Celebrating six years of Accelerator Collaboration!
Moon Executive Search is proud to support the NatWest Accelerator programme.
The Programme provides entrepreneur support to many start up and accelerator businesses across the UK though 14 Accelerator Hubs and Moon has worked closely with the team in the Bristol Hub since its inception.
The Hubs are fee-free, with no NatWest equity requirement and the businesses supported are non-sector specific with examples ranging from innovative service and product led businesses in the food and drink, digital, media, care, hospitality, charity and non-profit sectors.
The programme follows three clear routes and provides support for entrepreneurs for up to 18 months:
Business Builder: Anyone can apply and then gain access to national events, a programme of digital learning modules and a Facebook group. It is perfect for entrepreneurs at the idea stage.
Accelerator: Cohorts begin in April and October with entrepreneurs supported for an initial 6 months with a full 360-degree programme of workshops, coaching and events.
Next level Programme: This is for those who have been on the Accelerator for 6 months and are typically businesses that have moved to c£2m-£10m turnover and are scaling the size and scope of their business ambition.
What is most important are the key themes of community, coaching and network. The programme aims to look at high impact entrepreneurs i.e. those that are looking to scale and grow as individuals and who are open to challenge. Therefore, NatWest look for individuals who inspire collaboration and a willingness to share and learn with each other as one team. Their community spirit and engagement are a priority. In fact, their purpose is ‘Championing Potential of people, families and businesses’.
Both Simon Quinn, Director of Search and Vanessa Moon, Founding Director, at Moon are Accelerator Mentors and also get involved in the very popular ‘Power Panels’. A Power panel provides an entrepreneur with an opportunity to review their current business model, considering three ideas for the future or three current challenges for discussion. The Panel provides challenge, support and questions and gives vital feedback to the entrepreneur.
Simon comments, ‘I love attending the Power Panels and always find I learn as much from these as I give in feedback. There is a natural energy and enthusiasm to strive for growth and you can see the ambition in every business leader you meet.’ Vanessa adds, ‘at Moon we all feel it is so important to support start up and emerging businesses and what better way than to work with the NatWest Accelerator programme?! We have loved watching businesses grow and ‘graduate’ from the Hub.’
Catriona Tully from Linthar Consulting is one of the many mentors Moon had recommended to the Bristol Hub and Vanessa asked her why she got involved and what her findings have been to date. Catriona said:
‘I was delighted when Vanessa introduced me to the NatWest programme as I was keen to use my experience in Private Equity and business advisory to help up and coming entrepreneurs to navigate their way on their growth trajectory. I have been really impressed by the calibre, drive and commitment of the individuals and businesses that I have met along the way and the support that NatWest provides is life changing for many of them. It’s great to be part of the community, and I get to learn from them too!’
Charly Patrick, Entrepreneur Development Manager at the Bristol Hub, said:
‘Simon and Vanessa have been hugely engaged with us since the start of our Bristol Hub and have provided us with some great mentors. We love having them not only as business mentors themselves with all their connections, but also as a great resource for introducing other leaders as mentors.’
We look forward to working with the Natwest Accelerator program going forward and meeting more leaders that will drive change in the near future.