Best Lenders to Secure a Business Loan Over 6 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 acts as a broker providing fast comparisons of unsecured business loans and merchant cash advances. It is suitable for UK SMEs seeking rapid quotes without lengthy paperwork. Their service emphasises speed and simple eligibility matching without requiring collateral.
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
Lloyds Bank focuses on traditional bank business loans suitable for a range of UK businesses including franchises and large enterprises. Typical borrowers value security and structured repayment options. Loans often involve longer approval times with consideration of credit and collateral.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 12.9%
- Loan Duration: 12–72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Loans
- Industries: Finance, Retail
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Trusted banking institution
Barclays offers a broad suite of secured and unsecured loans for UK businesses, including franchise owners. Their products are generally geared toward established companies seeking growth capital with a personal relationship manager. Barclays typically requires credit checks and may offer flexible repayment options depending on client needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £1,500,000
- Min APR: 2.9%
- Max APR: 13.5%
- Loan Duration: 12–84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Technology, Healthcare
Pros
- Low APR for established businesses
- Personal relationship manager
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
4. Santander UK
Santander UK specialises in tailored business loan solutions primarily for working capital and investment projects. Their products suit UK SMEs needing manageable repayments and some flexibility. Loans may require assessment of creditworthiness and existing banking relationships.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 14%
- Loan Duration: 6–84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Lines of Credit
- Industries: Manufacturing, Agriculture
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Strong customer support
Cons
- Limited to existing customers
NatWest offers business loans suited to various growth stages with a focus on UK market sectors like hospitality and energy. Their loans typically require demonstration of business viability and creditworthiness. Borrowers can expect structured repayments and potential access to supporting services like overdrafts.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 3%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdraft Services
- Industries: Hospitality, Energy
Pros
- Support for startups
- Competitive rates
HSBC UK provides a spectrum of business loan options designed for UK enterprises with a preference for security and international banking access. These loans are generally suited for established businesses looking for flexible terms and competitive rates. Application and approval processes may require verification of business credentials and financial history.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 2.5%
- Max APR: 13%
- Loan Duration: 12–96 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Loans
- Industries: Logistics, Retail
Pros
- Global presence
- Trusted brand
TSB Bank provides straightforward business loans focused on simplicity and accessibility for UK SMEs, including franchises. Their products feature competitive rates and may require standard credit assessments. Borrowers can expect clear terms with an emphasis on fast processing and no hidden fees.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 4.8%
- Max APR: 15.9%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Financing
- Industries: Construction, Healthcare
Pros
- Simple application process
- No arrangement fees
Metro Bank delivers flexible loan products and commercial mortgages aimed at small businesses and franchises. Their services suit borrowers who value personalised service and extended access hours. Loan agreements typically consider business sector and repayment capabilities.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 3.9%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: Retail, Food Services
Pros
- Open extended hours
- Personalised service
Cons
- Higher APR for small loans
Clydesdale Bank offers business loans designed for small and medium UK enterprises, with focus on flexibility and dedicated support. Their loans are generally suitable for borrowers seeking development financing across sectors such as manufacturing and technology. Terms may vary with specific borrowing needs and credit assessments.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 16%
- Loan Duration: 12–72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Development Loans
- Industries: Manufacturing, Technology
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Dedicated support
Cons
- Higher fees for larger loans
Virgin Money provides a variety of business loans and overdraft facilities focusing on UK enterprises across media and retail sectors. Suitable for SMEs looking for tailored financing with attention to strategic business objectives. Their lending terms usually include clear pricing and eligibility criteria.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £3,000
- Max Amount: £350,000
- Min APR: 4.1%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdraft Services
- Industries: Media, Retail
Pros
- Innovative solutions
- Strong brand
How to choose
When selecting a lender for a business loan extending beyond six years, consider matching the loan size, APR, and repayment structure to your financial situation and growth plans. Evaluate eligibility requirements carefully, including collateral and credit criteria. Balance the need for speed against the flexibility of loan terms, as longer loan durations may involve different cost implications. Take note of any broker access or specialist lender options that could provide tailored solutions for franchise or sector-specific needs. Always review lender fees, each product’s loan-to-value constraints, and prepayment conditions before committing.
Conclusion
Matching a lender to your business requirements requires understanding the differences between traditional banks, brokers, and specialist providers. Banks often offer structured products with competitive rates but may have stricter lending criteria. Brokers like Funding Agent provide faster comparisons across multiple sources, suited to borrowers prioritising choice and speed. Specialist lenders can cater to niche sectors or unique financing needs but may differ in cost and flexibility. For those seeking to secure a business loan around 200 thousand pounds or more, reviewing the full range of options including Funding Agent may assist in finding suitable terms aligned to your business ambitions.