Richard Bearman has over 20 years’ experience in the banking sector and over that time has developed a real passion for working with and supporting entrepreneurs. Richard is Managing Director at the British Business Bank and is responsible for the Start Up Loans programme. Working with a range of Business Support Partners across the UK to help startup businesses access funding, Richard is proud to play a part in helping people achieve their dream of being their own boss.

Richard was previously UK Head of Small Business at HSBC, where he led and supported colleagues serving the UK SME market via face to face, telephony and digital channels. Richard set the strategic direction and led the business to evolve its channels and grow its customer base. Under Richard’s leadership, HSBC was voted Best Business Banking Provider in the Smart Money People British Bank Awards and Best Online Banking Provider in the Business Moneyfacts Awards.