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

Discover the best long-term business loan lenders for the manufacturing sector in the UK. Find reliable financing options to grow your manufacturing business with favourable terms.
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Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Manufacturing Industry
Abdus-Samad Charles
Finance Writer

Abdus-Samad Charles is a finance writer and the Head of Content at Funding Agent, with four years’ experience creating practical, easy-to-follow, SEO-informed guidance for UK small and medium-sized businesses. He specialises in turning complex funding topics, like eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, approval timelines, and lender expectations, into clear, research-led resources that are easy to find and help business owners make confident, informed decisions.

Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Manufacturing 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 provides a platform for UK SMEs to compare a variety of business finance options swiftly. It generally suits SMEs seeking straightforward loan comparisons with predictable terms and fast eligibility checks. The service emphasises a simple application process and quick matching without requiring collateral.

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. Capify

Capify specialises in providing adaptable loan products catering to UK SMEs, including those in manufacturing. It suits businesses needing quick access to funds with flexible terms and financing types, often without strict collateral requirements. The provider focuses on speed and responsiveness, offering short-duration loans.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 67.89%
  • Loan Duration: 1-12 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Short-Term Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Fast funding
  • Adaptable products

Cons

  • High APR

Sources: Source

3. Active Business Finance

Active Business Finance connects limited companies in manufacturing with lenders offering customised repayment plans and competitive rates. It typically suits businesses needing tailored financing with flexible terms and brokered access to specialist lenders. Security and collateral requirements may vary depending on lender agreements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £200,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 3-60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Start-Up Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Construction

Pros

  • Tailored repayment terms
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Limited loan amount

Sources: Source

4. SME Loans

SME Loans focuses on small business loans for UK companies, offering flexible amounts and repayment terms suitable for growing manufacturing firms. The provider supports a range of loan products with adaptable conditions and aims for efficient approval processes. Collateral requirements depend on product and borrower profile.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 6-60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Cash Flow Loans
  • Industries: Technology, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Quick approval

Cons

  • APR can be high for high-risk borrowers

Sources: Source

5. iwoca

iwoca provides small business loans with flexible repayment options, serving diverse UK SMEs including those in manufacturing. Its lending approach offers accessible credit facilities and short-term loans. Speed and ease of repayment adjustments are key features, with some monthly fees applying on longer-term loans.

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Credit Facility, Short-Term Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Pros

  • Flexible repayments
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • Monthly fees for extended loans

Sources: Source

6. White Oak UK

White Oak UK offers tailored financial solutions including term loans and invoice finance, focusing on meet client-specific requirements. It suits larger established SMEs in manufacturing and related sectors, with swift decision-making processes. Loan structures may include secured and unsecured options with flexible repayment plans.

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: Term Loans, Invoice Finance
  • Industries: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture

Pros

  • Swift decisions
  • Tailored solutions

Cons

  • Higher APR for unsecured loans

Sources: Source

7. Fleximize

Fleximize offers secured and unsecured loans tailored for UK SMEs including manufacturers. Suitable for businesses seeking competitive rates with flexible loan terms. Its loans often feature adaptable repayment schedules and do not charge early repayment fees.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 11.4%
  • Max APR: 49.9%
  • Loan Duration: 3-48 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services

Pros

  • Flexible loans
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • High minimum APR

Sources: Source

8. Portman Finance

Portman Finance specialises in fast, flexible commercial loans with options that sometimes exclude personal guarantees. It suits SMEs in manufacturing and construction looking for larger flexible loans held over medium to longer terms. The provider emphasises efficient decision-making and attractive repayment options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 27.9%
  • Loan Duration: 3-72 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Commercial Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Construction

Pros

  • No PG for eligible businesses
  • Quick funding

Cons

  • Eligibility criteria strict

Sources: Source

9. Millbrook Business Finance

Millbrook Business Finance provides a wide range of finance solutions, including equipment and asset finance for manufacturers and engineers. It is suitable for SMEs that require customised loan terms and comprehensive support. The lender offers tailored financing often aligned with specific asset purchases or operational requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 30%
  • Loan Duration: 12-72 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Equipment Finance, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Engineering

Pros

  • Comprehensive solutions
  • Customizable terms

Cons

  • Higher rates for higher risk

Sources: Source

10. Novuna

Novuna offers flexible asset finance and debt financing solutions tailored to SMEs, including those in manufacturing. It suits businesses seeking straightforward repayments and moderate loan amounts. The provider emphasises transparent fees and competitive rates without complex hidden charges.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £7,500
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 15.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6-60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Debt Financing
  • Industries: Retail, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Competitive rates
  • No hidden fees

Cons

  • Upper limit on loan amount

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting long-term business loans for manufacturing, consider the loan size relative to your capital needs and the APR relative to your budget. Check lender eligibility criteria carefully, especially regarding collateral and sector focus. Balance speed of funding with the flexibility of repayment terms. Assess how loan repayments integrate with your operational cash flow and seasonal demand. Include lender fees and early repayment terms in your evaluation to avoid surprises. Opt for brokers or specialists when looking for tailored solutions, especially for complex financial needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your business needs. Banks typically offer stability for larger loans, while brokers provide access to multiple options across lenders. Specialist providers often cover niche financing with added flexibility or sector focus. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs wishing to compare multiple loan options quickly. For manufacturing businesses, matching the loan product to your purpose and repayment capacity is essential when considering a 1 million pound or 200 thousand pounds loan.

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FAQs

What is a long-term business loan?
Why do manufacturing businesses need long-term loans?
Which lenders offer the best long-term loans for manufacturers in the UK?
What factors should I consider when choosing a business loan lender?
How can I improve my chances of getting approved for a long-term 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
2CapifyCapify offers quick and adaptable loan products focused on UK SMEs in competitive sectors such as manufacturing and hospitality.£5,000–£1,000,000; 0%–67.89% APR; 1-12 months
3Active Business FinanceActive Business Finance connects limited companies with manufacturing lenders offering competitive rates and tailored repayment terms.£10,000–£200,000; 6%–0% APR; 3-60 months
4SME LoansSME Loans specialises in small business loans for UK-based companies, offering flexible amounts and terms.£1,000–£500,000; 6%–15% APR; 6-60 months
5iwocaiwoca provides small business loans with flexible repayment schedules, supporting a wide range of SMEs.£1,000–£1,000,000; 6%–15% APR; 1-24 months
6White Oak UKWhite Oak UK offers tailored financial solutions including business loans, focusing on client-specific needs with swift decision making.£25,000–£2,000,000; 7.5%–18.9% APR; 12-60 months
7FleximizeFleximize offers both secured and unsecured business loans with competitive rates and flexible loan terms for SMEs.£10,000–£500,000; 11.4%–49.9% APR; 3-48 months
8Portman FinancePortman Finance provides fast and flexible loans with no personal guarantee options for eligible SMEs.£10,000–£2,000,000; 6.9%–27.9% APR; 3-72 months
9Millbrook Business FinanceMillbrook Business Finance offers comprehensive finance solutions to meet diverse business needs including machinery and equipment.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–30% APR; 12-72 months
10NovunaNovuna provides flexible finance solutions tailored to SMEs, offering straightforward repayment and competitive rates.£7,500–£25,000; 6.9%–15.9% APR; 6-60 months