The Business Growth Tool You Aren’t Using: A Guide to the NatWest Accelerator

If you’re a UK-based entrepreneur, solopreneur, startup or business owner, I’d highly recommend checking out the NatWest Accelerator.

The NatWest Accelerator is a thriving community for entrepreneurs providing a range of support for you to grow your business.

In addition, the Accelerator offers access to free co-working spaces at their physical hubs across the UK, which feature business events, workshops, networking opportunities, and a vibrant, supportive community of founders.

• Belfast (Ulster Bank, Donegal Square)

• Birmingham (St Philips Place)

• Brighton (Elm House, University of Brighton)

• Bristol (Trinity Quay, Avon Street)

• Cardiff (One Kingsway)

• Coventry (The Junction Building, University of Warwick)

• Edinburgh (Princes Street)

• Glasgow (Royal Bank of Scotland, Queen Street)

• Leeds (Whitehall Quay)

• London (Bishops Square, Brushfield Street / Moorgate)

• Manchester (Spinningfields Square)

• Milton Keynes (Midsummer Arcade)

• Newcastle (The Lumen, St James Boulevard)

• York (Innovation Centre, University of York)

Even if you’re an established business, I’d highly recommend joining your local Hub to gain access to these co-working locations. They are amazing venues to meet fellow business owners.

What is the NatWest Accelerator

While the co-working space offered by the Accelerator is a brilliant benefit, the the Accelerator programme itself delivers four core pillars of growth designed to help you:

• Find funding: Learn how to map out investment options and structure a pitch.

• Unlock new markets: Strategies to scale up sales and understand target audiences.

• Develop leadership skills: Tailored topics covering strategic planning and decision-making.

• Access expert mentorship: One-to-one coaching and masterclasses from experienced business voices.

In addition, NatWest have offered a prize pot of £1m, given out in a series of competitions. You can find out more and apply directly via the NatWest Accelerator Pitch portal.

Inside the Newcastle NatWest Accelerator

My local Accelerator, the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hub, is an absolutely beautiful location on the 4th floor of the Lumen building, overlooking the City of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the River Tyne, and the rolling hills of nearby Gateshead.

Since I stepped away from my own business to start my “future life“, I’ve been enjoying doing some mentoring with local business owners.

Led and managed by the wonderful Nickie Kilkenny and Jaemi Glancy, the Newcastle Hub has proven to be an amazing place to have as a co-working spot, and I’ve enjoyed dropping in to the hub to meet and chat with the next generation of entrepreneurs and exciting new startup businesses.

What’s more, the Accelerator has kindly hosted the first two meetups of 404 – Stress Not Found (with a 3rd meetup scheduled for Sept 17th 2026!), a non-profit organisation supporting mental health within the tech industry. I joined the board of 404 in 2025, and the Accelerator’s support in hosting event meetups has been invaluable.

How to join the NatWest Accelerator

Joining the NatWest Accelerator is free and simple via the NatWest Accelerator App.

You can download the app for iOS and Android or use the “Join Now” button on the NatWest Accelerator website.

Once installed, select Join a Group > Accelerator Hubs > select your local accelerator > Join the Community

After you’ve joined, if you’d like access to the coworking space or meeting rooms, select Hub Membership > Apply for Hub Access > Apply

Conclusion

I don’t work for NatWest, nor do I have an affiliation with them, but I felt the need to shine a light on the NatWest Accelerator as I think it is a hidden gem for the UK business community.

There’s no cost to joining the NatWest Accelerator, and the support they offer to local businesses is amazing.

Plus, I speak from experience when I say that being an entrepreneur or business owner can be a lonely gig. Therefore, I’d highly recommend joining your local Accelerator Hub to meet like-minded fellow founders.

Were you aware of the NatWest Accelerator before? If so, what has your experience been? As always, I’m interested in hearing from you. Do feel free to get in touch!