- NatWest Cymru to relocate its Welsh head office to One Central Square, Cardiff, underlining commitment to Wales and the Welsh economy
- The new headquarters will also house the Cardiff Accelerator Hub - supporting Welsh entrepreneurs and start-ups
- New chapter in NatWest’s Welsh roots that date back to 1700s
NatWest Cymru has announced plans to relocate its Welsh headquarters from One Kingsway to a new flagship office at One Central Square, Cardiff.
Located in the heart of Cardiff's business district, NatWest Cymru’s new home underlines its long-term commitment to Wales, its communities and the Welsh economy.
The new head office will act as a central base for colleagues, business customers and partners, while also strengthening the presence in Wales of Coutts, NatWest Group's private bank. Alongside NatWest Cymru's support for personal and business customers, Coutts provides private banking and wealth management services for clients across Wales. The move reflects NatWest Group's continued commitment to supporting customers at every stage of their financial journey, from everyday banking through to saving, investing and long-term financial planning.
One Central Square will also become the new home of the NatWest Cardiff Accelerator Hub – a dedicated space for Welsh entrepreneurs and start-ups. The NatWest Accelerator programme has already supported more than 500 Welsh entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses this year through free coaching, networking and expert advice, and the new hub will provide additional space for businesses to connect, collaborate and grow in the heart of Cardiff.
NatWest Cymru is also committed to making the new location a truly Welsh space, with visible Welsh language branding and services for customers and colleagues in both Welsh and English. This builds on the bank's wider commitment to Welsh language services, including a dedicated Welsh language customer line and Welsh-language ATM services.
NatWest’s roots in Wales stretch back over two centuries, beginning with local banking partnerships such as David Morris & Sons in Carmarthen in the late 1700s and expanding through historic banks like Crawshay, Bailey & Co and Richards & Co. Many of NatWest’s Welsh branches trace their origins to National Provincial Bank, which played a pivotal role in serving Welsh communities and businesses throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Adam Price, Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said:
“A thriving business district in our capital city is essential to Wales’ economic prosperity, and NatWest Cymru’s decision to establish its new Welsh headquarters at One Central Square demonstrates strong confidence in Cardiff’s property market and in Wales as a whole.
“As a newly elected government we are committed to fostering a strong culture of entrepreneurship in Wales, and we share NatWest’s ambition to help entrepreneurs and start-ups build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”
Paul Thwaite, Chief Executive Officer, NatWest Group, said:
"Our investment in a new NatWest Cymru head office is a statement of our confidence and our ongoing commitment to Wales. We have supported Welsh customers for generations and we want to continue to be a partner in its future – with expert teams that understand the needs and ambitions of our customers across the country.
Backing powerful nations and regions sits at the heart of our Growing Together strategy. By bringing together the expertise and knowledge of our NatWest Cymru and Coutts colleagues, as well as an expanded Accelerator space, in the centre of Cardiff’s business community, we're strengthening our ability to support economic growth, unlock opportunity and help power Welsh ambition”.
Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Board, said:
“Being based at One Central Square puts us right at the heart of the Welsh economy – so we can back the people, businesses and entrepreneurs driving growth across the nation.”
"NatWest has been part of Wales's story for more than 200 years. While the economy has changed over that time, our role has remained the same - supporting customers, businesses and communities across the country, and helping them succeed."
“What began as a collection of regional banks supporting farmers, traders and industrial pioneers has grown into today’s NatWest Cymru – as a trusted partner for future Welsh growth
“We’re proud to open our doors at One Central Square and continue providing services in both Welsh and English, ensuring everyone feels welcome. Our Queen Street branch will remain open as usual for everyday banking.”
The move is being led by a senior team with deep roots in Welsh communities, including Jessica Shipman; Kirstin Jenkins (Local Director, North & West Wales); Kate Banks (Local Director, South East Wale); Gemma Yorke, Director South Wales Business Banking & West Wales Commercial Banking; Siwan Rees, NatWest Accelerator Community Manager; and Christopher James, Head of Lombard in Wales.
The new office will span 650 sqm in total and provide desk space for up to 70 in addition to a client meeting and event suite.
Siwan Rees, NatWest Accelerator Manager:
“Moving our Accelerator Hub to One Central Square marks a powerful new chapter for NatWest Cymru and the entrepreneurs we support.
“While our journey began years ago in our original Cardiff location, this investment in a new, state-of-the-art space signals our continued belief in the ambition and potential of Welsh business. We are proud to provide a home where the next generation of Welsh entrepreneurs can connect, innovate, and grow - right in the heart of the city.”
The move reflects NatWest Group's Growing Together strategy, which recognises that a stronger UK economy requires strong nations and regions, and reinforces the bank's commitment to supporting Welsh businesses, entrepreneurs and communities. Alongside its banking services, NatWest Cymru works with communities across Wales through initiatives such as Thrive and Financial Foundations, helping people build financial confidence, develop skills and access opportunities to succeed.
Work has now started to refurbish the new offices and NatWest Cymru are expected to begin working from their new One Central Square home later in the year (Q4).
Notes to editors
David Morris & Sons – NatWest Group Heritage
David Morris & Sons traces its roots to a local banking partnership established in Carmarthen around 1790. Originally known as Morris & Sons and also referred to as Carmarthen Bank, the institution adopted the name David Morris & Sons by 1846. In 1868, it was acquired by National Provincial Bank of England, later renamed National Provincial Bank in 1924.
Crawshay, Bailey & Co
Private bank established in 1837 as Crawshaw, Bailey & Co. The Baileys were industrialists who owned the Cyfarthfa, Nantyglo and Beaufort ironworks and several collieries. The other partners were primarily bankers. The bank was established in Abergavenny and was also known as Monmouthshire Agricultural & Commercial Bank. Later, branches were established in Monmouth and Newport. In January 1868 the bank was taken over by National Provincial Bank of England. The bank's minute books recommended on 7 January 1868 'that the business of Crawshay, Bailey & Co Bankers at Newport, Abergavenny and Monmouth be purchased by this bank for the sum of £20,000.'
Richards & Co
Another early Welsh past constituent was Richards & Co, founded in Llangollen in 1854 and run as an offshoot from a local solicitors’ firm. It was the last private bank to be formed in North Wales. The bank was also known as Llangollen Bank and from 1863 as Llangollen Old Bank. In 1920 Richards & Co was sold to National Provincial & Union Bank of England of London (named National Provincial Bank from 1924). The partners at that time became local directors after the merger.
Richards & Co | NatWest Group Heritage Hub
National Provincial Bank
Many of NatWest’s branches in Wales trace their origins to National Provincial Bank of England (named National Provincial Bank from 1924), one of the two biggest historical constituents of NatWest and the origin of the ‘Nat’ in our name. Its very first branch was opened in Gloucester in 1834, followed by a second branch in Brecon in March 1834. The first branch in Cardiff was opened in 1835. Early branches in North Wales included Bangor and Holywell, both opened in 1839.
National Provincial Bank Ltd | NatWest Group Heritage Hub
