NatWest Group has appointed Mid-Market Champions across 12 UK nations and regions as part of its “Growing Together” strategy, aimed at strengthening support for medium-sized businesses and accelerating regional economic growth.
The appointments were announced at a Mid-Market Growth Council reception hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at 11 Downing Street on 10 March, marking the first anniversary of the council.
NatWest said the new champions will provide visible regional leadership for mid-market companies, helping the bank deepen its understanding of regional economic priorities while strengthening engagement with businesses and policymakers.
Recent research commissioned by the bank indicates strong demand for this type of representation. Nine in ten mid-market companies surveyed said a visible regional leader would support their organisation’s growth, while 91% said it would help drive economic growth within their region. A further 89% said regional representation could strengthen policy engagement with devolved administrations and local government.
Mid-market companies — typically defined as medium-sized enterprises — are often deeply embedded within regional economies. According to NatWest, around three-quarters of such organisations say their local regions are fundamental drivers of economic growth.
Rachel Reeves said the initiative aligns with the government’s wider economic priorities around regional development.
“Our economic plan is the right one and central to it are strong regions powered by medium-sized businesses,” she said. “It’s clear those businesses will welcome Mid-Market champions and their role to support regional growth across the country.”
NatWest Group chief executive Paul Thwaite said the initiative would build on the bank’s existing position in the segment.
“As the number one bank for mid-sized businesses, this initiative will further strengthen our regional footprint, enabling an even deeper understanding of mid-market customers and accelerating their growth,” he said.
“The potential of mid-markets should not be underestimated; just 1% growth in this segment could add £35bn to the UK economy, with £24bn of that outside the South East of England.”
NatWest estimates that mid-market companies play a significant role in employment across several UK regions, accounting for 24% of jobs in the West Midlands, 23% in North East England, and 22% in Yorkshire. In Scotland and the Humber region the figure rises to 27%.
Collectively, mid-market companies employ more than 1.2 million more people than large non-financial corporates, according to NatWest data.
The newly appointed champions will feed regional insights into the Mid-Market Growth Council, a forum bringing together business leaders, representative bodies, and government to identify barriers to growth and develop policy responses.
NatWest said the regional leaders will work closely with local businesses to understand customer needs, shape regional priorities for the council, and strengthen the bank’s role as a convenor of business networks across the UK.
More than 50 mid-market business leaders attended the Downing Street reception alongside council members. The event highlighted the segment’s contribution to employment and regional economic activity, as well as the importance businesses place on stronger regional representation.
NatWest said the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting mid-sized companies and the local economies in which they operate, particularly across the UK’s devolved nations and regions.
You must be logged in to post a comment.