NatWest and Google Are Making Startups AI Ready, Here’s How

NatWest has started working with Google Cloud to help small businesses use AI and cloud systems. The work is linked to NatWest’s Accelerator, a programme that supports startups across the UK.

Through this partnership, Google Cloud will give access to tools and technical advice, helping early-stage companies build and test ideas. NatWest announced that the help will be given through the Accelerator app and at hubs across the country. These hubs are already used for mentoring and events.

Startups using the Accelerator will also get credits from Google Cloud. This allows them to run their systems without paying large fees. In many cases, this might be the first time these businesses can use this kind of technology in their daily work.

Google staff will also train businesses on how to use these tools properly. The training will cover AI and digital marketing. This is expected to be helpful for startups that want to grow without hiring large tech teams.

The two companies want to make it easier for smaller teams to work smarter, especially those without much technical background. The tools themselves are already available to bigger companies, but for newer businesses, this opens a door they might not have had the keys to.

 

What Did The Research Say About Some Businesses?

 

NatWest looked at how 1,000 businesses work across ten sectors. They found that the ones growing steadily tend to use data when making big decisions. In the research, 92% of the businesses that were seen as “fast-moving” used data regularly when deciding what to do.

These businesses also started using AI earlier than most. They were almost twice as likely to have done so. NatWest’s report makes it clear that businesses using data and digital tools seem to make decisions faster, which helps them stay ahead.

There’s also a link between confidence in digital tools and growth. Startups that already use these systems often take quicker decisions and test ideas more often. The idea behind the Accelerator is to help other businesses get to that point too.

The research didn’t name individual companies but looked at patterns. Businesses that make use of their data are often quicker to change direction or try something new.

For newer businesses still learning how to work with these tools, training from Google could be useful. The aim seems to be to close the gap between those already using AI and those who haven’t started.

 

What Is The Pitch Competition About?

 

For this work, NatWest has launched a £1 million pitch competition. Google Cloud is involved too. The event is set up to find and support early-stage businesses with smart ideas and plans to grow.

Five shortlisted entrepreneurs delivered 15-minute pitches in Manchester on 31 July. They had to explain what their business does, how it has grown, and what they plan to do next. One winner will receive £70,000.

 

 

Judges looked at how each business works, how it makes money, and how it would use the prize. Although only one wins, all five businesses get attention and support through the process.

Events like this help startups meet others and get advice they might not get elsewhere. For some, the feedback and links made during the pitch could matter more than the money itself.

This pitch contest also helps the public see what kind of businesses the Accelerator supports. It’s not just about tech. It includes anything from creative industries to manufacturing or services, as long as the business has space to grow.

 

Why Is This Important For Small Businesses And Startups?

 

For new and small businesses, tools like AI and cloud systems can be hard to reach. They cost money and often need technical knowledge. This partnership makes them easier to access.

The Accelerator gives free access to training and space. Google Cloud brings tools and systems that would otherwise cost too much. Together, this lowers the barrier for businesses that want to try new ideas.

Many startups struggle in the early stages because they can’t test their ideas properly. This setup gives them a chance to do that. It helps remove cost and technical limits without changing the way they work.

More businesses using AI doesn’t mean every business becomes a tech business. But it could mean more of them make decisions faster, market better, and compete fairly, even if they’re small.

Darren Pirie, Head of the NatWest Group Accelerator, said, “The support we provide to small businesses on the NatWest Accelerator unlocks and accelerates growth right across the UK – helping businesses to boost their turnover, secure investment and scale5.

“With technology evolving at an extraordinary pace, we are working hard to ensure that our customers are supported to develop the digital skills they’ll need to drive their growth. By embedding access to Google’s world-class expertise across our Accelerator, we are providing the practical support needed to help entrepreneurs understand AI and the benefits it could have for their business – so they can step into the future with the confidence and skills they’ll need to grow.”

Darren Mowry. Vice President, Global Startups at Google Cloud, said, “Google Cloud is committed to helping UK businesses thrive by providing them with the digital skills and technology they need to innovate. By working with the NatWest Accelerator, we can directly support a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, providing them with access to training, resources, and Google Cloud tools to help them scale their ventures.”