NatWest Group has appointed a dedicated mid‑market champion for the West Midlands – alongside similar roles in 11 other UK nations and regions – as part of its “Growing Together” plan to drive UK‑wide growth by backing regional economies and the mid-sized firms that power them.
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, giving West Midlands businesses a stronger voice in national discussions on growth, skills and investment.
Recent NatWest research shows that nine in ten of mid-market businesses say a visible regional leader would support their company growth (90%) and help economic growth in their region (91%). In addition, 89% 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. Mid-market firms remain deeply rooted in – and critical to – their local communities, with three quarters (74%) saying their regional economies are fundamental drivers of economic growth.
The appointment of the Champions is designed to address this directly, helping the Bank to drive stronger regional economies and be the trusted partner for the people building in those economies.
Steve Rigby, CEO of Rigby Group, said: “Mid-market businesses drive the West Midlands economy but often go unnoticed. NatWest’s recognition will give them a stronger voice and better access to essential support, helping them invest confidently, grow, and create jobs across our region. I’m proud to champion this vital sector and its future success.”
Laura 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.”
Paul Thwaite, Group CEO, NatWest, said: "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% growth in this segment could add £35bn to the UK economy, with £24bn of that outside the South East of England.”
Mid-market companies are crucial to regional economies, often employing a large proportion of their local community. They contribute most significantly to employment in the West Midlands (24%), North East England (23%), Yorkshire (22%), the Humber and Scotland (27%)2. In aggregate they employ more than 1.2million more individuals than large non-financial corporates2.
Drawing on deep regional expertise, the Champions will be a strong voice for mid-market businesses, feeding into the work of the Mid-Market Growth Council – a forum that brings together business leaders, representative bodies and government to provide a platform for this segment and drive action that supports growth. They will develop insights into local customer needs, shape regional priorities for the Council, and strengthen NatWest’s convening power to unlock growth opportunities across the country.
