February 12, 2026
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Best Lenders to Secure a Business Loan Over 7 Years

Best Lenders to Secure a Business Loan Over 7 Years

Discover the best lenders in the UK to secure a business loan over 7 years. Compare rates, terms, and find the right fit for your business needs.
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business ownersb improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance

Best Lenders to Secure a Business Loan Over 7 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.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent operates as a broker platform focused on helping UK SMEs quickly compare a range of business finance options. It is typically suited to businesses looking for unsecured finance with a straightforward application process. Its offerings provide flexibility in loan types and terms, with a focus on accessible, fast eligibility matching.

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

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank provides traditional bank business loans covering a broad range of financial services. It typically suits established businesses seeking structured finance with options for secured or unsecured lending. The bank balances product variety with established service channels and repayment flexibility.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 8.9%
  • Max APR: 22.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Fixed term loans, Asset financing
  • Industries: Finance, Real Estate, Technology

Pros

  • Wide branch network
  • Established reputation

Cons

  • High interest rates

Sources: Source

3. Barclays

Barclays offers a full range of banking products including business loans and overdrafts. It is suited to businesses needing flexible terms, including loans with longer durations. Barclays typically serves those that require a variety of finance solutions across different sectors.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000
  • Min APR: 7.4%
  • Max APR: 21.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–120 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: Technology, Transportation, Retail

Pros

  • Flexible loan options
  • Long loan terms

Cons

  • Complex application process

Sources: Source

4. Funding Circle

Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lender connecting businesses with investor capital quickly. It generally suits SMEs looking for accessible financing with relatively fast approvals. Funding Circle prioritises unsecured lending with some product flexibility and minimal collateral requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 4.9%
  • Max APR: 23.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Peer-to-peer loans
  • Industries: Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Fast funding
  • No early fee

Cons

  • Limited to certain industries

Sources: Source

5. HSBC UK

HSBC UK provides business loans and financing solutions geared towards cash flow and investment management. It typically suits businesses seeking diverse funding options with flexibility in repayments. HSBC combines a broad international presence with traditional bank lending services.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £300,000
  • Min APR: 5.9%
  • Max APR: 18.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Term loans, Revolving credit
  • Industries: Agriculture, Technology

Pros

  • International presence
  • Diverse product offerings

Cons

  • Eligibility hurdles

Sources: Source

6. NatWest

NatWest offers a suite of business banking products including loans tailored to small and medium enterprises. It is suited for firms that require flexible financing with options for invoice financing and term loans. NatWest emphasizes customer support alongside customizable lending solutions.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 6.8%
  • Max APR: 23.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6–120 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Invoice financing
  • Industries: Retail, Healthcare

Pros

  • Customizable loans
  • Strong customer support

Cons

  • Lengthy approval time

Sources: Source

7. Santander UK

Santander UK provides various business finance options including term loans and asset finance. It is often suitable for businesses across real estate and retail sectors seeking flexible finance solutions. Santander balances loan offerings with practical support for borrowers.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000
  • Min APR: 7.1%
  • Max APR: 20.2%
  • Loan Duration: 6–120 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Term loans, Asset finance
  • Industries: Real estate, Retail

Pros

  • Comprehensive support
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Limited branch network

Sources: Source

8. Metro Bank

Metro Bank focuses on customer service, offering business loans and overdraft products. It suits SMEs looking for personal service alongside flexibility in loan terms. Metro Bank is more limited geographically but offers straightforward lending processes.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 8.2%
  • Max APR: 19.5%
  • Loan Duration: 12–72 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: Service industry, Technology

Pros

  • Good customer service
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Limited branch locations

Sources: Source

9. Virgin Money UK

Virgin Money UK provides loans tailored to growing businesses, focusing on flexible lending options. It suits SMEs in retail and travel sectors seeking adaptable loan products. Virgin Money offers standard business loans with varied repayment schedules.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £35,000
  • Min APR: 9.9%
  • Max APR: 24.5%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business loans
  • Industries: Travel, Retail

Pros

  • Strong brand
  • Flexible loan options

Cons

  • High interest rates

Sources: Source

10. TSB Bank

TSB Bank delivers straightforward banking services that meet SME needs, focusing on term loans and asset finance. It suits franchises and small businesses requiring transparent fees and simple applications. TSB emphasises ease of use and accessible financial support.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 8.9%
  • Max APR: 17.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–72 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Term loans, Asset finance
  • Industries: Healthcare, Construction

Pros

  • Transparent fees
  • Simple application

Cons

  • Limited account features

Sources: Source

How to choose

When seeking the best lenders to secure a business loan over seven years, focus on matching the loan size and APR to your long-term budget. Evaluate lenders’ eligibility criteria carefully, considering factors such as collateral requirements, repayment flexibility, and loan term options. Assess the balance between application speed and available customer support. Make sure repayments align with your franchise cash flow and seasonal changes. Review any fees and early repayment terms to avoid surprises. Lastly, consider whether brokered access or direct bank lending better suits your specific financing needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right provider depends on your loan purpose and business type. Traditional banks often suit established businesses needing structured terms, while brokers like Funding Agent assist those seeking quick comparisons across multiple options. Specialist lenders may be better for franchise buyers or those requiring specific industry focus. For loans in the range of hundreds of thousands of pounds, align your choice with factors like collateral, repayment terms, and speed. Always verify current terms directly with providers before committing.

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FAQs

What types of business loans can be secured for over 7 years?
Which lenders in the UK offer business loans over 7 years?
What are the benefits of a longer business loan term?
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1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers a wide range of financial products and services, including business loans designed to help companies grow and succeed.£1,000–£50,000; 8.9%–22.5% APR; 6–60 months
3BarclaysBarclays provides comprehensive business banking services including loans, overdrafts, and finance solutions for various industries.£1,000–£100,000; 7.4%–21.9% APR; 12–120 months
4Funding CircleFunding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects businesses with investors to provide fast and efficient funding solutions.£10,000–£500,000; 4.9%–23.9% APR; 6–60 months
5HSBC UKHSBC UK offers business loans and financing solutions to help SMEs manage cash flow and investment needs.£1,000–£300,000; 5.9%–18.9% APR; 12–84 months
6NatWestNatWest provides a range of business banking services, including loans and financing options for small and medium-sized enterprises.£1,000–£50,000; 6.8%–23.5% APR; 6–120 months
7Santander UKSantander UK supports businesses through a variety of finance solutions including loans, overdrafts, and asset finance£1,000–£100,000; 7.1%–20.2% APR; 6–120 months
8Metro BankMetro Bank is known for its exceptional customer service and offers a range of financial products including business loans.£2,000–£250,000; 8.2%–19.5% APR; 12–72 months
9Virgin Money UKVirgin Money UK provides financial products including loans tailored to the needs of growing businesses.£1,000–£35,000; 9.9%–24.5% APR; 12–60 months
10TSB BankTSB Bank offers straightforward banking services focusing on providing SMEs with essential financial support through various loan options.£5,000–£50,000; 8.9%–17.9% APR; 12–72 months
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