NatWest’s dedicated Franchise Team was established over 25 years ago in 1981and has consistently been the leading provider of Finance to the Franchise Sector.  NatWest is also rated highest by existing franchisors when asked who they would recommend to their franchisees.

 

NatWest provides finance to franchisors and franchisees through a specialist network of managers, based around the UK.  The finance ranges from traditional loans, overdrafts and credit cards to asset finance and factoring.  The precise finance package will be tailored to each individual franchisor or franchisee.  In addition to finance packages we can provide merchant services through our Group Company, Streamline.  This will allow the acceptance for payment of debit and credit cards, ideal for retail franchises.  NatWest can also provide guidance on Health and Safety, Employment Law and Tax through Mentor Services, another Group Company.  In many cases there is or we can put in place a bespoke package for a franchisor.

 

NatWest can help you by providing guidance on how to set up or choose a franchise, what questions to ask a franchisor, where to go for further advice and guidance.  We can provide the finance for your needs, subject to our normal credit assessment.  If you would like to discuss any aspect of franchising, please contact the team on 0800 092 9117.

 

NatWest’s has ten top tips for potential franchisees:
• Take a critical look at your strengths and weakness - are you sure you have the capacity, temperament and skills to run your own business?;
• Make sure you have the full support of your family - do not under-estimate the additional responsibilities and demands on your time which will inevitably cause some strain;
• Ensure you have sufficient capital - you will need at least a third of the start-up costs and half for a less established franchise;
• Obtain a full list of existing franchisees - don’t just speak to those suggested by the franchisor, they may be the only ones that are successful - visit where possible, but at the very least ask them how their business is performing and what support and service is being provided by the franchisor;
• Examine how well known the franchise and its service/product are.  A good reputation is a head start in business;
• Look at the market as a whole - find out who your competitors are and how strong their position is;
• Examine costs closely, in particular the franchise fee and monthly management fee, and whether they are reasonable and value for money;  will the margins be sufficient to support the business after payment of regular fees to the franchisor?;
• Is the training provided by the franchisor sufficient to enable you to run the business successfully.
• Seek professional advice from an accountant about income and profit projections and from a solicitor about the legal agreement. Both should have a good understanding of franchising and preferably be affiliated to the British Franchise Association; 
• Talk to the NatWest Franchise Section about the financial aspects and to put you in touch with your nearest Area Franchise Manager.

 

NatWest does not warrant, endorse or recommend any franchise/licence/lessee opportunity.  Should NatWest agree to lend to assist in the purchase of a franchise/licence/lease it should not be construed that the opportunity is in any way approved by us. You should take appropriate independent professional advice in respect of any aspect of franchising/licensing.