Best Lenders to Secure a Business Loan Over 4 Years
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 2026-02-12.
Funding Agent focuses on providing a fast comparison service for UK SMEs seeking unsecured business finance. It is suitable for franchise buyers and small businesses needing simple, quick access to loan options with varied terms. The platform emphasises speed and ease of use, with no collateral required and a brokered approach to multiple lenders.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
- Industries: UK SME's
Pros
- fastest and easiest application process
- No collateral required
Cons
- lower track record, only trading 1 year
Barclays offers traditional bank business loans focusing on supporting SME growth in the UK. It is well suited for franchise buyers and established businesses looking for secured and unsecured options with flexible repayment types. Barclays is known for broad lending capacity, competitive rates, and access to various finance solutions through direct banking relationships.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 22.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Start-up Loans
- Industries: Finance, Retail
Pros
- Wide lending capacity
- Strong customer support
Cons
- Higher APR for smaller loans
3. Santander
Santander provides business loans with an emphasis on entrepreneurs and established enterprises in the UK. It suits franchise buyers and SMEs needing flexible loan terms and comprehensive customer support. The lender offers a range of repayment options and competitive rates tailored for a variety of industries, focusing on longer-term growth finance.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 5.5%
- Max APR: 20.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Finance
- Industries: Healthcare, Retail
Pros
- Flexible loan options
- Diverse range of products
Cons
- Application process can be lengthy
HSBC delivers a broad range of business loans designed for small to medium-sized enterprises, with varied financing solutions. It's suitable for franchise buyers and SMEs seeking options with diverse collateral and repayment structures. HSBC offers both secured and unsecured loans, with flexible terms reflecting the borrower's needs and business profile.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £300,000
- Min APR: 3.9%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Loans
- Industries: Real Estate, Finance
Pros
- Global reach
- Diverse finance options
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
Lloyds Bank offers a range of loans tailored to various business needs within the UK SME sector. It suits franchise buyers and businesses requiring options with personal service and some flexibility in loan structure. Lloyds Bank provides secured and unsecured lending, with support models adapted to business stages and sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5.4%
- Max APR: 24.5%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: SME Loans, Commercial Lending
- Industries: Automotive, Construction
Pros
- Dedicated support
- Personalized options
Cons
- Higher rates for start-ups
Metro Bank delivers personalised banking services with flexible loan structures for UK SMEs. The provider fits franchises and small businesses that prioritise adaptable loan terms and straightforward paperwork. Metro Bank emphasises rapid decisions and customised lending without rigid collateral requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 6.1%
- Max APR: 21.2%
- Loan Duration: 12-48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Cash Flow Finance
- Industries: Hospitality, Retail
Pros
- Personalized service
- Flexible loan terms
NatWest offers a wide range of business loans tailored to SME requirements across the UK. It is appropriate for franchises and small to medium businesses that need various finance options including overdrafts. NatWest focuses on flexible terms, community-oriented service, and comprehensive lending products.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 4.3%
- Max APR: 23%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Agriculture, Tech
Pros
- Strong community focus
- Wide range of products
Cons
- Complex application process
RBS supports business growth via customised financial solutions with competitive rates. It suits franchises and small businesses seeking term loans and SMEs loans with flexible repayments. RBS offers primarily UK-focused services tailored to manufacturing, real estate, and similar sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 5.2%
- Max APR: 19.5%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, SME Loans
- Industries: Manufacturing, Real Estate
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Flexible repayment options
Yorkshire Bank provides diverse financial products focused on local UK businesses and SMEs. It is suited for franchise buyers needing business loans and asset finance with tailored repayment structures. Yorkshire Bank offers personalised service with attention to regional market needs and flexible lending terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 4.5%
- Max APR: 18.5%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Agriculture, Retail
Pros
- Local focus
- Customized solutions
Cons
- Higher rates for small loans
TSB Bank provides a range of business loan products designed to support UK business growth with a focus on flexibility and customer needs. Suitable for franchises and SMEs requiring adaptable loan terms and repayment options, TSB offers both secured and unsecured loans backed by customer service. The provider emphasises straightforward processes and tailored financial solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 22%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Finance
- Industries: Retail, E-commerce
Pros
- Customer-centric
- Flexible terms
How to choose
When securing a business loan over four years, consider aligning loan size and APR with your cash flow and franchise needs. Evaluate eligibility criteria carefully and balance the speed of approval against the flexibility of loan terms. Look for lenders offering repayment options that suit your seasonal income variations. Check for collateral requirements or unsecured options and assess fees, early repayment terms, and support services. Comparing different lender types, from brokers to banks, can help find the best fit for your specific finance goals.
Conclusion
Choosing a lender depends on your business needs. Banks typically offer structured loans with solid support and security requirements suited for larger loans or established franchises. Brokers like Funding Agent provide faster access to multiple lenders and options well-suited for smaller or unsecured loans. Specialist lenders may cater to niche sectors or specific finance types. For loans around 200 thousand pounds, carefully matching lender type to your use case can optimise terms and approval chances.
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