NatWest and University of Brighton launch new Accelerator Hub to power regional growth

Based in the University of Brighton's Elm House on our Moulsecoomb campus, the hub offers free access to professional workspaces, meeting rooms, expert-led workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities. Members will also benefit from a UK-wide online community supporting early-stage and scaling businesses.

The hub was officially opened on Thursday 14 May at an event attended by local business owners, students and industry leaders. The University’s Vice-Chancellor delivered opening remarks, alongside speeches from NatWest leaders Jon Neil and Darren Pirie.

Guests also heard from Apprentice star Mia Collins, with contributions from representatives at Google, Silicon Brighton and the University’s student community.

The opening supports the bank’s ‘Growing Together’ plan, focused on driving long-term economic growth by connecting entrepreneurs and businesses to the support, networks and funding they need to start, scale and succeed.

Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator, at NatWest said:

“The NatWest Accelerator offers a space where Sussex founders can truly thrive. Through our free membership, entrepreneurs can access the tools, expertise and networks they need to turn their ideas into successful, growing businesses. “By partnering with the University of Brighton, we’re bringing that support directly into the heart of the region and to Brighton’s next generation of businesses, helping turn innovative ideas and world-class research into high-growth businesses that can compete globally.

“There has never been stronger support for Brighton’s founder community. This is a city full of talent, ambition and ideas, and with the right network of support, Brighton can be home to the next big thing.”

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton, said:

“At the University of Brighton, we believe universities have a vital role to play in creating opportunities, supporting innovation and helping communities thrive.

“This new NatWest Accelerator builds on our longstanding work with businesses and partners across Sussex, helping organisations innovate, grow and connect with emerging talent. It’s about opening doors – for entrepreneurs with ambitious ideas, for businesses looking to grow, and for our students who want to develop the confidence, skills and connections to shape their futures.

“By bringing people together in one space to share ideas, build relationships and learn from one another, we hope that this partnership will help create meaningful opportunities that benefit people, businesses and communities across our region.”

The partnership forms part of NatWest’s wider collaboration programme with leading UK universities, designed to better connect academic expertise, research and innovation with entrepreneurs.

The new hub further strengthens Brighton’s position as a centre for innovation and high-growth enterprise. According to the Centre for Cities, Brighton and Hove has the highest concentration of “new economy” businesses in the UK, with 48.4 firms per 10,000 working-age people — well above the national average of 26.7.