NatWest urges entrepreneurs to apply for free accelerator scheme before deadline

Manchester based entrepreneurs have until February 17 to apply for a space on NatWest’s business building programme.

The NatWest Accelerator programme, which is open to entrepreneurs from across the North West, offers six months of free support for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for guidance on how to scale and grow their business.

Support is tailored to the needs of the business and includes one-to-one coaching on topics including pitching, finding funding and leadership development. The scheme also introduces the entrepreneurs to a network of local business support organisations, plus provides free use of NatWest’s modern office spaces in the Accelerator Hubs.

Rhys Lloyd, co-founder of PharmAppy, which uses technology to make it easier to access pharmacy services and improve patient experience with pharmacies, joined NatWest’s Accelerator programme in early 2022.

The PharmAppy app and platform, which creates a “more seamless” user experience for patients and pharmacy teams, allows patients to easily order, track and manage prescriptions, book pharmacy services, direct message a pharmacist and securely record vaccinations.

With more than 500 users across its two test sites, Rhys and his business partner, Josh Ablett, who leads the company’s technical development, will fully launch Version 2 of PharmAppy this year, aiming to “revolutionise patient interactions with their local pharmacy”.

Rhys said: “I was lucky enough to join the NatWest Accelerator programme when we were in the early stages of developing the app. The programme has been incredibly helpful, as the mentoring I’ve received has enabled me to see challenges in a positive light, which is a crucial skill in the early years of starting a business. Every mini failure is a learning curve.

“The support Josh and I have had from the scheme mentors really has been life changing and has given us the confidence, attributes, and network to continue pushing forward. I’m really excited for our next steps in 2023 as we look to grow the business further.”

Heather Waters, regional enterprise manager for NatWest in the North, added: “We know that entrepreneurs are having to do several jobs at once, they need to be the CEO, finance director and HR manager and often without having any experience in some of those areas and without a support network.

“The NatWest Accelerator programme supports and empowers entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their business to the next level. We can help entrepreneurs to take their business much further and faster, so we’d encourage any small businesses who might benefit to apply.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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