on growth capital.
Typically, you can borrow up to £200,000 with an unsecured loan, so you can improve cash flow, purchase stock, invest in machinery or fund an expansion. You repay the loan at a pre-agreed interest rate in monthly or quarterly instalments over a fixed period. Unsecured loan terms are a short to medium-term funding option, with repayment terms typically ranging from three months to seven years.
If you run a startup or an early-stage business, you may not have enough of a credit record or trading history to get an unsecured loan. In that case, a secured loan or some other type of funding may be more appropriate.
The unsecured business loan market is very competitive, which means there are plenty of good deals out there if you know where to look. Other benefits include:
There are also a few other things to think about. The loan amounts are usually smaller with shorter terms and at higher interest rates than secured loans. You may also be asked to sign a personal guarantee, which could make you liable to repay the loan if the business is unable to.
As the lender has no security, they will look at your business’s profile, including your trading history, turnover and credit record, to determine the risks. They may also consider your personal credit rating.
To be eligible for an unsecured loan, your business will typically need:
Lenders will usually calculate how much you can borrow as a multiple of your business’s monthly turnover. If you want to borrow more, you’ll also need a strong cash flow position and a balance sheet that shows you can comfortably afford the repayments.
Every business has different needs, circumstances and goals. At UK Business Finance, we can help you find unsecured loans that meet your requirements at the best rates. There are no fees to pay for our service and we don’t ask you to sign a 30-day exclusivity contract like other brokers.
Request a quote online or get in touch via phone or email to discuss your funding requirements with our team.
We work across a wide range of sectors throughout the UK, providing specialist advice to each sector.
Can I use property as security for a business loan?
Secured business loans require one or more assets to be put forward as collateral. This protects the lender from financial loss if a company cannot afford to keep up with the repayments at any stage.
Does my company have a credit score and how can I improve it?
Limited companies do have credit scores and they’re used for a similar purpose as individual credit ratings. Lenders use them as a guide to creditworthiness, but a business credit score is also useful for suppliers and investors to gain insight into your company’s financial situation.
What is bad debt and how can I protect my company?
Bad debt presents an insidious threat to the financial stability of your business. It places strain on your working capital and creates uncertainty in paying your bills, but this can be addressed successfully if you take proactive steps to protect your company.
What is the difference between open and closed bridging loans?
Bridging loans are short-term forms of secured finance that literally ‘bridge’ a gap between funds going out of a business and monies coming in.