March 26, 2026
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Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Consulting Industry

Discover the best long-term business loan lenders tailored for the consulting industry. Compare options, rates, and find the right loan to grow your consulting business today.
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Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Consulting Industry
James Laden
Co-founder and CEO

James Laden is the Co-founder and CEO of Funding Agent. He has 8 years of experience working with major financial companies in the UK, and now focuses on making business funding simpler for SMEs through a faster, technology-led application journey. He writes about business lending, alternative finance, and what lenders look for when assessing applications.

Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Consulting Industry

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 2026-03-23.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on providing a straightforward platform for UK SMEs to compare various business finance options. It is ideal for franchise buyers and operators looking for transparent criteria and term clarity. The service emphasises a fast, simple application process with quick eligibility checks and access to a range of repayment types.

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. Iwoca

Iwoca specialises in short-term loans suitable for small UK businesses across a variety of sectors, including retail and technology. It tends to suit those needing fast funding or revenue-based repayment options. Flexibility in loan durations and no early repayment fees are notable features, though collateral is generally not required.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Short-term Loan, Revenue-based Finance
  • Industries: Retail, Construction, Technology

Pros

  • Quick decision making
  • No early repayment fees
  • Revenue-based repayment

Cons

  • High APR for small loans
  • Short loan durations

Sources: Source

3. Fleximize

Fleximize offers flexible, tailored business loans that focus on meeting the needs of different sectors within the UK SME market. It is suitable for franchise owners who want choice and adaptable repayment options. The provider values flexibility with multiple financing types and no early repayment penalties.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 10.8%
  • Max APR: 24%
  • Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Secured Loan, Unsecured Loan
  • Industries: Retail, Services

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • No early repayment fees
  • Multiple financing options

Cons

  • High interest rates
  • Strict eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

4. OakNorth Bank

OakNorth Bank specialises in high-value, flexible business lending primarily for established entrepreneurs and growing businesses in the UK. It suits borrowers seeking larger loans with tailored repayment plans, typically secured and subject to detailed assessment. The lender offers a fast process for approved businesses but requires significant collateral.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000,000
  • Min APR: 8%
  • Max APR: 22%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Real Estate Financing
  • Industries: Various, excluding gambling and oil & gas

Pros

  • High loan limits
  • Tailored lending solutions

Cons

  • High loan minimum
  • Limited to well-established businesses

Sources: Source

5. Time Finance

Time Finance provides a diverse range of finance solutions, including asset and invoice finance, aimed at UK businesses requiring secured funding. It is appropriate for franchises needing finance backed by assets or receivables. The lender offers flexible terms but generally requires collateral and focuses on relatively short to medium loan durations.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 9%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Invoice Finance, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Fast access to funds

Cons

  • High interest rates
  • Requires collateral

Sources: Source

6. Novuna

Novuna delivers tailored business finance solutions with fast approvals for multiple sectors in the UK, particularly retail, motor, and construction. It is suitable for franchise owners who need flexible loan terms and options for unsecured lending. The lender offers a range of repayment methods, balancing speed and customisation for borrowers.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 18.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1–5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Motor, Construction

Pros

  • Quick loan approval
  • Customizable loan terms

Cons

  • Strict approval conditions
  • Higher rates on unsecured loans

Sources: Source

7. Moneysupermarket

Moneysupermarket is a broad comparison platform helping UK businesses review a wide range of loan products across various industries. It suits franchise buyers who want to explore different providers and loan structures quickly. The service offers a convenient way to compare rates and features but does not provide direct lending.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 8.9%
  • Max APR: 13.5%
  • Loan Duration: 1–72 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Comparison Services
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Comprehensive loan comparison
  • Easy online process

Cons

  • Limited direct lending
  • Rates depend on comparison

Sources: Source

8. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance provides bespoke financing solutions focused on property and business finance for high-value clients in the UK. It fits franchise buyers seeking specialist advice and lending secured on property or assets. This lender emphasises customised loan structures and may involve more complex application requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 8.5%
  • Max APR: 14.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6–24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Bridging Finance, Property Loans
  • Industries: Property, Finance

Pros

  • Specialized advice
  • High-value loans

Cons

  • Complex application
  • Higher fees

Sources: Source

9. White Oak

White Oak offers versatile loan products aimed at UK SMEs for a range of needs including working capital and asset finance. It suits franchise operations looking for flexible funding options and various repayment terms. This provider balances accessibility with multiple product choices, often requiring some form of security or collateral.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 18.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: SME Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Various

Pros

  • Diverse funding options
  • Fast processing

Cons

  • Stringent requirements
  • Limited to SMEs

Sources: Source

10. Smart Funding Solutions

Smart Funding Solutions provides a wide range of financial products for UK SMEs, geared towards various loan sizes and business requirements. It suits franchise businesses in retail and general services seeking flexible repayment plans and convenient online access. The platform prioritises ease of use with flexible term options and tailored funding packages.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 10%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 12–36 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Retail Loans
  • Industries: Retail, General Services

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Convenient online platform

Cons

  • High interest rates
  • Limited information on specific loan products

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting a long-term business loan lender for the consulting industry, consider the loan amount and APR to suit your financial plan and cash flow. Check the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure your business qualifies. Balance the need for speed against flexibility in terms and repayment options. Evaluate if the lender requires collateral or offers unsecured loans, and consider how loan terms fit your project timelines. Also, review fees and early repayment policies. Understanding these elements will help you find a lender that matches your franchise's specific needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your business size, loan purpose, and requirement for collateral. Bank lenders often suit established businesses needing larger amounts. Brokers like Funding Agent offer access to multiple lenders for comparison, ideal for smaller franchises. Specialist lenders provide tailored solutions for asset-backed financing or niche sectors. Always review terms and confirm current costs with the lender before committing to a loan. The Funding Agent remains a practical option for exploring financing options up to around 200 thousand pounds loan.

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FAQs

What is a long-term business loan?
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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
2IwocaIwoca provides short-term business loans to small businesses across multiple sectors in the UK.£1,000–£1,000,000; 6%–15% APR; 1 day to 24 months
3FleximizeFleximize offers award-winning flexible business loans to SMEs in the UK, with tailored solutions for various industries.£5,000–£500,000; 10.8%–24% APR; 3–60 months
4OakNorth BankOakNorth Bank provides fast, flexible business loans starting from £1 million, specializing in lending to entrepreneurs and growing businesses in the UK.£1,000,000–£50,000,000; 8%–22% APR; 12–60 months
5Time FinanceTime Finance provides a variety of funding solutions to support UK businesses, including asset finance and invoice credit facilities.£50,000–£500,000; 9%–15% APR; 12–60 months
6NovunaNovuna offers business finance solutions with fast decisions and tailored loan options for various business sectors in the UK.£10,000–£5,000,000; 7.5%–18.9% APR; 1–5 years
7MoneysupermarketMoneysupermarket is one of the UK's largest price comparison websites, helping businesses find the best loan options and rates.£10,000–£2,000,000; 8.9%–13.5% APR; 1–72 months
8Clifton Private FinanceClifton Private Finance offers bespoke lending solutions and advice, specializing in property and business finance for high-value clients.£50,000–£5,000,000; 8.5%–14.5% APR; 6–24 months
9White OakWhite Oak offers versatile funding solutions to SMEs in the UK, including loans for working capital, asset purchases, and more.£25,000–£2,000,000; 7.5%–18.9% APR; 12–60 months
10Smart Funding SolutionsSmart Funding Solutions offers a wide range of financial products tailored to various SME needs, from small to large funding packages.£5,000–£2,000,000; 10%–20% APR; 12–36 months
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