NatWest launches Oxford hub to support entrepreneurs

The hub, based at The Oxford Trust's Centre for Innovation, was launched in partnership with the University of Oxford and The Oxford Trust. It aims to provide founders with free coaching, practical business support, networking opportunities, and access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Emily Fallon, regional director of the NatWest Accelerator, said: "Oxford has an outstanding track record of turning great ideas into world-changing businesses. "The arrival of the NatWest Accelerator Hub adds another important opportunity for entrepreneurs, creating more ways for founders to learn from one another, access expertise and accelerate their growth. "As the UK's biggest bank for business, we're committed to backing entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, while strengthening Oxford's position as one of the world's leading innovation ecosystems." Led by Ryan Johnson, who has experience supporting founders across Oxford's innovation ecosystem, the hub is designed to help entrepreneurs connect with the city's network of investors, researchers, businesses, and mentors. The launch event featured one-minute pitches from ten entrepreneurs, who shared their ideas and technologies with an audience of investors, academics, business leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. The Oxford hub is part of NatWest's national network of 18 Accelerator Hubs, including recent openings in Brighton, York, and Wolverhampton. Olga Kozlova, director of innovation and engagement at the University of Oxford, said: "The University of Oxford is committed to helping founders turn breakthrough ideas into sustainable businesses. "The new NatWest Accelerator Hub adds an important piece of infrastructure to the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. "We're particularly pleased that this hub represents the first deliverable to be realised from the Equinox commitments agreed last November. "It demonstrates what can be achieved when universities, businesses, and regional partners work together." NatWest is also a partner of EnSpire, the University of Oxford's entrepreneurship programme, and a signatory of the Equinox initiative, which aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and investors. Nicki Campling, director of innovation and operations for The Oxford Trust, said: "We are delighted to welcome the NatWest Accelerator to our Oxford Centre for Innovation. "The Trust is committed to helping ambitious founders start, grow, and scale their businesses through our innovation centres. "Having the Accelerator based in our Oxford Centre will strengthen the support available to entrepreneurs across the region, creating even more opportunities to drive business growth within our thriving community." NatWest's additional support for founders includes venture banking and intellectual property lending. The Oxford Trust is an independent charity supporting science, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Oxfordshire through its innovation centres and business programmes.