Best Lenders to Secure a Business Loan Over 8 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 helping UK SMEs quickly compare multiple finance options through a streamlined application process. It is suitable for businesses seeking clear choices with predictable loan terms. The service provides fast eligibility matching without the need for collateral and offers flexible repayment options.
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
Funding Circle operates as a peer-to-peer lending platform connecting investors with SMEs. It is suitable for a wide range of businesses seeking access to peer investment loans. The platform offers online access and a straightforward process, though loan details like rates and terms can vary significantly.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Lending, Small Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide range of investors
- Simple online process
ThinCats provides bespoke business loans to SMEs by combining institutional funding and peer-to-peer lending. It suits companies looking for tailored finance solutions that may include security arrangements. The lender offers flexibility through various funding sources but specific terms are accessed via brokers or intermediaries.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Bespoke Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Personalized loans
- Various funding sources
MarketFinance specialises in invoice financing and business loans designed for UK firms seeking fast access to working capital. It is suitable for companies that want flexible finance solutions with quick approval. The platform offers options without requiring traditional collateral and emphasises speed and simplicity.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 3.9%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 1–36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Invoice Financing, Business Loans
- Industries: Manufacturing, Services
Pros
- Fast funding
- No early repayment charges
Iwoca offers flexible credit options that adapt to the real-time financial performance of small UK businesses. It is suited to those seeking quick, unsecured lending with flexible repayment schedules. The company emphasises ease and speed of access, mostly catering to short-term finance needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 1–24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Credit Lines, Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Quick access to funds
- Flexible repayment
Starling Bank is a digital-only UK bank providing a range of business financial services including loans and overdrafts. It is suitable for SMEs comfortable with fully online banking and seeking flexible funding solutions. The bank emphasises convenience and digital access over traditional branch services.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Digital banking
- Ease of use
Aldermore Bank offers various finance products, including asset finance and business loans for SMEs. It is suitable for businesses seeking tailored solutions that may involve collateral. The bank provides options with competitive terms and an emphasis on customer service.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Asset Finance, Business Loans
- Industries: Construction, Agriculture
Pros
- Tailored options
- Strong customer service
NatWest provides comprehensive banking services, including business loans and overdrafts for UK SMEs. It suits established businesses that require larger loan amounts with the backing of a major bank. NatWest offers a range of flexible terms designed to meet various business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 3%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 12–120 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Established bank
- Wide range of services
Barclays caters to businesses with a variety of financial products, including development loans and other business financing. It is suitable for companies needing diverse options supported by a global bank. Barclays offers flexibility on terms and structured lending solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £10,000,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 16%
- Loan Duration: 6–120 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Development Loans, Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Strong global presence
- Diverse options
Metro Bank provides customised business lending with a focus on personalised customer support. It works well for SMEs looking for tailored finance combined with hands-on service. The bank supports a range of loan types and offers flexibility within its regional service areas.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5.5%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Retail, Property
Pros
- Personalized service
- Extended hours service
How to choose
When selecting the best lender for a business loan over 8 years, consider the total loan amount and APR to match your repayment capacity. Evaluate eligibility criteria closely and factor in how flexible the repayment schedules are in relation to your cash flow and seasonality. Prioritise lenders with clear terms on early repayments and fees. Balance the need for speed against the benefit of tailor-made finance. Also, review whether a lender requires collateral and the levels of loan-to-value permitted. Overall, ensure the lender’s offerings align with your long-term business strategy and financing needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right provider depends on your specific use case and loan size. Banks like NatWest and Barclays suit those needing large, structured loans with long-term security. Brokers and specialist lenders such as Funding Agent provide access to a range of options best for smaller or more flexible lending needs. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Always check current pricing and terms directly with the provider before proceeding with a 200 thousand pounds loan or higher.
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