Better Business / Better Business
‘I think it is so important we get behind young people’
Matt Hatcher is the director of NatWest Commercial Banking, leading an experienced relationship management team across the West of England.
Matt has often worked closely with small to medium-sized businesses in Bristol and beyond to help them achieve their ambitions and in doing so, help support the prosperity of the West of England’s regional economy to make it a great place to live and work for all.
Matt is also a business fellow at the University of the West of England and a business mentor.
He spoke to Bristol24/7 about what makes a Better Bristol.
What’s the one thing that inspires you to get up in the morning?
My golden retriever Chester! Seeing his face in the morning all full of life is an instant pick-me up. I also look forward to helping meeting the businesses we support at the bank. Bristol and the surrounding area boasts an inspiring array of ecosystems and businesses across multiple sectors – many of which are world-leading. It’s an honour to be helping these businesses to thrive.
If you could pick one thing to change about Bristol what would it be?
To deliver more affordable housing to help younger people get on the housing ladder. I think it is so important we get behind young people in ways like this, to transform their lives and help give them a foundation to then achieve other things in their lives.
NatWest’s Bristol accelerator hub, a six-month programme for entrepreneurs with high growth businesses who are looking to scale up – photo: Andrew Lloyd
What does a Better Bristol mean to you?
A more inclusive economy reflective of our multi-cultural heritage. That heritage is something we should all be proud of. Our diversity is our strength and we need to do more to recognise that and build a city that engages and supports everyone.
What action could you as an individual take? What action could your company take?
I would mentor a young person. I would love to use the experience I have to help inspire someone else to reach their goals and break the glass ceiling. As a bank, I’m looking for us to build on our work in the city and embrace a social mobility strategy and support Our City 2030 initiative.
What do you want to see from the Bristol business community in the next five years?
I would love to see a continued focus on businesses delivering their net zero ambitions by 2030. It’s so crucial to the future of the region’s economic growth and our futures as a whole. We’re passionate as a bank about supporting that drive for change.
Main photo: Tusko
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- ‘It can be simple conversations that ignite inspiration’
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