NatWest names mid-market champions for the East and West Midlands

NatWest Group has appointed dedicated mid-market champions for the East and West Midlands as part of its plan to drive growth in regional economies. 

Laura Suffolk, regional director for the commercial mid-market in the West Midlands, has taken the reins as the region's first mid‑market champion.

Recent NatWest research shows that nine in ten of mid-market businesses say a visible regional leader would support their company growth (90 per cent) and help economic growth in their region (91 per cent). Additionally, 89 per cent 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.

Suffolk said: "Mid-market businesses are at the heart of the West Midlands economy. From advanced manufacturing and engineering to services and tech, they create skilled jobs, drive innovation, and fuel growth.

"Yet these firms often sit in the 'critical middle' and receive less attention than small businesses or large corporates. NatWest's focus on the mid-market, with dedicated mid-market champions, aims to change that.

"In the West Midlands, I will work closely with customers and partners to ensure their voices are heard nationally, and that they gain the insight, investment and tailored support needed to scale, compete globally, and continue boosting our region’s prosperity."

Taking on the champion role in the East Midlands is regional director Anne-Marie Hunt. 

She said: "Mid‑market businesses are the backbone of the East Midlands economy – creating high‑quality jobs, investing in skills and driving growth in towns and cities right across the region.

"In the East Midlands, I'll be working closely with our customers, local partners and policymakers to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear – and to ensure they can access the insight, funding and support they need to keep investing, innovating and backing our region’s long‑term growth."

Paul Thwaite, group chief executive, NatWest, added: "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 per cent growth in this segment could add £35bn to the UK economy, with £24bn of that outside the South East of England."