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• Appointments Strengthen Bristol Accelerator Team
• Flagship Event: Inside the Economy – 2026 UK Outlook on 22 January
• Driving Growth: NatWest’s Commitment to South West Entrepreneurs

 

Bristol, UK – [Wednesday, 17 December] – NatWest Group is set to accelerate Bristol’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape, today announcing two pivotal appointments to its Accelerator Hub.

Chris Blues and Olivia Holmes join the Bristol Accelerator team as Acceleration Managers, combining expertise in start-up growth and commercial banking with a shared mission to help businesses scale and succeed. They’ll work hands-on with entrepreneurs to turn ideas into thriving ventures.

Their arrival signals NatWest Group’s commitment to building a strong, connected community for start-ups and SMEs across the South West – creating real opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Chris Blues brings a wealth of experience in start-up growth, impact investment, and innovation to the Bristol Hub. From leading AI sustainability programmes with Microsoft to raising a venture capital fund for tech with purpose, Chris has championed businesses driving real change. His appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Olivia ‘Liv’ Holmes is a homegrown success story, rising through NatWest Group from the Bath branch in 2022 to supporting SMEs in Bristol as Assistant Relationship Manager. Now, as Acceleration Manager, she brings her commercial banking expertise and passion for start-ups to help businesses thrive. Her journey reflects NatWest’s commitment to local talent and community impact.

 

Chris commented: “NatWest is all about helping entrepreneurs turn big ideas into reality, and I’m excited to be part of that mission. In Bristol, I want to create spaces where founders feel supported, can grow their businesses, and bring game-changing ideas to life. It’s about building a community that shapes a better future.”

 

Olivia stated: “NatWest has shown me the power of backing entrepreneurs, and I’m excited to bring that energy to the Bristol Accelerator. This is about giving start-ups what they need to grow – funding, networks, and the right skills. My goal is simple: make Bristol and the South West the go-to place for ambitious businesses and a real driver of growth across the region.”

 

The NatWest Accelerator Hub in Bristol provides year-round support for early-stage businesses. Its services include guidance on funding and sales, access to external speakers, and connections to local networks and partners. These resources are available through the NatWest Accelerator App, which brings all support into one platform.

The Bristol Hub has worked with hundreds of businesses and is part of NatWest’s wider Accelerator Programme, which has supported more than 10,000 entrepreneurs across the UK. Local success stories include Truestart Coffee, a purpose-driven brand now in major retailers like Waitrose and Ocado, and Nubyen, a beauty and wellness brand with an international presence in giants such as Walmart and CVS.

On 22 January, the Bristol Hub will host its flagship event, Inside the Economy: 2026 UK Outlook where NatWest Principal Economist, Stephen Blackman, will share forward-looking insights on the UK economy, covering key business and labour market trends, international trade influences, and the economic signals shaping the year ahead. The session will also explore how big data is transforming economic analysis.

Stephen has worked in both the public and private sectors, including universities, and provided economic advice and insight to senior leaders for over 20 years. The event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the region, alongside NatWest teams and local stakeholders. It offers a rare opportunity to gain expert economic insight and connect with peers for strategic networking and collaboration.

 

Pam Sheemar, NatWest’s Regional Accelerator Director, said “I’m delighted to have Olivia and Chris leading the Bristol Accelerator Hub and powering our message to the entrepreneurs of the south west region, championing growth and businesses confidence. The Inside the Economy event will provide an invaluable insight for our entrepreneurs to unlock the market intelligence that they need to succeed ad I would encourage people to book their places now.”

 

For those wishing to attend Inside the Economy: 2026 UK Outlook and experience first-hand what the NatWest Accelerator Hub has to offer new start-ups should register on Bristol NatWest Accelerator Eventbrite page.