A Time to Reflect

You can see it on nearly every high street and in a wide range of business sectors. Franchised businesses range from multi-million pound operations employing hundreds of people, to sole traders working part-time from home – and everything in between

HSBC has supported franchising for over 25 years and our approach to providing franchise finance has remained consistent. We are open for business and continue to provide finance to many good quality franchise owners, assisting in the launch and growth of their businesses. 2012 was another outstanding year in terms of our lending to the franchise industry and we are looking to build on this performance even further in 2013.

HSBC supports strong, viable businesses across all sectors and of all sizes throughout the economic cycle. Recent examples of where we have provided support include:

Gastronomy Foods, which operates 11 KFC restaurants in Mid and North Wales, is targeting significant expansion after securing a new finance package from HSBC Commercial Bank. The move sees the company, which has moved its full business banking across to HSBC, refinance its existing debt and secure additional facilities to support its growth. The company is targeting a total of 20 restaurants in the Mid and North Wales region within the next five years and is due to open its twelfth outlet, located in Oswestry, by the new year. Gastronomy Foods plans to double its existing 280-strong workforce by the end of the expansion programme and expects to recruit between 35 and 40 employees for the new restaurant, which will be based at the Gateway Services on the A5.

Another example where HSBC provided funding is Hina Bajwa, whose civil service career included experience of the care industry to purchase a Bluebird Care franchise, which will see her running her own business providing home care for a wide range of customers.

Steve Moggs, HSBC Local Business Manager, who managed the proposal, says: “Mrs Bajwa took the correct approach when seeking funding. She did her research and pulled together an impressive and well presented Business Plan. This, combined with the HSBC Franchise Department's knowledge of Bluebird Care and the backing of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme, greatly assisted her in being able to get the funding approved.”

We understand that every franchise is different, with different visions, ideas, success and direction – therefore we provide a range of business services tailored for franchise owners. Our experienced business managers can make fast, effective decisions, helping to establish businesses in the UK and internationally.

For tools, checklists and practical information to help you and your business, visit our Knowledge Centre or contact us for a free copy of HSBC’s comprehensive guide to starting a franchise, call 0800 234 622 or go to the HSBC franchise homepage.