Richard Holden

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..Read 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..Read More
  • Your franchise questions answered – Part 3

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...Read 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..Read 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..Read 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..Read More