Richard Bearman, Author at Elite Business Magazine

Richard Bearman

Richard is Managing Director, Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank and is responsible for the Start Up Loans programme. Previously, he was Head of Small Business for HSBC UK, where he worked for 20 years, bringing with him a wealth of experience working with start-ups and entrepreneurs. At HSBC, he was responsible for setting the strategic direction, growing HSBC UK’s small business customer base and leading a team of Business Specialists, with more than 450 colleagues located across the UK. He also developed HSBC UK’s Direct Business Specialist proposition using a range of telephone and digital tools. In 2018, the business was voted Best Business Banking Provider in the Smart Money People British Bank Awards and Best Online Banking Provider in the Business Moneyfacts Award.

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: 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 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 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

New Year’s business resolutions

Richard Bearman

Jan 10 '24

The new year provides a natural point of reflection for everyone

Supporting small business this Christmas

Richard Bearman

Dec 6 '23

Despite inflationary pressures impacting consumer spending, Christmas is still seen as a time of giving, and some shoppers turn to small businesses in a bid to support locally-owned companies rather than larger, well established High Street brands

The importance of role models in business

Richard Bearman

Nov 3 '23

As well as offering finance, the programme aims to motivate and inspire budding entrepreneurs who are thinking about pursuing an idea of their own

Inspirational founders remain the key to boosting ethnic representation in UK business leadership

Richard Bearman

Oct 5 '23

Richard Bearman is the Managing Director of Start Up Loans, a government-backed programme, that launched in 2012 to provide loans to new and early-stage businesses throughout the UK that may have struggled to access finance (up to £25k) elsewhere

Expect to see small businesses make the most of this summer

Richard Bearman

Jul 11 '23

Summer is finally here, but for many it’s more than just a season of leisure and relaxation. It’s also a pivotal time for businesses to capitalise on holidaymakers and those willing to spend more as they enjoy the longer evenings and sunny weekends.

A bumper year for bank holidays – opportunities and challenges for smaller businesses

Richard Bearman

May 17 '23

In 2023 we should savour bank holidays even more for giving a much-needed boost to our small businesses, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail, which are still feeling the effects from the pandemic.

Why our new Business Support Partners mean big things for UK start ups

Richard Bearman

Apr 7 '23

I have no doubt that this year will, like the rest of the early 2020’s, offer its own unique opportunities and unforeseen challenges to small business owners.

Let’s rally on support for small businesses this new year

Richard Bearman

Feb 9 '23

January is the start of a brand new year and a time for new beginnings.