We helped Expert Property Group find an unsecured peer-to-peer loan for working capital

Unsecured business loans

If you want a business loan without offering security, an unsecured business loan might be just what you’re looking for.

Unsecured loans are a great funding option for businesses that don’t own many assets, businesses that would prefer not to offer security, or any company that’s growing fast and needs finance quickly.

With a variety of lenders on the market able to offer unsecured loans up to £250,000, there are options for a wide variety of situations. Read more to find out how an unsecured loan could help your business.

What is an unsecured business loan?

It’s a loan that doesn’t require security. A secured loan uses assets as security — which means if things don’t work out, the lender can sell the assets to recoup the cost of the loan. The question of ‘secured vs. unsecured loans’ is really all about risk for the lender.

Business loans without security

To consider a secured loan, you have to have security in the first place. But if you don’t have any assets, you’ll need to get a loan without security — an unsecured business loan.

These days, more and more companies are based on intangible assets — for example, if you’re a software or consultancy company you’re likely to have a rented office, a few computers, and not much else in terms of tangible assets. That’s where unsecured business loans come in.

In the world of alternative finance there are lots of lenders who can lend upwards of £100,000 unsecured — even up to £250,000 in the right circumstances. Because there’s no security, trading history becomes more important and the lender might ask for a personal guarantee too.

Unsecured loans: considerations

  • Almost always quicker — no valuations necessary, legal process simpler
  • No assets required — more accessible type of finance
  • Up front cost lower, or sometimes not required at all
  • Overall cost usually higher, because the lender has a higher risk

Personal guarantees

Sometimes lenders will ask for a personal guarantee from a company director who wants an unsecured loan — lenders occasionally prefer this arrangement because it lowers their level of risk. Although personal guarantees can feel like a big commitment, they often help companies secure higher levels of funding. Find out more about personal guarantees and the law.

Share this article