But if this is your first venture into self employment, the chances are you’ve never seen a business plan before, let alone prepared one.

Help is at hand, as visitors to The British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia in London on March 18 and 19 will discover.

Alongside the 120 franchise companies exhibiting at this major event will be the Lloyds TSB Business Plan Clinic, with its team of experts who’ll be offering advice on all aspects of preparing and presenting a business plan.

Richard Holden, Head of Franchising at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “The clinics have proved very popular with visitors to the exhibition, from those in the early stages of their franchise research who just want basic information, to those farther along the process who need specific advice on their business plan, and tie that in with the opportunities to meet face to face with franchisors at the event.”

The key, he says, lies in having a clear understanding of your business plan and a well practised pitch.

“Even if the franchise you are looking to invest in is well established, with a proven, viable business model, and membership of the bfa, expect your business plan to be challenged by your bank manager, because they need to see that you have given careful thought to your business opportunity. With help from the experts at the Business Plan Clinic at The British & International Franchise Exhibition, you can be better prepared to provide the answers,” he added.

To register for The British & International Franchise Exhibition call 0844 257 8668 or visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk, where readers of the Daily Express can get free entry by entering the code