NatWest & the Growth Guarantee Scheme · UK 2026

NatWest Growth Guarantee Scheme 2026 — how to apply, and how NatWest GGS compares

NatWest (including RBS and Ulster Bank in their respective markets) is one of the most active high-street GGS lenders by volume, with a long track record across CBILS, the Recovery Loan Scheme and now the Growth Guarantee Scheme. It is a strong choice for existing NatWest customers across most mainstream sectors.

In one sentence

Independent broker — not affiliated with NatWest. The Business Hub is a UK credit broker, not a lender and not connected to NatWest. We reference NatWest because it is an accredited Growth Guarantee Scheme lender. We help you compare NatWest’s GGS terms against other accredited lenders so you can choose the best fit — you can of course also apply to NatWest directly.

Is NatWest the right GGS lender for you?

NatWest (including RBS and Ulster Bank in their respective markets) is one of the most active high-street GGS lenders by volume, with a long track record across CBILS, the Recovery Loan Scheme and now the Growth Guarantee Scheme. It is a strong choice for existing NatWest customers across most mainstream sectors.

Best suited to: Existing NatWest / RBS business customers across mainstream sectors wanting a Government-backed term loan.

The honest reality — and where comparison helps

NatWest writes good GGS volume, but like any high-street bank it underwrites to its own appetite and timelines. Comparing the NatWest offer against specialist non-bank lenders on the same panel is the only way to know you have the best available rate and structure.

That is exactly what a whole-of-panel enquiry is for: see NatWest alongside the other accredited lenders, then pick on rate, term, speed and security — not just on who you already bank with.

How to apply

How to apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme with NatWest

You can approach NatWest directly, or run one enquiry through us and we’ll include NatWest-style options alongside the wider accredited panel. Either way the scheme rules are the same.

  1. Check eligibility. UK-trading SME, group turnover up to £45m, at least 50% of turnover from trading activity, a viable proposition, and not in financial difficulty. See full GGS eligibility.
  2. Get your paperwork ready. Latest filed accounts, 3–6 months’ business bank statements, management figures and a clear use of funds.
  3. Compare lenders. Put your case to NatWest and to other accredited lenders so you can see the real spread on rate, term and speed — see the full panel.
  4. Apply & complete. Submit to your chosen lender, satisfy underwriting and any personal guarantee, then draw down. Specialist non-bank lenders typically fund in 5–15 working days; high-street banks 4–8 weeks for a new-to-bank case.

Start a single GGS enquiry →

FAQ

NatWest Growth Guarantee Scheme — FAQ

Does NatWest offer the Growth Guarantee Scheme in 2026?

Yes — NatWest is an accredited lender under the British Business Bank Growth Guarantee Scheme, the UK Government-backed successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme. Accredited lenders can offer GGS-backed term loans, and in some cases overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance.

How much can I borrow from NatWest under GGS?

The scheme allows £25,001 to £2,000,000 per business group. The amount NatWest — or any accredited lender — will actually offer depends on your filed accounts, bank statements, the use of funds and director affordability.

Is The Business Hub part of NatWest?

No. The Business Hub is an independent UK credit broker, not a lender and not affiliated with NatWest. We help you compare NatWest’s GGS proposition against other accredited lenders. You are always free to apply to NatWest directly.

Should I just go to NatWest, or compare lenders?

NatWest writes good GGS volume, but like any high-street bank it underwrites to its own appetite and timelines. Comparing the NatWest offer against specialist non-bank lenders on the same panel is the only way to know you have the best available rate and structure. Comparing accredited lenders side by side is the simplest way to be confident you have the best available rate, term and speed for your situation.

Will I need a personal guarantee?

Often, for material directors — this is common across all GGS lenders, including NatWest. Importantly, British Business Bank rules state that your principal private residence cannot be taken as security under the Growth Guarantee Scheme.

Compare NatWest against the whole GGS panel

One short enquiry. A single soft search across the British Business Bank accredited lender panel — including bank and non-bank lenders. Indicative offers within one working day.

Start your GGS enquiry →
Explore the GGS hub

Everything UK SMEs need to know about GGS — and the wider government funding picture

Every page below feeds the same panel of British Business Bank-accredited GGS lenders. Pick the deep-dive that matches your question, or jump to grants and alternative funding routes.

AP
Written & reviewed by Andrew Pickett, Director — The Business Hub. The Business Hub is a UK FCA-registered credit broker (The Business Hub Group Ltd, Companies House 17194022). Our finance guides are written and checked in-house against current lender criteria and FCA guidance, and are for general information — not financial advice. Last reviewed: 29 May 2026.