NatWest Group has unveiled a £20bn funding commitment aimed at accelerating economic growth across the North of England over the next decade, with housing, infrastructure and regeneration among the key areas targeted for investment.
The pledge was announced by NatWest Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Thwaite at the Great North Investment Summit, where the bank outlined plans to support regional development projects through direct funding, private capital mobilisation and partnerships with combined authorities.
The investment programme will focus on housing and the built environment, transport infrastructure, clean energy, climate resilience and regeneration projects, as part of wider efforts to strengthen regional economies and support long-term growth across northern England.
Within housing, NatWest says it will work with housing associations and local partners to help accelerate housing delivery and improve existing stock, building on its wider £10bn national lending ambition for housing associations.
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
The bank also plans to support investment into rail, road and airport infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy generation, grid upgrades, retrofit programmes and flood defence projects.
NatWest says the commitment forms part of its broader “Growing Together” strategy aimed at backing regional growth across the UK.
The announcement comes amid growing calls for greater devolved powers and long-term regional funding settlements. Research commissioned by NatWest found that 65% of senior business decision makers believe giving regional leaders greater control over funding and investment decisions would improve investor confidence.
DEEP ROOTS
Paul Thwaite (main picture), CEO of NatWest Group, says: “This commitment reflects our confidence in the North as a growth engine for the UK.
“We can see the strength of ambition across the region, and the scale of projects coming forward in housing, transport, energy and infrastructure.
“NatWest Group has deep roots in the North and an on-the-ground presence across its many communities, so we understand both the opportunity and what it takes to deliver it.
“Our role isn’t just to provide finance, it’s to connect capital with local ambition — working in partnership with combined authorities, business and investment partners to accelerate growth.”
NatWest highlighted several existing projects already backed across the North, including a £364m sustainable finance package supporting Newcastle International Airport’s net zero ambitions, and a £106m funding package for Broadacres Housing Association to help deliver affordable homes across North Yorkshire and surrounding regions.
