Deloitte, Equifax and FreeAgent join as partners to NatWest entrepreneur scheme

ACCOUNTANCY giant Deloitte, credit reporting agency Equifax and accounting software provider FreeAgent are the latest partners to join NatWest’s entrepreneur accelerator programme, which provides support to thousands of young businesses across the country.

The three organisations will provide a blend of consultancy and accountancy support, data and SME credit guidance, and SME accounting software to businesses that are part of the cohort, NatWest said.

They join Dell Technologies and Pinsent Masons, who have also extended their existing partnerships as the programme’s technology and legal partners, respectively.

940 new entrepreneurs joined the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator programme this month, including 56 fintech firms. This is twice the amount of fintech firms that joined in the April 2018 cohort, due to an increasing focus on innovation, NatWest said.

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NatWest’s initiative provides free mentoring, insight and coaching for entrepreneurs who want to grow and scale their business. The high street bank does not take an equity stake in these businesses.

On average, businesses that are joining the hub have an average annual turnover of £406,000.

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“Entrepreneurs are a crucial component of the UK economy,” said Robert McKechnie, senior manager, vertical propositions at Equifax.

“It’s essential for them to receive the help and opportunities needed to thrive and grow and this is an important part of our approach to supporting UK businesses. From our relationship with NatWest we’ve seen first-hand how it supports entrepreneurs and we’re thrilled to partner with them to combine our capabilities in this space.”

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