We headed to see the business manager of the local high street bank hoping to gain finance for the pub lease. The weather was terrible, we were both soaked to the skin and R was not in the best of moods after spending the morning battling with the post office about the size of the parcels he sends out from his business. It seemed an inauspicious start to a very important meeting.
As when visiting the lawyers we had to provide photo ID and proof of residence to comply with money laundering legislation before getting down to business. The business manager had been in possession of our business plan for a couple of days so we started off discussing its contents. It turned out that he was familiar with the pub as he had conducted the affairs of the previous leasee. Several tough questions popped up, but as we had spent the past few weeks analysing all our facts and figures we felt that we handled them adequately. Well, by that, I mean he didn't burst out.laughing at any point.
Eventually all aspects of the business were covered and after taking time to fill in some of the necessary paperwork it was all over. We were then assured that the bank would email us to request some additional information and subsequently inform us whether or not our application had been successful. We haven't heard anything yet which doesn't surprise us as the majority of organisations we have dealt with during the whole process seem never to be able to stick to an agreed timetable.
Oh well, I suppose its a matter of waiting. Its not something that comes naturally to R or myself but a factor which we are increasingly having to find ways to cope with.