- Over 20 NatWest colleagues supported more than 600 first-year business students during VIBES Week at the University of Reading
- Winning team ‘Bio Stitch’ awarded £500 seed funding for their innovative medical product
- Event highlights NatWest’s commitment to community engagement and nurturing future business leaders
NatWest has reinforced its commitment to championing entrepreneurial potential by once again partnering with Henley Business School, part of the University of Reading, for the annual VIBES Week, a flagship initiative within the Business Management degree programme. This year, more than 20 NatWest colleagues joined forces to guide, challenge, and inspire more than 600 first-year students as they developed and pitched their own business ideas.
VIBES Week, a highlight of the University’s curriculum, saw students working in teams to develop and present innovative business concepts. The event culminated in five exceptional teams presenting their ideas to a panel of judges, including senior NatWest representatives. The winning group, ‘Bio Stitch’, impressed the judges with their concept for medical stitches that change colour when infected, earning them a £500 cheque sponsored by NatWest to help bring their idea to life.
Other standout ideas included ‘Trust Fall’ (inflatable clothing to protect vulnerable young people), ‘Rollback’ (a retro DVD café rental concept), ‘Elev8 Early’ (a portal supporting young people not in education, employment or training), and ‘Eco Refillary Pod’ (a vending machine for reusable container refills).
Throughout the two-day event, NatWest volunteers played a key role in coaching sessions, supporting students with ideation, business modelling, and presentation skills - helping to build their confidence and entrepreneurial mindset. The feedback from the University has been overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing appreciation for the insights, encouragement, and enthusiasm provided by the NatWest team.
VIBES Week exemplifies NatWest’s purpose-led approach: supporting communities, connecting with future talent, and making a meaningful impact through collaboration. The bank’s involvement is part of a wider strategy to break down barriers and build financial confidence for people and businesses across the UK.
Faye Long, NatWest South West Board Chair, said: “VIBES Week is a unique opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of innovators. Our colleagues brought energy and expertise to every session, and we are proud to continue our partnership with the University of Reading as we help students turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality.”
Andrew Hull, Head of Undergraduate Programmes at Henley Business School, part of the University of Reading, said: “We’re delighted with the support and enthusiasm shown by the NatWest team. Their involvement has made a significant difference to our students, providing real-world insights and encouragement that will stay with them throughout their studies and beyond.”
NatWest is the biggest bank for businesses in Great Britain and one of the leading supporters of start-ups and enterprise in the UK. The bank’s ongoing collaboration with academic institutions like the University of Reading highlights its commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
