How we could support your business
Dedicated franchise specialists
Our specialists are located across the UK to provide local relationships.
Industry expertise
We can provide access to our network of franchise consultants, accountants and solicitors, as well as access to our UK Corporate bank for larger franchise operations.
Free startup mentorship
Use our Barclays Eagle Labs panel of mentors and coaches.

Free digital banking with no monthly account fees for your first 12 months*
Try out our bank account, products, services and support whether you’re a startup, a growing company or an established business. Get access to discounted services from key partners to help you set up and run your business effectively, worth over £5,000**.
*The 12 months no monthly account fee is only available if you don’t already have a Barclays Business Account with us. After 12 months, you'll pay £8.50 per month. Free digital banking refers to simple electronic payments as defined in your business account tariff. Fees and charges will apply in line with the business account tariff, which could change.
** Terms and conditions apply per partner, see the partners’ websites for details.
Why finance your franchise with us
- Get loan terms of up to seven years for equipment/assets, franchise fees, acquisitions/resales, fitting out sites and other startup costs
- Our business loans could help you get up to £100,000 in unsecured borrowing, or up to £10 million in secured borrowing(1)
- Bespoke borrowing terms for selected UK brands from multinational corporates to those only just adopting a franchising model. We’re looking to partner with expanding brands in the UK who might need funding as part of their expansion
- Up to 60% loan-to-cost ratio for unsecured borrowing for those without bespoke lending terms
- In some circumstances, up to 12 months capital repayment holidays.
Subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Terms and conditions apply.
Insights and support
We’ve put together some useful insights and articles so you can see how our expertise can help support your business growth

2025 outlook: hospitality and leisure
Adapting to consumer preferences and investing in people were our top tips for reacting to the ever-changing consumer behaviour in hospitality and leisure in 2025.

UK consumer spending report
View our latest report that looks at UK consumer spending patterns for this year between 22 June to 19 July 2024.

Take your business worldwide
Whether you’re importing or exporting, starting out or expanding further, we have the tools and services to help your business grow.

Strategies for startup success
Tips for keeping your new business on the right track from James Goadby, owner of digital creative services provider All Interactive.
Important information
Unsecured borrowing may include a guarantee (if limited) – a legally binding agreement that allows someone to be personally liable for the obligations of the borrower. For example, an individual may guarantee a limited company’s loan.(Return to reference)
With a business current account from us, you’ll have free access to FreshBooks, which is based on the existing FreshBooks £25 package. FreshBooks usually charge for their open-to-market packages. Only Barclays business current account customers who complete the sign-up journey with FreshBooks and agree to FreshBooks’ terms and conditions will receive the FreshBooks service for free, for as long as they continue to be eligible Barclays business current account customers. If you close all your business current accounts, this means your free use of the FreshBooks service will end too. If we end our partnership with FreshBooks, you won’t get the FreshBooks service for free anymore. We’ll let you know if that happens. You’ll then need to download all your data and reports to make sure you keep your records safe and secure, so you comply with Making Tax Digital requirements. You can also choose to upgrade to a paid package at your own cost. If you decide to upgrade from the free FreshBooks service with FreshBooks to another FreshBooks plan and pay the full price to FreshBooks, Barclays Bank PLC may receive commission from FreshBooks for this.
Referred products are owned and provided by FreshBooks. Alternative service providers in the market may offer similar products. If you sign up to FreshBooks, you’ll need to read and accept their terms and conditions, if you agree with them. Once you become a FreshBooks customer, you’re bound by their terms and conditions. FreshBooks is offering this free to people who already bank with us. Barclays Bank UK PLC doesn’t receive commission. Barclays Bank PLC receives commission from upgrades.
This product is available to clients of Barclays Bank UK PLC, through referral to Barclays Bank PLC.(Return to reference)