NatWest has announced that its Milton Keynes Accelerator will be relocating to the Cranfield University city centre campus; the MK:U Innovation Hub. This move marks a significant step forward in strengthening support for small business owners and entrepreneurs across Buckinghamshire and the wider region.
The relocation will provide access to expanded and enhanced facilities, a high tech and accessible location, just minutes from the central train and bus stations, and a rejuvenated programme offering, designed to meet the evolving needs of growing businesses.
By situating the Accelerator within Cranfield University’s innovation-led environment, participants will benefit from closer links to academic expertise, research, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The NatWest Accelerator has been a cornerstone of business support in Milton Keynes for almost ten years, helping thousands of entrepreneurs to scale, build resilience, and develop leadership capability.
The move to MK:U reflects a shared commitment between NatWest and Cranfield University to drive inclusive economic growth, foster innovation, and empower a diverse community of business owners.
Debbie Lewis, Accelerator Community Manager at NatWest, said:
“This move represents an exciting new chapter for the Milton Keynes Accelerator. By partnering with Cranfield University and embedding our programme within the MK:U Innovation Hub, we can offer even greater value to entrepreneurs, through improved facilities, enhanced learning opportunities, and stronger connections to innovation and talent.”
Kristian Mackie, Head of Innovation at Cranfield University, added:
“We are delighted to welcome the NatWest Accelerator to the MK:U Innovation Hub. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to support innovation, skills development, and business growth in the region. Together, we will create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive.”
The new location will enable the Accelerator to expand its reach, supporting a broader and more diverse group of entrepreneurs; from early-stage startups to established businesses looking to scale. Participants will continue to benefit from NatWest’s fully funded programme, including coaching, co shared workspace, peer-to-peer support, events, expert-led workshops, and access to a powerful network of mentors and industry specialists.
The NatWest Accelerator is open to customers and non-customers, is completely free of charge, and open to all small business owners who live in the UK. Not local? NatWest have 15 Accelerator hubs across the country and an entirely online community for those unable to visit our physical locations.
The move is expected to happen in the autumn, with coworking applications already open for the larger workspace and events opening soon.
For more information and to join the community: download the NatWest Accelerator App from your Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore, create a profile and join the MK community in app, or email miltonkeynesaccelerator@natwest.com
