NatWest has launched a new Accelerator Hub facility offering specialist support to scale up businesses across London.
The City of London continues to be a thriving hub for the UK’s entrepreneurs, and the NatWest Accelerator programme in Bishopsgate seeks to propel London enterprise by unlocking the potential of the next generation of talent.
The London hub provides a physical base for the bank’s suite of free Accelerator programmes which have been designed to support entrepreneurs with a dedicated working space to learn from peers as well as industry experts.
The programmes include offerings for high growth, fintech, and purpose-led businesses. NatWest has also created a Climate Accelerator programme designed to help sustainability-focused businesses, or those interested in entering the sector, to grow. As well as the training and a physical site at the heart of the city, those enrolled will receive one-to-one coaching, networking opportunities and access to peers and sector specialists.
NatWest currently runs 12 Accelerator hubs across the UK and through their enterprise programme the bank aims to create 50,000 new businesses by 2023, with the majority female led and 20% run by Black, Asian and Minority ethnic entrepreneurs.
Research from NatWest revealed that targeted support for small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) could unlock £140bn of additional Gross Value Added (GVA) growth by 2030, which is equivalent to creating 3.2 million new jobs across the UK.
Gary Belton, NatWest Regional Enterprise Director for London and the South East, said: “The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers entrepreneurs to scale their business.
The bank provides wrap-around support and access to expertise, removing barriers and providing more opportunities to help businesses grow.
“We focus on the key driver of any business – the entrepreneur – and that is what makes these programmes so unique. With the specialist support on offer, NatWest’s new physical facility can unlock the potential of London’s entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level in 2022.
“As the principal banking partner for COP26, we understand how valuable the climate sector is not only for being in business but in how you should run a business too. Our specialist Climate Accelerator empowers those businesses who want to act sustainably with the tools to learn and grow.”
One of the businesses currently enrolled on the NatWest Accelerator programme is Land of Fire Gold Grains, a coffee company founded by Marbely Baez. Land of Fire Gold Grains is a community-focused social enterprise that sells coffee from Marbely’s home country of Nicaragua and seeks to donate 70% of its profits to charitable causes.
As a growing business, Marbely joined the NatWest Accelerator programme to seek specialist support. Marbely said: “I am passionate about making a positive impact on communities which includes coffee farmers in Nicaragua, local and international charities and customers.
“I enrolled in the NatWest Accelerator programme to learn more about how I can scale Land of Fire Gold Grains to increase our wider impact as a business. The one-to-one coaching and support I have received from NatWest have been invaluable and helped me to shape my business for the future.”
NatWest Accelerator programmes are open to all business owners, you do not have to be a NatWest customer. Each is free and participants do not need to give up any equity. Search online for NatWest Accelerator or visit: natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html for more information.
