February 12, 2026
Lists
Square image with a black border and white background
Best Lenders to Secure a Unsecured Business Loan Over 8 Years

Best Lenders to Secure a Unsecured Business Loan Over 8 Years

Discover the best lenders offering unsecured business loans with repayment terms over 8 years. Find flexible options to support your business growth today.
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 Unsecured 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.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on providing fast comparisons for UK SMEs seeking unsecured business loans. It is typically suitable for businesses needing quick eligibility checks and straightforward application processes. The platform offers flexible lending options primarily without collateral, accommodating various loan sizes and repayment structures.

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. Barclays

Barclays is a large financial institution offering a wide range of bank business loans and credit services. Its lending is often suited to businesses seeking a reputable provider for both unsecured and secured finance. Barclays provides more structured loan offerings, with a focus on established businesses and a variety of terms and repayment options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000
  • Min APR: 6.8%
  • Max APR: 23.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–96 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
  • Industries: General, Healthcare, Retail

Pros

  • Wide range of banking services
  • Reputable brand

Cons

  • Higher APR for smaller businesses

Sources: Source

3. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank delivers various business banking solutions focusing on unsecured loans and SME financing. It typically serves established small-to-medium businesses requiring transparent terms and consistent support. Lloyds offers accessible repayment options with some flexibility in loan products.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 7%
  • Max APR: 25%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Financing
  • Industries: General, Construction, Service

Pros

  • Dedicated support
  • Online management tools

Cons

  • Limited products for startups

Sources: Source

4. HSBC UK

HSBC UK offers business and commercial loan products with an emphasis on scalable financing solutions. It is generally suitable for businesses requiring medium to large unsecured loans with multiple repayment structures. HSBC’s loans often come with various eligibility criteria and options to tailor finance to specific business needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £300,000
  • Min APR: 5.9%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 12–120 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Loans
  • Industries: Technology, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Customizable loan options
  • Global reach

Cons

  • Stringent loan requirements

Sources: Source

5. NatWest

NatWest focuses on business loans designed to support growth and competitiveness within various industries. It is suitable for SMEs looking for straightforward loan products with moderate flexibility. NatWest loans typically feature clear terms and accessible customer service.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 8%
  • Max APR: 22.5%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Service

Pros

  • Strong customer service
  • Transparent APR rates

Cons

  • Less competitive rates for small enterprises

Sources: Source

6. Metro Bank

Metro Bank provides retail and commercial banking with products aimed at personal and business customers. Suitable for SMEs requiring unsecured loans with quick decisions, Metro Bank offers flexible lending and overdraft options. The bank’s approach favours accessibility and responsive customer support.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 6.5%
  • Max APR: 18.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: Hospitality, Service

Pros

  • 24/7 customer service
  • Quick loan approval

Cons

  • Limited branch network

Sources: Source

7. Santander UK

Santander UK offers business loans and asset finance with a focus on personal and commercial banking. It is well-suited for UK SMEs needing a broad selection of finance options. Santander provides relatively flexible lending terms supported by a strong digital platform.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 7.9%
  • Max APR: 21.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Retail, Technology

Pros

  • Strong online platform
  • Comprehensive support

Cons

  • Higher fees than competitors

Sources: Source

8. TSB Bank

TSB Bank concentrates on local banking services with products targeting small enterprises. It suits borrowers seeking accessible unsecured loans paired with local expertise and customer care. TSB provides straightforward loan facilities with an emphasis on community-level relationships.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 9%
  • Max APR: 25%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: Small Enterprises, Service

Pros

  • Local expertise
  • Easy account management

Cons

  • Higher interest rates

Sources: Source

9. Allica Bank

Allica Bank specialises in tailored business banking and commercial mortgages for SMEs. It is ideal for those seeking specialised products with flexible lending that suit diverse industry needs. Allica offers competitive options focusing on longer-term unsecured and property-backed financing.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 36–120 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
  • Industries: SMEs, Manufacturing, Service

Pros

  • Competitive rates
  • Specialized SME support

Cons

  • Limited product range

Sources: Source

10. Shawbrook Bank

Shawbrook Bank specialises in financing solutions tailored to small and medium enterprises. It suits borrowers seeking business loans with personalized service and flexible terms. Shawbrook focuses on providing alternative lending with specific criteria and competitive repayment options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 24.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Service, Retail

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Tailored solutions

Cons

  • Strict eligibility requirements

Sources: Source

How to choose

Select lenders by matching their loan offerings to your financial needs and business profile. Prioritise providers with loan terms extending beyond eight years if longer repayment flexibility is essential. Consider eligibility requirements, collateral needs, and the lender’s application speed. Broker platforms can offer access to multiple providers quickly, while traditional banks might suit those seeking established credit relationships. Review repayment options and fees to ensure affordability throughout the loan term. Compare APRs carefully as they impact total loan cost over time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your loan purpose and business profile. Banks often provide robust service but may require stricter criteria and collateral. Brokers like Funding Agent can simplify access to various lenders, useful for unsecured loans around 200 thousand pounds and above. Specialist lenders may offer tailored products but can have specific terms. Always review current pricing and loan terms carefully before committing.

Table of Contents

Let’s launch your project?

arrow button

Find the right lender for you!

Generate offers
Cta image

FAQs

What is an unsecured business loan?
Can I get a business loan for over 8 years without security?
Which lenders offer unsecured loans for a long term in the UK?
What are the benefits of unsecured business loans?
How do interest rates compare on unsecured loans over 8 years?
What factors affect my eligibility for an unsecured business loan?

Get Funding For
Your Business

Generate offers
Cta image
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
2BarclaysBarclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management.£1,000–£100,000; 6.8%–23.9% APR; 12–96 months
3Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers a host of financial services tailored towards individual and business banking needs.£5,000–£50,000; 7%–25% APR; 12–84 months
4HSBC UKHSBC UK is a banking and financial services company that provides a wide range of services for businesses of all sizes.£1,000–£300,000; 5.9%–20% APR; 12–120 months
5NatWestNatWest offers a wide range of banking and financial services aimed at supporting the growth and competitivity of businesses.£5,000–£50,000; 8%–22.5% APR; 12–84 months
6Metro BankMetro Bank is a retail and commercial bank operating in the United Kingdom, offering personal, business, and SME banking solutions.£2,000–£250,000; 6.5%–18.5% APR; 6–60 months
7Santander UKSantander UK provides a broad range of financial services and products, with an emphasis on personal and business banking.£2,000–£500,000; 7.9%–21.9% APR; 12–84 months
8TSB BankTSB Bank provides banking products and services in the United Kingdom, focusing on customer-focused, local banking.£1,000–£25,000; 9%–25% APR; 12–60 months
9Allica BankAllica Bank specializes in business banking services, offering loan packages tailored to SMEs.£5,000–£1,000,000; 6%–20% APR; 36–120 months
10Shawbrook BankShawbrook Bank provides tailored financing solutions for small and medium enterprises across the UK.£5,000–£500,000; 7.5%–24.9% APR; 12–84 months