Lay member profile

Natalie is a Senior Manager in the British Business Bank’s Strategy, Policy and Economics team, where she shapes policy to address regional imbalances in finance and reduce barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Recognised for her commitment to small businesses in the East Midlands and for championing greater diversity in corporate boardrooms, she was awarded an MBE for Services to Businesses in the East Midlands in 2023.

With over two decades of experience in fostering environments that help entrepreneurs thrive, Natalie has utilised her expertise to a variety of organisations, including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Nottingham Playhouse, and Obu Invest. Her work at the FSB involved leading initiatives such as the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Local Skills Improvement Plan, collaborating with employers, education providers, and stakeholders to create growth opportunities for small businesses.

Natalie’s role on the Board of Trustees at Nottingham Playhouse has seen her contribute to strategic and business decisions and serve as an ambassador to raise awareness of the theatre’s work among business networks and local communities. Across all her roles, she draws on a broad skill set encompassing government liaison, policy development, stakeholder management, and data analysis to create compelling, evidence-based strategies that serve the needs of SMEs.

Through her leadership at the British Business Bank, Natalie continues to drive impact by working to ensure every entrepreneur—regardless of background or location—has access to the finance and support necessary to start and grow a successful business. Her dedication to regional growth, advocating for small enterprises and promoting inclusive leadership remains at the heart of her work.