How we’re supporting female entrepreneurs

While 51% of the UK population are female, women lead only 20% of small and medium enterprises. And although women are a third less likely than men to start a business – when you compare like-for-like businesses – those run by women actually outperform their male counterparts. This is why we want to encourage more women, from all backgrounds, to have the confidence to start and grow their own businesses.

Amy Gibb is one customer who has successfully done just that. Based in Hampshire, she runs an event security and stewarding company, called Pavilion Security, which has doubled turnover in the six years she’s been director.

Watch Amy talk about her business model, and the support she gets from her relationship manager.

Our specialist programme for women in business

In partnership with Women in Business, NatWest and RBS are providing female entrepreneurs with expertise, finance and opportunities for skills development and networking. We’ve appointed more than 250 accredited Women in Business Specialists to support this important and growing market. They offer women entrepreneurs a boost at the very beginning of their journey, and help existing businesses grow.

Unlocking the potential

Encouraging and enabling more women to start their own businesses is vital for the economy. It’s estimated that there would be one million more female entrepreneurs if women were setting up new businesses at the same rate as men. This could add £60bn to the UK’s GDP by 2030.

Our commitment to UK start-ups

Helping aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and high-growth businesses achieve their goals is vital. It’s in our interest as a bank, but also helps create jobs and support economic growth across the country. That’s why our businesses across the bank have recently joined forces on the RBS’ entrepreneur strategy to support UK businesses and communities.