governance, succession, long-term investment horizons and multi- generational planning.
growth finance, enhancing regional delivery models and ensuring that mid-market businesses are embedded within national and local growth strategies. For family businesses specifically, many of the recommendations emerging from the ScaleUp Institute’s research align closely with the Council’s agenda: stronger access to decision-makers, better connections to talent and leadership development, more visible growth support, and improved awareness of the finance and innovation opportunities already available.
From research to action: the Mid-Market Growth Council
Recognising both the economic significance of the sector and the historic lack of focus on its unique needs, NatWest convened the Mid- Market Growth Council (MMGC) in 2025, chaired by NatWest Group CEO Paul Thwaite and supported by HM Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. The Council was established directly in response to the findings of The Critical Middle and provides a unified voice for mid-market businesses – bringing together Government, business leaders (including FBUK Chair Steve Rigby) and industry bodies to champion policies that unlock growth. Since the launch, the Council has helped raise the profile of mid-market firms within Government and worked towards establishing a clearer UK- wide definition for the segment. Importantly, the Council – which defines a mid-market firm as one with revenue between £10 million and £100 million and/or 50 – 500 employees – has also ensured that mid-market businesses are increasingly recognised as a distinct and strategically important segment of the economy, whose needs differ from both SMEs and large corporates.
Building the future together
Family businesses represent some of the very best of British business. Their values, resilience and commitment to future generations make them uniquely positioned to help drive the UK’s next chapter of growth. The evidence is compelling. Mid- market family businesses are already contributing billions to the economy, creating jobs across every nation and region, and investing in innovation, exports and people. Through initiatives such as the MMGC, our network of Mid-Market Champions and the continued investment in specialist relationship banking, NatWest is committed to helping family businesses scale, innovate and succeed. Because when family businesses grow, the benefits extend far beyond the business itself. They strengthen communities, create opportunity and build lasting economic prosperity for generations to come. *This data is based on NatWest’s report, Mid-Market Corporates: The Critical Middle Scan the QR code to view
Strengthening support where it matters most
At NatWest, we recognise that growth happens locally.
Earlier this year, we appointed Mid- Market Champions across all 12 regions and nations of the UK. These Champions provide visible regional leadership for the segment, helping to amplify the voice of mid- market businesses, gather regional insight and ensure local priorities inform the work of the MMGC. For family businesses, this regional approach matters. The ScaleUp Institute’s research confirmed that many growth challenges are place- based – whether that’s access to talent, new markets, investors or local support networks. By strengthening regional representation and engagement, the Champions will help ensure that mid-market family businesses can access the support they need closer to home. Alongside this, NatWest continues to invest in one of the UK’s largest face- to-face business banking networks, with nearly 1,000 Relationship Managers nationwide. We are also enhancing training and specialist expertise so our teams better understand the unique characteristics of family-owned businesses, including
Looking ahead: priorities for year two
Now in its second year and with strong foundations in place, the Council is focused on driving measurable outcomes for the segment. Key priorities include improving market access, supporting international trade and exports, strengthening talent pipelines, increasing awareness and access to
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