NatWest launches London Accelerator hub to boost entrepreneurial talent

NatWest has launched a new Accelerator hub facility offering specialist support to entrepreneurs across London.

The London hub located in Bishopsgate, City of London, provides a physical base for the bank’s suite of free Accelerator programmes 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.

Gary Belton, NatWest regional enterprise director for London and the South East, said: “The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers entrepreneurs to scale their business.

“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.”

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 per cent run by Black, Asian and Minority ethnic entrepreneurs.

NatWest Accelerator programmes are free to all business owners; participants do not have to give up any equity or be a NatWest customer.