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info@thebusinessfunds.co.uk

Every business needs funds for constant growth. For longevity and stability, a large amount may be required. Long-term loans in the UK are the relevant solution if you too are looking to access funds for a big purpose.

The loans help you manage large-scale projects that support future business growth. Borrow now and get sufficient time to repay. Avoid paying upfront, even for huge costs like property purchase, business expansion, large-scale investment and other such purposes.

TheBusinessFunds helps you match with the available loan options offered by lenders as per your repayment ability. One application and get multiple options to compare.

What is a long-term business loan and how does it work?

Long-term business loans in the UK are borrowing solutions that let you borrow a large amount. The borrowed funds are paid back in equal monthly instalments over a long tenure.

The term of the loan spans from 5 years to 25 years. You can borrow from £10,000 to £50,000. This may differ depending on the lending policies of loan companies providing long-term business finance in the UK.

Loan approval is subject to affordability assessment. Lenders need a stable trading history and a clean recent payment record. These are the primary factors they check to assess your creditworthiness.

Should you choose a secured or unsecured long-term business loan?

The answer to this question depends on your financial requirements. But knowing the difference between the two may help you decide faster.

  • What is a secured long-term business loan?

    It is a collateral-based borrowing option in which you need to pledge an asset. It can be a property, vehicle or machine.

  • What is an unsecured long-term business loan?

    Unsecured long-term business loans in the UK are collateral-free borrowing options. These are used for small funding needs, such as working capital requirements.

Factor Secured Business Loans Unsecured Business Loans
Amounts Bigger borrowing limit Small borrowing limit
Speed Lengthy process due to asset verification Takes less time; can avail funds within 24 hours
Rates Lower rate of interest due Higher interest rate, as
to collateral. the funds are approved based on individual repayment ability.
Risk Risk of losing the asset if you delay payment or default. No risk as such.

What are the current long-term business loan rates in the UK?

The current long-term loan rates are 5.62% to 10%. However, the final rate you receive depends on the individual creditworthiness of a business.

  • How are long-term business loan interest rates worked out?

    Several factors determine long-term business loan rates in the UK.

    • Recent payment record : A recent payment record is more important in a loan decision. Make sure you timely pay your bills and debts. That gives a clear idea about your responsible financial behaviour.

    • Loan amount : A loan amount as per your affordability can strengthen approval chances. Check your ability to repay using a loan calculator and apply for a small amount.

    • Repayment term : Loan tenure affects borrowing cost. The longer the tenure, the higher the total cost. Monthly instalments are small when you have more time to pay back. But the total cost increases drastically.

    • Trading history : For long-term loans, a minimum of two to three years of trading history is required. Hence, make sure you have ample reference of business operations while applying for the loan.

      The factors mentioned above apply to all types of long-term commercial loan options.

Loan term Repayment period Monthly repayment Total interest Cash flow impact
5 Years 60 months Generally higher Generally lower Higher monthly commitment
10 Years 120 months Generally lower Generally higher Lower monthly commitment

Is your business eligible for a long-term business loan?

Eligibility is subject to several terms and conditions. Be prepared with the required details and documents.

What do lenders check before approving long-term finance?

Lenders typically look for the following factors –

  • Business cash flow
  • Annual revenue
  • Existing debts
  • Repayment ability
  • Loan amount and purpose
  • Bank statements

Can small businesses and start-ups qualify?

Yes, it may be possible to get a long-term loan for a small business, provided you can prove repayment ability.

Start-ups and small businesses need to have a minimum of one year of trading history to avail funds. Also, collateral may be required as the borrowing solution is for a long tenure.

What are the benefits of long-term business funding?

Long-term business funding comes with multiple advantages. These are -

  • Lower monthly repayments – As the tenure is long, you get ample time to repay. This prevents additional burden on monthly cash flow.
  • Predictable budgeting – With small instalments, it is possible to plan for repayments without worrying about missing or delaying repayments.
  • Fixed interest rate – The interest rate of long-term loans is usually fixed. This adds certainty to your borrowing experience.
  • Funds for growth/equipment/expansion – Borrow for all financial purposes. Business expansion to new locations, equipment purchase and much more.

What are the risks to weigh up?

If you have decided to apply, do not forget to consider the challenges that come with the borrowing solution.

  • Longer commitment – You get into a long-term debt which can affect future loan approval chances.
  • Total interest paid over time – Due to a long repayment term, you pay interest for a long time. This increases the total borrowing cost.
  • Early repayment charges – It is possible to settle the loan early. But that may include a penalty, which is like an extra cost.
  • Secured loans put assets at risk – If you fail to pay off funds on time, you may lose your asset.

How does a long-term business loan compare to other finance options?

There is no doubt that long-term business funding is useful. But other financing options have a practical use too.

Long-term loan Asset finance Invoice finance Business line of credit
Major purpose is large business expense management Purchase of business assets Borrow funds against unpaid invoices Recurring access to funds
Useful for business expansion, equipment purchase, property purchase and more. Use to buy machinery or a vehicle. Cash flow management until customers make payment. Fund working capital requirements and short-term expenses.

What documents do you need to apply?

Submit the following documents accurately. Complete documentation improves approval possibilities.

  • Bank statements – A bank statement from last year is required to check overall financial stability.
  • Filed accounts – Submit details of all your financial accounts and statements.
  • Business plan – This describes your business plans, earning forecast and growth plans.
  • Proof of trading history – This proves the length of time for which you have been operating your business.

What would a long-term business loan actually cost you?

Here is a statistical insight into how your borrowing cost will work. Costs increase and decrease depending on the difference in loan term, loan amount, and the APR you get.

Loan Size Term APR Monthly instalment Total repayment
£50,000 5 years 10% £1,062 £63,720

Why choose TheBusinessFunds for your long-term business loan?

For several potential reasons, you can consider us as your business loan broker.

  • 90+ lender panel – Apply for the loan and get matched to a large number of lenders. Borrow and repay with flexible options.
  • Whole-of-market comparison – A huge number of lending options give you the luxury to compare with all options available in the market.
  • Free services – We don’t charge anything in exchange for our loan broker services. Avail funds hassle-free and cost-free.
  • Dedicated account manager – We assign an account manager to guide you throughout the loan process.

How does the application process work?

The application process is straightforward. You can compare options in a few minutes. Follow the steps below -

  • Apply – Fill in financial details to find multiple relevant lenders with a single application without any hard search.
  • Get matched – Based on your business creditworthiness, get matched to the available lending options.
  • Compare offers – Compare loans as per APR, repayment term and choose the one that is most affordable for you.
  • Receive funds – Once you choose the lender, we help you complete the application process. After approval, get funds in your bank account.

What are our customers saying?

Our biggest asset is the trust of our customers. Read what they say about our services.

“

We needed funding for new equipment without affecting our cash flow. The online business loan broker quickly identified suitable options and clearly explained the repayment terms. The process was efficient, and we secured the necessary funding.

J
James
★★★★★
“

As our business expanded, we required additional working capital. The online business loan broker made it easy to compare financing options. We valued the clear communication and the ability to review terms before deciding.

L
Leo
★★★★★

TheBusinessFunds is determined to provide hassle-free business loan broker services. Let us know what you need and how much you need. One application with a soft search and get matched to multiple lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a long-term business loan with bad credit?

Can I repay a long-term business loan early without penalty?

Will applying affect my personal or business credit score?

Can sole traders apply for a long-term business loan?

How long does approval and payout actually take?

Do I need to give a personal guarantee?

What happens if I miss a repayment?

Can I take a long-term loan alongside an existing overdraft or finance product?

Is the interest on a long-term business loan tax-deductible?

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