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Unsecured business loans

A fixed sum for your company, repaid in regular instalments, without putting property or equipment up as security.

  • Free to use, no obligation
  • £5,000 to £2m+ for UK limited companies and LLPs
  • Matched to a broker who arranges unsecured business loans
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What unsecured business loans are

An unsecured business loan is a lump sum lent to your company that is not tied to a specific asset such as property or machinery. You agree the amount and the term at the start, then repay it in fixed monthly instalments, usually over anything from a few months to around five years. Because there is no asset behind the loan, lenders focus closely on your trading history, your accounts and how comfortably the business can afford the repayments.

This type of finance often suits established limited companies and LLPs that want to invest in growth, such as hiring staff, launching a new product, taking on a bigger contract or upgrading their premises, without tying up property. It can also help with one-off costs where a quick decision matters. The amount available depends largely on revenue and affordability, and most lenders will ask the directors for a personal guarantee.

What businesses use it for

Hiring and growth

Take on new staff, open a second site or expand into a new market while keeping your cash reserves in place for day-to-day running costs.

Marketing and sales

Invest in a campaign, a new website or a sales push, spreading the cost over a fixed term rather than paying for it all upfront.

Larger contracts

Cover the upfront cost of materials, staff or subcontractors when you win work that pays out later than you have to spend.

Fit-out and refurbishment

Refresh a shop, office, restaurant or workshop without having to offer your premises or equipment as security for the loan.

How it works

1You share the basics
You tell a broker how much you want to borrow, what it is for and how your company is performing. They will usually ask for recent bank statements, filed accounts and sometimes management accounts.
2The broker approaches lenders
A specialist broker looks at which lenders are likely to suit your circumstances and presents your application. Lenders carry out their own checks, including credit searches on the business and usually on its directors.
3You review any offer
If a lender makes an offer, you will see the amount, the term, the total cost and any fees. You decide whether to accept. Once the agreement is signed, the money is usually paid into the business bank account.

What lenders look at

Every lender has its own criteria, but these are the things they usually check.
How long the company has been trading
Annual revenue and recent turnover trends
Business bank statements and filed accounts
Credit history of the business and its directors
Affordability of repayments against existing commitments

To use Loanleaf

  • UK limited company or LLP
  • Trading for 6 months or more
  • Annual revenue of £50,000+
  • Borrowing £5,000 or more
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Things to consider

Cost

Unsecured loans can cost more than secured borrowing because the lender has no asset to fall back on. Compare the total amount repayable, not just the monthly figure, and check for arrangement fees or early repayment charges before you sign.

Personal guarantees

Most lenders ask one or more directors to give a personal guarantee. This means the directors can be personally liable for the debt if the company cannot repay, so it is worth understanding exactly what you are signing.

Affordability

Fixed monthly repayments are predictable, but they still need to be met in quieter months. Think about seasonal dips and other commitments, and borrow an amount the business can repay comfortably, not just the most a lender will offer.

Unsecured business loans: questions and answers

What is an unsecured business loan?
It is a loan to your company that is not secured against a specific asset such as property or equipment. You borrow a fixed amount and repay it, with interest, in regular instalments over an agreed term.
How much can my company borrow?
It depends mainly on your revenue, profitability, trading history and how comfortably the business can afford the repayments. Lenders often use annual turnover as a starting point. Loanleaf handles enquiries from £5,000 upwards, and a broker can tell you what is realistic for your company.
Will I need to give a personal guarantee?
In most cases, yes. Even though the loan is not secured on business assets, lenders usually ask directors to guarantee it personally. A broker can explain how any guarantee would work before you apply.
How long does it take?
Timescales vary by lender and by how quickly you can provide documents. Some lenders can make a decision within days, while larger or more complex applications take longer. Having bank statements and accounts ready usually speeds things up.
Can I repay the loan early?
Many lenders allow early repayment, but some charge a fee or require interest for a set period regardless. Check the early repayment terms in any offer before you accept, so you know what clearing the loan early would cost.
How can Loanleaf help?
Loanleaf is an introduction service, not a lender or broker, and we don’t give advice. You answer one short form about your company and what you need, and we match you with a specialist finance broker who works with unsecured business loans. It’s free to use and there’s no obligation to go ahead. The broker will explain any fees of their own.
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