NATWEST Group has appointed a dedicated Mid‑Market Champion for the East of England – alongside similar roles in 11 other UK nations and regions – as part of its “Growing Together” plan to drive UK‑wide growth by backing regional economies and the midsized firms that power them. The announcement was made at the first Mid‑Market Growth Council reception, hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at 11 Downing Street on Tuesday evening (10 March).
Nicola Barker, Regional Director for the Commercial Mid‑Market in the East of England, has taken the reins as the region’s first Mid‑Market Champion, giving East of England businesses a stronger voice in national discussions on growth, skills and investment. She will develop insights into local customer needs, shape regional priorities for the Council, and strengthen NatWest’s convening power to unlock growth opportunities across the country.
Recent NatWest research shows that nine in ten of mid-market businesses say a visible regional leader would support their company growth (90%) and help economic growth in their region (91%). In addition, 89% of mid-market companies surveyed said that having a visible regional leader representing mid-market firms would be very or somewhat beneficial in influencing positive policy outcomes with devolved and local government. Mid-market firms remain deeply rooted in – and critical to – their local communities, with three quarters (74%) saying their regional economies are fundamental drivers of economic growth.
The appointment of the Champions is designed to address this directly, helping the Bank to drive stronger regional economies and be the trusted partner for the people building in those economies.
Tom Lyons, Managing Director of Black Swan Care Group in Norwich, said: “At Black Swan, we see mid-market businesses as a vital engine of the regional and national economy. These firms are often innovative, fast-growing and creating high-value jobs, yet they can sometimes be overlooked as attention tends to focus either on startups or large corporates. Being recognised and supported through NatWest’s focus on the mid-market is therefore really valuable, it highlights the important role companies like ours play and helps ensure the sector gets the attention and backing it deserves.”
Martin Newman, Managing Director of Blakely Clothing, based in Norfolk, said: “This was a fantastic business initiative by NatWest Bank to get forgotten middle market ranked businesses to number 11 Downing Street, to meet with similar sized companies and to share our growing pains with industry colleagues whilst taking the opportunity to influence the Chancellor and the government’s policy makers.”
Kathryn Hirst, Managing Partner at Hansells Solicitors, said: “Being formally recognised by NatWest as part of the UK’s mid‑market really matters to our business. Too often, mid‑sized firms sit in a gap between small businesses and large corporates and can be overlooked when it comes to profile, policy and support.
“This initiative changes that by giving us a clear voice at the table and a direct link into NatWest and Government through the new Mid‑Market Champions. It sends a strong signal that firms like ours are critical to jobs, investment and growth in regions like the East of England. For Hansells, that recognition and support will help us to invest with more confidence – growing our team, expanding the services we offer and backing our clients and communities across Norfolk and the wider region.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves commented: “Our economic plan is the right one and central to it are strong regions powered by medium-sized businesses. It’s clear those businesses will welcome Mid-Market champions and their role to support regional growth across the country.”
Nicola Barker, Regional Director for the Commercial Mid‑Market in the East of England, said: “Mid‑market businesses are at the heart of the East of England economy – creating jobs, investing in skills and driving growth in communities right across the region.
“Being recognised in this way and having a dedicated Mid‑Market Champion for our region, means those businesses now have a clearer voice in the national conversation and a direct route to feed in the opportunities and challenges they see on the ground.
“Through this role, I’ll be working closely with customers and partners to make sure the East of England is front and centre when it comes to the support, investment and policy needed to help our mid‑market firms grow and thrive.”
Paul Thwaite, Group CEO, NatWest commented: “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.
“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.”
By championing mid-sized businesses, NatWest Group reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainable growth and prosperity throughout the UK with a continued focus on devolved nations and regions.
