It's a plan! The essential dos and don'ts of getting your business plan right, revealed by Cathryn Hayes.(HOTtopic)

THERE are clear indicators that many businesses are turning to their banks for funding. According to the British Bankers' Association (BBA), lending to small businesses rose by [pounds sterling]391 million in June, while almost 50,000 new business banking relationships were established and deposits grew by [pounds sterling]577 million.

Potential franchisees are likely to be considered more favourably for finance than a conventional start up because of the lower risk involved.

For an established franchise, most of the major banks will lend up to 70 per cent of the start-up costs, for new franchises the figure will be around 50 per cent.

So how can you make …