University of Brighton and NatWest join forces to launch new business hub to drive innovation and SME growth in the region

The hub, based in Elm House, home to the University’s School of Business & Law, will provide free access to dedicated workspace, expert mentoring, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and tailored growth programmes designed to help SMEs scale, create jobs, and strengthen the regional economy.

This collaboration brings NatWest’s proven Accelerator Programme – which has supported thousands of SMEs to grow and scale over the past decade – back to the city. Brighton is one of four leading UK universities partnering with NatWest on this initiative, alongside the University of York, the University of Manchester, and the University of Oxford as part of Equinox, a new regional economic growth partnership.

At Brighton, entrepreneurs will benefit from a collaborative environment that connects business founders with students, academics, and industry experts, alongside online resources and export support.

Professor Catherine Robinson, Dean of the School of Business and Law at the University of Brighton, said:

“This partnership reflects our distinctively Brighton approach to business education – connecting students, educators and businesses in ways that create real-world impact. By hosting the NatWest Accelerator Hub in our School of Business & Law, we’re strengthening the University’s position as a regional hub for innovation and SME growth and giving our students unique opportunities to engage with industry, enhance their employability, and develop entrepreneurial skills.”

Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator & Partnerships, NatWest Group, said:

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our ambition to partner with leading UK universities to strengthen the UK’s innovation and startup ecosystem, driving growth, business productivity and creating high-value jobs across all regions of the country.

“Through our Accelerator we bring our tried and tested formula for growth through a combination of knowledge of local networks, national expertise, regional specialist sector and venture banking services to provide targeted support for early-stage businesses, student entrepreneurs and University spinouts.

“Our commitment to working with the University of Brighton and helping businesses scale with confidence reflects our belief that inclusive innovation ecosystems are key to unlocking long term regional prosperity, and we’re proud to be part of shaping that future.”

This partnership complements the University’s delivery of the hugely successful Help to Grow: Management programme, strengthens its reputation as a regional leader in SME support, and aligns with its commitment to real-world, practice-based learning. For students, the hub will create opportunities to work on live briefs, collaborate with businesses, and build networks that enhance career prospects.

The School of Business and Law’s commitment to supporting local enterprises is further demonstrated by its Small Business Charter accreditation, awarded for its influential work with SMEs and start-ups and its focus on local growth and regeneration – values that sit at the heart of both the school and the university.

The NatWest Accelerator Hub at Elm House will open in early 2026, with registrations now live. Entrepreneurs interested in joining the NatWest Accelerator community can visit natwest.com/accelerator for more information.