The University of York has formed a partnership with NatWest to expand enterprise support and strengthen the region’s business ecosystem. The agreement includes the creation of an onsite NatWest Accelerator hub on the York campus, giving early-stage and scaling firms access to workspace, mentoring and business development programmes.
Entrepreneurs will also be able to use a digital platform offering continuous learning tools and resources. The partnership places York among a small group of universities involved in NatWest’s latest accelerator rollout, including Oxford and Manchester. York is one of only two institutions to secure a physical hub.
Robert Begbie, CEO Commercial & Institutional Banking, NatWest Group said: “This partnership is about bringing the best of the University together with the best of NatWest. It uses NatWest’s 10 year experience of accelerator hubs and puts that together with the amazing research and entrepreneurialism that there is at the University to create more businesses that support the local economy and help Yorkshire grow.
“I think the role of a good bank is to help the wider economy and the wider communities in which it operates in, so partnering with impressive reputable institutions such as universities allows us to bring what we’re good at together with what universities are brilliant at and that’s for the greater good of the community.”
NatWest data shows that companies completing its Accelerator programme record an average annual turnover increase of 104%. By hosting the hub, the University aims to support the growth of high-value businesses, encourage job creation and convert research-led innovation into commercial ventures. The initiative broadens existing enterprise activity at the institution and increases access to expert networks, funding routes and sector-specific guidance for businesses across the region.
