Back to main menu
Search
Search
Overlay

If I spoke about the diverse types of businesses we have at the Birmingham Accelerator hub, I’d be talking all day long. We've got everything from accountants to food vendors to a tech business that is aiming to transform the fashion industry. Having such a varied cohort of entrepreneurs every time we do an intake is what creates the magic on the programme.

 

The hub itself is a coworking space for our entrepreneurs but it offers so much more than that. Entrepreneurs get access to one-on-one coaching, a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors as well as a wider network of Accelerator alumni and partners to support them.

Providing that community helps them feel like they're part of something.

What's really unique for business owners being in the hub itself is the community we help build around them, because in entrepreneurship you often find that it’s incredibly lonely. Providing that community helps them feel like they're part of something along with people whose business might be one step ahead or behind so they can learn from each other. That’s an experience they don’t often get elsewhere, and our cohorts tell us it’s one of the most valuable things they get out of the programme.

 

As an Acceleration Manager I manage the everyday running of the hub, do one-on-one coaching sessions, facilitate workshops and generally be there to support entrepreneurs through their business growth story.

 

What I enjoy about my role the most is getting to be a part of those really high highs with the business owners and celebrate those successes, as well as supporting them through challenging times their business might be facing.

Chelsea at our Birmingham Accelerator hub with NatWest colleagues and some of the latest entrepreneurs joining the programme.

When you’re working with someone through those things, you get the opportunity to build a really unique relationship. I'm still in touch entrepreneurs I worked with over two years ago. That bond and the relationship that we create with them is just incredible, and I feel lucky that we get to do that every day.

 

The West Midlands is such a thriving place in terms of its diverse economy and the number of businesses starting and scaling here. Being able to offer that additional lens of support through the Accelerator can really help give entrepreneurs the best possible chance of success. The Birmingham Accelerator was actually the first hub to open, so to still have this level of business energy and entrepreneurialism 10 years on makes it a really special place to be.

Image of two people at a table in an office space

Want to learn more?

Darren Pirie, Head of the NatWest Accelerator Programme, talks about the importance of empowering UK entrepreneurs.

Learn More

NatWest Group Accelerator Impact statistics Investment, Turnover and Survival data are provided by NatWest Group based on customer data. These metrics cover businesses that took part in NatWest’s programme in 2020 over the subsequent three years.  This data has not been independently verified by a third party.

The material published on this page is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as providing any specific advice, or used by consumers to make financial decision. Terms and conditions apply to any products or services mentioned.

Related stories

All stories & press releases
scroll to top