Richard Holden has over 30 years of experience working at Lloyds
Bank and has spent the last 8 years heading up the bank’s franchise
team. Prior to this he has had several management roles within the
Commercial and Retail Banking sectors.
His role involves helping to set the bank's credit policy for
lending for franchisees and evaluating the franchise opportunities
available to investors. He heads up a team of 50 trained franchise
managers throughout the UK who support individuals looking at
franchising as a route to business.
He is widely recognised as an expert on franchising matters and
is a regular contributor to the trade and national press.
Richard Holden's Recent Articles
- THE TEN STEPS TO START UP SUCCESS
Write a sound business plan A business plan will help you take a
critical look at your ideas. You can use it to communicate your
business idea clearly to potential suppliers or lenders, giving
them confidence..Read
More
- Your franchise questions answered – Part
1
It’s not hard to see why franchising is an attractive route
into self-employment. Experts generally regard franchising as a
less risky option and statistics confirm that commercial failure
rates among franchised businesses are..
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More
- Your franchise questions answered – Part
2
In my last article I started to answer some of the key
questions people ask when looking at franchising as an investment
opportunity. This week I will answer some more commonly asked
questions..
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More
Most banks have business planning templates to help you,
whilst most franchisors also offer guidance with the business
planning process. It is often assumed that a business plan is
needed..
Read More
- Your franchise questions answered - Part
4
In my previous articles in this series I’ve been answering
some of the commonly asked questions about investing in a franchise
opportunity. This is my final look at some of your key...
Read
More
Previous Articles
- Business Planning Part 1 - The importance of a great
business plan
There is truth in the old saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to
fail” especially when you're starting a new franchise. Those who
understand the benefits of business planning are more likely to be
successful than those who just react to day-to-day operational
issues and are...
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More
- Business Planning - Part 2 - What should a great
business plan contain?
Potential banking partners would welcome an approach from
someone opening a new franchise because the business comes with a
tried and tested model and comprehensive support system. However,
they are backing the individual franchisee and so are
expecting to be..
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More
- Business Planning – Part 3 - How to prepare for
meeting the bank manager
Observing entrepreneurs pitch their business opportunity on
the BBC Dragon’s Den programme will give useful pointers, both good
and bad, about how you should present your plan to the bank
manager..
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More
- Business Planning – Part 4 - The bank’s lending
assessment
Bank Managers will be considering you as an individual and the
skills and knowledge you bring to the business as well as the
franchise brand, industry sector trends, competitors, your written
business plan and the financial..
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More
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