North East entrepreneurs are invited to apply for expanding accelerator programme

Up to 2500 places will be available for free to entrepreneurs including places at the hub which is based in The Lumen, Newcastle. NatWest Group is the biggest bank for start-ups in Great Britain, banking around one in five businesses under two years old1. The bank’s Accelerator programme, which was recently ranked as the third best start-up hub in Europe for networking2, has supported thousands of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Alex Malley, 32, and Jenny McFadden, 27, are co-founders of Pretty Mama. The Newcastle-based business is a disruptive breastfeeding and maternity fashion brand aimed at empowering mothers on their nursing journey. They joined the Newcastle Accelerator in September 2023. Jenny said: “Since being on the programme, we have learned that there is so much business help for SMEs and, the hub team are willing to share contacts with entrepreneurs to help achieve their business goals. Over the past year, our business has benefitted from the programme because we have been surrounded by the right people. We have made connections with other entrepreneurs within the cohort and externally to scale our company.” Businesses with high growth potential benefit from a range of support through the NatWest Accelerator hubs. This includes expert coaching, access to a wide network of like-minded peers, and a programme of thought leadership and events. Ben Russell, 38, is the Managing Director of Integrity Energy Solutions (IES) - an award winning, MCS/NICEIC accredited electrical contractor with a dedicated focus on the green, sustainable, and renewable energy sectors. Ben joined the Accelerator in March 2023. He said: “Through the one-to-one coaching programme, IES have been able to develop key aspects of the business and most importantly it has provided accountability to deliver. As a result, IES have gained access to new markets through the implementation of a strong marketing strategy and an internal CRM System allowing us to build a stronger reputation in the market. “The NatWest Accelerator has pushed us be better and to track goal setting and objective progress resulting in us scaling the business and achieving more revenue.” The programme is free for participating businesses and entrepreneurs do not need to give up any equity in their business to take part. NatWest operates 13 physical and digital accelerators across the UK and applications for the next intake closes on Friday 16 August. Sophie Gowling, Accelerator Manager, said: “The North East is home to many innovative and exciting new businesses, and we recognise the importance of providing expert support to help them grow.” Nickie Kilkenny, Accelerator Community Manager, added: “Businesses in our Newcastle Accelerator will be not only have access to our regional ecosystem but will also benefit from our wider accelerator network as part of our ambition to recruit 2,500 businesses onto our accelerators.” As part of NatWest’s continued support of the local business ecosystem, Heidi Simpson has been appointed as Regional Enterprise Director. Heidi will be leading enterprise teams across the North of England and Scotland as they help businesses scale and grow. Entrepreneurs can apply for the programme which can be found on our website. The deadline for applications is 16 August. -Ends- Notes to editors This press release is for media use only and is not a financial promotion.

1. Based on the % of 586 businesses, less than 2 years old, that name a NatWest Group brand as their main bank (20%). Source: MarketVue Business Banking from Savanta, YE Q1 2024. Data weighted by region and turnover to be representative of businesses in Great Britain.
2. Financial Times, Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs

For more about Pretty Mama visit: https://prettymama.co.uk/ For more about IES visit: https://integrityenergysolutions.co.uk/ Photos: Ben Russell of Integrity Energy Solutions Alex Malley, left, and Jenny McFadden of Pretty Mama For further information contact Kate Visser, [email protected] 07970 947694