Richard Bearman
Richard Bearman
Richard has over 25 years’ experience in the banking sector and over that time has developed a real passion for working with and supporting entrepreneurs. As Co-Chief Banking Officer at the British Business Bank, Richard oversees a new Relationship Management function, which will help to support and service a consistent and holistic approach towards the Bank’s delivery partners and enable them to create a seamless growth pathway for businesses across the Bank’s products. Prior to joining the Bank in 2019, Richard was UK Head of Small Business at HSBC, where he led and supported 1,200 colleagues serving the UK SME market, set the strategic direction, and led the business to evolve its channels and grow its customer base. Previously to that role Richard led various Mid-Market and Business Banking Relationship Management teams.
New Year, New Business? Advice for planning this January

New Year, New Business? Advice for planning this January

Richard Bearman
Jan 16 '26
With a continued buzz post-Christmas and a new year dawning, many people find themselves reflecting on personal goals and re-evaluating career paths in January. Many also explore the possibility of starting their own business
The mid-year opportunity for smaller businesses

The mid-year opportunity for smaller businesses

Richard Bearman
Sep 17 '25
As school playgrounds go from church-like quiet to a cacophony of lunchtime noise we know the long summer days are drawing to a close
From Service to Start-Up

From Service to Start-Up: Supporting the armed forces community in business

Richard Bearman
Jul 21 '25
The 28th of June marked Armed Forces Day, a day to reflect on the bravery, dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country
The rise of the side hustle

The rise of the side hustle

Richard Bearman
Jun 19 '25
With the increasing cost of living, many people are turning to side hustles to supplement their income
Typical bank holiday weather! How the climate affects ‘the climate’ for smaller businesses.

Typical bank holiday weather! How the climate affects ‘the climate’ for smaller businesses

Richard Bearman
May 9 '25
The notoriously changeable UK climate affects so many aspects of our lives – whether that’s opting to go out to a restaurant or get a takeaway, buy plants for the garden or even if the train turns up or not!
In a competitive business environment, embracing diversity can bring real benefits

Equal opportunities: The importance of funding inclusive businesses in the UK

Richard Bearman
Apr 9 '25
In a competitive business environment, embracing diversity can bring real benefits
Will 2025 be the year of small business? At this precise moment it’s tough to predict, with two recent findings giving very different outlooks.

Assessing the impact: The role of Start Up Loans in supporting UK small business success

Richard Bearman
Jan 6 '25
Will 2025 be the year of small business? At this precise moment it’s tough to predict, with two recent findings giving very different outlooks
British Business Bank launches essential guide to starting a business

British Business Bank launches essential guide to starting a business

Richard Bearman
Oct 24 '24
This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach to launching a business, covering 11 key topics in a format that is straightforward and easy to digest
This week we were delighted to reveal our 2024/2025 Small Business Ambassadors; fourteen leading and inspiring examples of entrepreneurs who took the leap to start their own business.

Start-Up Loans announces its 2024/2025 Ambassadors

Richard Bearman
Sep 18 '24
This week we were delighted to reveal our 2024/2025 Small Business Ambassadors; fourteen leading and inspiring examples of entrepreneurs who took the leap to start their own business.
Sustainability starts small

Sustainability starts small: Startups are critical in shaping our sustainable future

Richard Bearman
May 13 '24
Small businesses may not always generate the headlines that their larger counterparts do, but their impact is no less profound on the UK economy, particularly when it comes to shaping its sustainability credentials
Encouraging Over-50s back into the workforce

Encouraging Over-50s back into the workforce through entrepreneurship

Richard Bearman
Apr 2 '24
People aged 50 and older are an important segment of the UK’s workforce
Rise in alternative career paths

Rise in alternative career paths sees surge in young entrepreneurs

Richard Bearman
Feb 5 '24
Gen Z is set to become the most qualified generation with 80% on course to complete higher education