In uncertain times it’s good to know that some things never change. When it comes to building a successful business, it’s those consistent relationships with colleagues, customers, suppliers or mentors that keep us in focus, and keep us feeling in control, even when all around is crumbling. That got us thinking internally, ‘how can we help to provide that constant source support for businesses?’ which lead us to launch Business Builder in April 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to hit hard.
Business Builder is our virtual tool to support businesses and business owners to upskill and grow at their own pace. Designed to be an intuitive, self-serve platform, it offers a TV streaming service-like approach to development, allowing you to log into an ever-expanding library of business support content as well as access a UK-wide network of business owners and a set of workshops, allowing you focus on core business topics alongside your peers.
Business Builder includes:
▪ Digital Learning – Whether you want to focus on your Business Model, your Customer Segments or your own Personal Development (to name a few), Business Builder’s modular approach means that you can work through the content alongside your existing business commitments and revisit topics as often as you like. The digital learning portal is a living library of content, with new modules added according to your needs and current affairs on a regular basis
▪ Online Community – Access our network of over 6,000 UK business owners, all keen to share their skills, partner or support with others to expand their offering or add value to yours.
▪ Wrap Around Workshops – We have 10 workshops designed to focus on a wide range of key topics such as how to write a great pitch, to putting a continuity plan in place, all in the company of other business owners, gaining fresh and relevant perspectives.
Business Builder is completely free and available to anybody whether you’re a NatWest customer or not. We understand and recognise the impact SMEs are going to have on our economic recovery over the coming months, and we’re delighted and excited to be supporting as many of them as possible. To take a look at our digital learning, book onto a workshop or access our community, simply register in a few moments by visiting: Business Builder Tomorrow begins today.
With so much going on, it’s so easy for us to find an excuse to cease our own development. That sales call or that employee review that always takes precedence, yes, it’s important, but so are you. As we move into 2021, make sure your development is a consistent focus as your business will flourish as a result.
As your local enterprise manager in Merseyside and surrounding areas, it’s my responsibility to support businesses in the community whether you bank with NatWest or not. I will look to add value and growth to SME’s to stay ahead of the curve, whether it be through one to one mentoring or by attending a local event – I am here to boost your business. Growth means different things to different businesses, so tell me what it means to your business.
Natalie Hughes, Local Enterprise Manager, NatWest, Natalie.Hughes@natwest.com, 07917 213381
