NatWest Group has agreed to sell Mentor, its employment law, HR, health and safety, and environmental management consultancy business, to Empowering People Group, the specialist services business backed by Limerston Capital.
NatWest said it will continue to offer access to Mentor’s services on a referral basis after the transaction completes, reflecting what it described as ongoing demand for specialist HR support across its Commercial Mid-Market and Business Banking operations. The acquisition is expected to complete in Q3 or early Q4 2026.
The sale fits into NatWest’s continuing focus on simplification and core banking activity. Robert Begbie, C&I CEO NatWest, said: “This sale marks an important step in our strategy to simplify and focus on what matters most to our customers and colleagues. And an exciting next phase for Mentor; becoming part of a specialist business and industry expert with complementary services.”
He added: “We’re confident that Mentor will continue to thrive under Empowering People Group’s ownership, and we look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with Mentor and the Empowering People Group in the future.”
Empowering People Group said the acquisition expands a platform that already provides HR and Health & Safety support alongside SRA-regulated employment law expertise from offices across the UK. Rena Christou, Group CEO Empowering People Group, said: “Mentor is a natural and complementary fit — with aligned values, proven track records and a shared commitment to high standards. We are excited about the opportunity to build something even stronger and deliver even greater impact to the market.”
Christou added: “Together we are creating a broader, more comprehensive proposition and bringing together enterprise-scale HR capability with deep H&S and environmental strength across the SME market.”
Financial terms have not been disclosed. What the announcement does make clear is that NatWest intends to preserve customer access to Mentor’s services through referrals, while handing ownership to a buyer whose focus is squarely on specialist people, compliance, and workplace advisory support.
Completion remains subject to the usual closing process, with both sides targeting finalisation in the second half of 2026.
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