Kevin Holt

Kevin is the National Head of Franchise at Barclays, where he leads the bank’s commitment to championing growth and innovation across the UK franchise sector. With over 15 years of experience in business development and relationship management, he has supported hundreds of SMEs across diverse industries—including hospitality and leisure, retail and wholesale, and healthcare—helping them navigate challenges and unlock new opportunities.

His passion for franchising was sparked during his time as a Relationship Director, where frequent engagement with franchisees revealed the sector’s unique potential for scalable success. Recognising a gap in tailored financial support, Kevin lobbied internally for greater focus on franchising—ultimately leading to the creation of a dedicated proposition and the formation of Barclays’ national franchise team, which he now heads.

Kevin combines strategic insight with a deep understanding of stakeholder needs, underpinned by a master’s degree in digital technology and solutions and a Level 7 leadership apprenticeship from Manchester Metropolitan University. He thrives on building meaningful relationships with franchisors and franchisees alike, offering bespoke guidance that drives sustainable growth and sector-wide impact.

Outside of work, Kevin is a proud husband and father to two young sons. He’s a passionate football enthusiast, club manager, and avid traveller who values connection, personal development, and creating environments where people feel empowered to succeed.