Analysis by Beauhurst shows that businesses on NatWest’s free accelerator programme are more likely to generate higher turnover growth, raise more investment and have better survival rates than other similar businesses.* Our 12 accelerator hubs across the UK provide entrepreneurs with a strong start – giving them access to expert coaching, networking opportunities and events, as well as use of our dedicated office space.
Our CEO Paul Thwaite said: “The UK’s potential for growth is made clear by the numbers of people now starting their own businesses. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, accounting for three-fifths of employment and about half of the private sector’s turnover. If these new businesses are given the right conditions to succeed, they could significantly boost the UK economy.
“Across the UK, NatWest Group is helping more businesses get started than any other bank**. We play a key role in giving start-ups the tools to scale and succeed – with data from our accelerator showing our support significantly boosts businesses’ turnover, investment and chances of survival*.
“This September we are taking our commitment to small businesses up a level by over doubling the amount of free places on our Accelerator programme, to 2,500 businesses. We are creating the environment where businesses have the support, guidance and conditions they need to thrive – because when small businesses succeed, the UK succeeds.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our mission is to bring economic growth and make the UK the best place to start-up and scale-up business. However, we can only achieve this by working in partnership with the private sector.
“That is why it’s good to see accelerator schemes like this play a positive role in giving businesses the boost they need to invest and grow, and it’s exciting to see these figures show signs of optimism for our start-up sector.”
Read the full report: New Startup Index (PDF download 908KB)
