Best Lenders to Secure a Business Loan Over 9 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 offers a broker platform that focuses on comparing UK SME business loans quickly. It is typically suited to franchise buyers and small businesses seeking clear loan options with no collateral requirements. The service emphasises speed and straightforward eligibility matching across various finance products.
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 specialises in peer-to-peer lending targeting UK small and medium businesses. It fits borrowers who need flexible, unsecured loans and are not new businesses. The platform typically offers no early repayment fees and straightforward repayment options with a focus on technology and health sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-120 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Peer-to-Peer Loans
- Industries: Technology, Health
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Not available for new businesses
Barclays offers traditional bank business loans focused on a wide range of industries, including finance and retail. Its loans suit borrowers looking for long-term options and larger amounts, usually with stricter credit requirements. Barclays typically provides secured and unsecured loan structures with flexible repayment schedules.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 3.4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 6-240 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Finance, Retail
Pros
- Large loan amounts
- Long-term options
Cons
- Strict credit requirements
Lloyds Bank provides a range of traditional lending solutions targeted at UK SMEs, with an emphasis on long-term financing. Suitable for franchise buyers and established businesses, Lloyds offers loans that balance flexibility and security. The bank often requires collateral and has a more involved application process fitting larger or construction-related projects.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £3,000,000
- Min APR: 2.9%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-180 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Long-term Business Loans
- Industries: Construction, Hospitality
Pros
- Wide range of loan amounts
- Established bank
Cons
- Lengthy application process
HSBC is a global bank offering customised business lending solutions across various sectors. Its loans are typically suited for businesses seeking export support or industry-specific lending. HSBC loans often come with diverse repayment options and require security depending on the loan amount and purpose.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £10,000,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 22%
- Loan Duration: 6-180 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Export Loans
- Industries: Agriculture, Manufacturing
Pros
- Global reach
- Diverse loan options
Cons
- Potential high APR
- Complex documentation
6. Santander UK
Santander UK provides term business loans with flexible repayment options designed to support growth. It is typically suitable for retail and technology sectors needing medium-sized loans. Santander offers a balance between customer service and adaptable loan terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 17.5%
- Loan Duration: 12-84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans
- Industries: Retail, Technology
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Good customer service
NatWest offers a variety of business loan products aimed at growing businesses requiring flexible finance. Commonly serving education and healthcare sectors, its loans come with competitive rates and broad support resources. NatWest loans combine flexible repayment patterns with eligibility criteria tailored to established businesses.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £2,500,000
- Min APR: 3%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 12-120 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Flexible Business Loans
- Industries: Education, Healthcare
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Comprehensive support
Cons
- Not suitable for startups
TSB Business provides simple lending products focusing on SMEs often in retail and care services sectors. Its loans tend to be smaller and offer straightforward application and repayment terms. This lender prioritises accessibility and clear eligibility for growing businesses.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 4.4%
- Max APR: 23%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Care Services
Pros
- Simple application process
- SME focus
Metro Bank focuses on personalised business banking with flexible loan options often preferred by small businesses in real estate and finance. The bank provides tailored support with loan structures that balance flexibility and personal service. Metro Bank typically offers secured and unsecured options with adaptable repayment plans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £2,500,000
- Min APR: 3.6%
- Max APR: 21%
- Loan Duration: 12-96 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Lines
- Industries: Real Estate, Finance
Pros
- Personalized service
- Flexibility
Virgin Money delivers innovative SME business loans with a focus on modern sectors such as travel and technology. The lender suits businesses seeking new financial solutions with clear loan terms and predictable repayments. Virgin Money offers a mix of secured and unsecured financing options depending on loan requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 5.9%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 12-108 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Travel, Technology
Pros
- Innovative solutions
- Strong brand reputation
Cons
- Higher APR for lower amounts
How to choose
When securing business loans over nine years, consider your loan size and acceptable APR range carefully. Evaluate your eligibility and whether you need speed or flexibility in your application. Check if the lender requires collateral or offers unsecured options, as well as repayment type availability. Consider how repayments will align with your franchise's cash flow and seasonal fluctuations. Review lender fees, credit criteria, and early repayment policies before applying. Choosing the right lender depends on matching loan terms to your long-term business financial needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your business needs and loan purpose. Banks like Barclays or HSBC suit borrowers seeking larger, structured loans often with security, while brokers such as Funding Agent facilitate quicker access across various providers. Specialist lenders provide tailored options for specific industries or growing SMEs. For a loan of several hundred thousand pounds or more, matching lender type to use case is key to obtaining suitable terms. Always verify current pricing and conditions with each provider.