NatWest has issued an exceptional announcement that will benefit up to 360,000 people across the UK, including Birmingham, by launching a new support community for military entrepreneurs ahead of Armed Forces Day. The bank has deepened its partnership with X-Forces Enterprise, a Community Interest Company, to help ex-military personnel and their families start and grow businesses with tailored access to its Accelerator community.
Veteran-Owned Businesses on the Rise
Research supported by X-Forces Enterprise found that around 6% of small businesses in Great Britain are veteran-owned, representing approximately 340,000 veteran-led small businesses. These enterprises span sectors from defence, logistics and security to construction, retail, and hospitality, among many others. The initiative aims to support more service leavers, veterans and their families as the number of veteran-owned businesses continues to grow across the UK.
Tailored Support via NatWest Accelerator
Through the partnership, the armed forces community will receive tailored support via the NatWest Accelerator, including mentoring, expert guidance, peer networks and access to funding opportunities. A new dedicated section within the Accelerator app, created specifically for ex-military entrepreneurs and their families, will enable founders to connect, collaborate and share experiences.
Bank Leaders Highlight Impact
Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator and Partnerships at NatWest, said: “The armed forces bring exceptional leadership, resilience and problem-solving skills to business. By working with X-Forces Enterprise, we want to remove barriers and help more ex-military founders turn their ambitions into successful, sustainable companies.”
Ren Kapur MBE, CEO at X-Forces Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to be the exclusive Armed Forces Community partner with NatWest on this important initiative. It is a great testament to Big Business supporting Small Business and offers our beneficiaries and the wider military community practical support to thrive, overcome hurdles and build resilience in a fast-changing economy.”
Part of NatWest’s Growing Together Plan
This work forms part of NatWest’s wider efforts to back UK entrepreneurs and strengthen regional growth through its Growing Together plan, which focuses on expanding opportunity, supporting innovation and helping businesses scale across the country.
