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Q: Ongoing franchise fees Q: Protecting your interests Q: Guaranteed franchise earnings Q: Proof of concept for franchises Q: What market research should I do? Q: Should I only invest in a BFA member? Q: What are the pros and cons of franchising?Mentoring – Now there’s a bright idea for business
Whether you're starting up, taking your business to the next level or just need a sounding board, Lloyds TSB understands that a business mentor can offer you the support and guidance you need to develop your business. Find out more today.
Fixed fee banking puts you in control
Our simple fixed fee banking means you’ll always know where you stand. It’s just one of the reasons why we’ve been named Moneyfacts Best Business Current Account provider for the 10th year running. Find out more.
10 Tips to Improving Your Pension
You could make your pension work harder by following the 10 simple-steps in this straight forward easy-to-read guide. Get your free copy here.
On your plane
Ben Lobel 15/05/2012
Foreign Secretary William Hague’s call for business owners to ‘stop complaining about the economy and work harder’ is pretty unfounded in light of recent statistics. (1 comments) Have your say »
Short-term finance
Small Business Finance 12/04/2012
Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores the options for borrowing for working capital, including bank overdrafts and invoice finance. Have your say »
Wonga enters business loan market: A commentary
Guest Blogger 10/05/2012
John Antunes, director of SME & Channels at SAP UKI, considers the ramifications of Wonga's decision to offer business loans. Have your say »
Franchise performances
Q: How can I get to see objective reviews of a franchise before investing in it? Obviously, the franchise owner is motivated to illustrate their opportunity with only the best performers.
Find a franchise
Franchise direct is a portal for franchise and business opportunities that lists franchises from an exstensive range of industry sectors.
British Franchise Association - Find a franchise
Here is a good place to begin your search for a franchise, it contains guidelines for choosing a franchise, a list of bfa membership categories and its members.
Franchise informaton, advice and opportunities
Whichfranchise.com contains free franchise information, advice and opportunities, and is the only website in the UK to be affiliated to the British Franchise Association (BFA).
Franchise information
Specialist franchise consultants that offer franchise opportunity information, help and advice on everything relating to business franchising and licensing.
The UK franchise directory
The online version of the UK franchise directory contains information about more than 800 franchisors.
Franchise consultancy services
Franchise Development Services offers a range of franchise consultancy services for prospective franchisees and franchisors.
8 steps to buying a franchise
The following general guide can help you in buying a franchise, considering important factors such as cost and time.
Franchise info from the experts
Franinfo.co.uk offers a comprehensive directory of UK, Scottish and Irish franchises for sale, as well as expert franchise and business focused advice and news.
Other Start A Business Resources
Marketing your business
Tim Witcherley, managing director of communications agency Cognition, discusses the basics of conveying your brand.
A business credit card with 0% interest on purchases for 3 months*
That’s on top of up to 56 days of interest-free credit**. When it comes to supporting your cashflow, it all adds up to a lot of extra breathing space. Also, by separating your business and personal spend it helps you keep track of your costs and identify areas where you can save money. Find out more today. *From date of account opening. **When you pay off your balance in full and on time each month.
Free weekly updates on starting your own business
Need help getting your idea off the ground? Read our advice on everything from writing a business plan to setting up and running your own company. Find out more or sign up today.

