Back to main menu
Search
Search
Overlay

The report, from NatWest and Mettle by NatWest, reveals that 17%* of aspiring entrepreneurs believe a lack of sales and marketing skills is the primary barrier to starting their own business. This highlights a key area for training and development to support new business ventures.

The research, covering 1,000 aspiring business owners in the UK, shows that other missing skills include creating a comprehensive business plan, taking calculated risks, and staying motivated (all 11%).

Gen Z (16%) are most likely to doubt their ability in creating a comprehensive business plan. While Gen X (19%) and boomers (24%) express the most doubt about their marketing abilities.

Cath Broadhead, co-founder of The Promise Co. farm, emphasises a practical approach to sales and marketing: “Early on, I attended every free course I could find, met different people, and learned how they approached things. But when you say “sales and marketing”, you can overthink it, imagining complex corporate strategies. But actually, we all know what it is because we're constantly being sold to and marketed to.”

Michelle Prance, CEO Mettle by NatWest commented: “The Start Gap Report clearly demonstrates the need for accessible training and resources in areas like sales and marketing for new entrepreneurs. At NatWest we've helped more businesses get started than any other bank in Great Britain*, so we understand the challenges new business owners face.

Our Accelerator community is designed to provide business owners with the network, skills and confidence they need to succeed in this area. We encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the resources available to them, such as NatWest’s Accelerator app.”

Looking for support to grow your business? The NatWest Accelerator app allows you to access a range of digital and in person support and connect with an inspiring community of business owners’. Find out more information.

To help aspiring entrepreneurs overcome marketing challenges, NatWest experts offer the following tips:

  1. Build your digital presence. Launch a simple website to showcase your brand and provide an easy way for potential customers to interact with you. This doesn't need to be complex, and tools like Wix could make the process simple.
  2. Engage on social media. Don't just use social media as a sales platform. Instead, focus on building relationships and providing valuable content to your target audience. Tailor your content to each platform you decide to be on for maximum impact.
  3. Harness email marketing. Think of email marketing as a as an initial conversation with your subscribers. Focus on creating engaging, personalised content that provides value, and avoid overly promotional messaging.
  4. Think of customer incentives. Consider implementing incentive programs like referral schemes, giveaways, or trials to encourage repeat business and build customer loyalty.
  5. Explore offline promotion. While digital marketing is essential, don't overlook the potential offline methods like television, radio, posters, billboards, printed media, in-store demos, sponsorship. 

About NatWest

NatWest Business is committed to supporting a diverse range of business customers across England and Wales, from innovative start-ups to established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As part of NatWest’s comprehensive banking services, it helps customers at every stage of life — whether opening a student account, buying a first home, setting up a business, or planning for retirement.

For start-ups, NatWest offers straightforward, accessible banking solutions designed to simplify launching and running a new business. This includes easy account opening, cost-effective banking, and expert guidance to empower entrepreneurs to take confident first steps.

For growing and established SMEs, NatWest provides an extensive suite of business current accounts, lending options such as loans and overdrafts, and digital tools that integrate with popular accounting software. These services enable businesses to manage cash flow efficiently, access flexible financing to support expansion, and streamline operations with user-friendly technology.

Additionally, NatWest offers specialist sector knowledge in key industries like manufacturing and technology, alongside dedicated entrepreneurial support. One key initiative is the NatWest Accelerator, which provides high-growth potential businesses with tailored mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to expert advice to accelerate their development and success.

Committed to building lasting partnerships, NatWest Business combines specialist advice and proactive support with innovative digital solutions, all aimed at helping businesses take action and succeed in a dynamic marketplace.

Discover more about how NatWest Business can help businesses grow at www.natwest.com/business.

 

About Mettle by NatWest

Mettle is one of NatWest’s  business bank accounts, giving everyone the financial empowerment to work for themselves. It’s built for contractors, freelancers and small businesses.

Mettle is recognised as a leader in the digital banking sector, recently winning the Best Business Bank Provider at the prestigious British Bank Awards. Mettle also made a notable debut in the CMA Service Quality Survey in 2025, where it ranked second overall in the league table for service quality in its first year of inclusion.

Customers can apply for a UK business account with a unique sort code and account number in minutes. The account provides essential digital features for cash flow management, including the ability to create and send customised invoices and seamlessly connect with popular accounting software. Customers can also access dedicated support via an in-app chat feature that connects them to real people.

The Mettle platform includes easy-to-use bookkeeping and tax-related tools. This is further enhanced by offering all customers free, full access to FreeAgent accounting software, provided they make at least one transaction per month.

Mettle is driven by a diverse and integrated team of engineers, product managers, and analysts, leveraging the latest technology to continually enhance the user experience. Mettle remains committed to developing features that help customers find the financial empowerment to turn their professional passion into genuine opportunity.

 

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Melrose, Media Relations Manager, NatWest

stephanie.melrose@natwest.com | +44 (0) 7966212576

 

Notes to editor

  • The Start Gap Report was commissioned by NatWest and conducted by OnePoll in September 2025.
  • The survey polled 1,000 aspiring business owners across the UK.
  • Aspiring business owners are defined as individuals who are considering starting or have taken steps to start a business.

 

*Full survey question response data:

Which, if any, of these do you most doubt about yourself when it comes to starting a business? [Select one]

%

My confidence in selling or marketing my service/product

17%

Creating a comprehensive business plan

11%

My ability to take calculated risks

11%

My ability to stay motivated

11%

Understanding and managing finances

10%

Adapting to changing market conditions and customer needs

9%

Building and maintaining a strong professional network

7%

My problem-solving under pressure

6%

My leadership skills

6%

Other

0%

N/A - I don’t doubt myself, I’m just not ready yet

8%

Not sure

3%

Prefer not to say

1%

 

* Eligibility criteria apply. NatWest Group results Q3 2025, Savanta MVBB survey. To verify email checkit@natwest.com.

The information contained in our press releases is intended solely for journalists and media and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Terms and conditions apply to any products or services mentioned in our press releases.

Related press releases

All stories & press releases
scroll to top