‘UK’s premier business awards for women’
Case Studies : NatWest
NatWest – Headline Sponsor
Over time, NatWest’s involvement has expanded significantly. They’ve sponsored the Enterprise Vision Awards, hosted events, participated on the judging panel and masterclasses, spoken at events, and actively engaged in Pink Link networking events and conferences, continuously championing female entrepreneurship.
Why did you choose to be involved with the EVAS?
When we first became involved with the EVAs in 2013, my role as an Enterprise Manager focused on supporting women in business. The awards naturally aligned with the businesses we worked with, particularly early-stage companies transitioning from micro to small enterprises (the “S” in SME). Between Pink Link and the EVAs, a strong community was being built, fostering recognition and celebration. As the bank was on a journey to support more women in business, it was a perfect alignment.
Heather Waters, Regional Enterprise Manager
How did NatWest hear about the awards?
NatWest was approached with a proposal and had several collaborative meetings with Coral. It wasn’t just about financial sponsorship; it was about understanding the vision behind the EVAs. From those discussions, NatWest initially sponsored the Inspirational Award and quickly became the headline partner. As the EVAs grew, our involvement deepened. Instead of just sponsoring an award, we transitioned into a full partnership, which continues to evolve.
About 5 or 6 years ago, we introduced the Outstanding Achievement Award, which cannot be nominated for. This award was created to recognize someone in a category who has consistently made a significant impact over time, even if there’s also an exceptional standout in that same category. These women often work under the radar, but their impact is tremendous.
The recognition varies, but it’s usually about the selfless impact they’ve had. It’s not about them, but about the people they’ve helped and the reasons behind their efforts. For me, that’s the most meaningful part of the EVAs.
Previous Outstanding Achievement Winners
L to R Debra Cartlidge of Deaf Village NW, Deborah Dixon of The Aaron Dixon Memorial Fund / CRY, Maggie Oliver of The Maggie Oliver Foundation
“It’s not about them but all the people they want to help and why helped and for that it is for me the best part of the EVA’s.”
How important is it for NatWest to be part of the EVAS community?
Our journey has focused on deeper engagement with the business community and giving back in meaningful ways. Being a purpose-driven organisation is central to NatWest’s mission, and we see the EVAs as a vital part of that commitment.
NatWest is dedicated to supporting individuals and businesses throughout their journey – from personal banking to business services. Our involvement in initiatives like the Rose Review, led by our former Chief Exec Alison Rose, exemplifies this commitment. The Rose Review was a turning point, shifting from simply identifying barriers to taking actionable steps to support female entrepreneurship.
Our continued partnership with the EVAs reflects our shared goals. We’ve expanded our involvement by hosting awareness events, participating in regional activities, and engaging with the Pink Link community. The NatWest Accelerator programme, workshops during lockdown, and ongoing discussions about what’s next are all part of our evolving approach.
This year, we’re introducing video content at the awards ceremony to further engage with the community. Successful partnerships are built on constant communication, and NatWest remains committed to adapting with the times to support small businesses and women in business.
Interested in Sponsorship and Marketing Opportunities?
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