University of Brighton showcases role driving regional growth as NatWest Chair visits campus

The University of Brighton welcomed NatWest Group Chair Rick Haythornthwaite to its Moulsecoomb campus as part of an event highlighting the vital role universities play in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth across Brighton and Sussex.

Mr Haythornthwaite was welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kene Igweonu and Dr Maria Diakoum, Subject Lead Built Environment and Civil Engineering, who led a tour of the university’s Advanced Engineering Building. The visit showcased how the University’s world-class facilities and applied research are fostering tech innovation and supporting regional industries – as well as preparing its graduates to be key contributors to the workforce of the future.

Following the tour, Rick joined local business leaders and Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle for the 2030 Prosperity Alliance Business Founders Roundtable, held at the NatWest Accelerator Hub in the University’s Elm House building. The 2030 Prosperity Alliance brings together business leaders, economists and civic figures to explore ways to boost economic growth and prosperity across the UK.

Chair of NatWest Group Rick Haythornthwaite with Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Kene Igweonu

The visit highlighted the University of Brighton's role as a major civic and economic partner for the region. Alongside its teaching and research, the University works closely with businesses, entrepreneurs and public sector organisations to support innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

The visit also reflected the university’s wider commitment to supporting local communities and tackling inequality, highlighted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Donna Whitehead’s appointment this year as Co-Chair of the Whitehawk Pride in Place Board to help guide local regeneration.

Among the business leaders taking part in the roundtable was Kyriakos Baxenavis a proud double alumnus of the university, and prominent local entrepreneur behind Brighton and Hove businesses, as well as the founder of the collaborative business platform Brighton Hive.

Professor Kene Igweonu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Rick Haythornthwaite to Brighton to show how partnerships between higher education and industry can drive economic vitality. From research in our Advanced Engineering Building to support for local entrepreneurs through the NatWest Accelerator, we are committed to nurturing local business and preparing tomorrow’s workforce.”

Rick Haythornthwaite, Chair of NatWest Group and the 2030 Prosperity Alliance, said:

“The UK has many strengths, from world-class universities and deep capital markets to innovation and entrepreneurship. The challenge is turning those strengths into sustained prosperity.

“Universities play a pivotal role, sitting at the heart of innovation ecosystems, which are key to unlocking opportunities and long-term regional growth. Backing founders like those I met today is fundamental if we are to close the gap between Britain’s potential and its recent performance and create greater prosperity and opportunity in every part of the UK.”

As home to the NatWest Accelerator Hub and a delivery partner for programmes such as Help to Grow, the University supports founders and business leaders from across Sussex to develop new ideas, scale their organisations and create jobs. Building on this work, the Accelerator will also host a series of Circular Economy Bootcamps in 2027, delivered by SOENECS and commissioned by Brighton and Hove City Council, helping local businesses adopt more sustainable practices and prepare for the transition to a greener economy.