NatWest Report Highlights Data-Driven Decision-Making in Business Growth

In a significant revelation, NatWest Group has published its 'Future Fit 2025' report, indicating that 90% of high-performing businesses are increasingly reliant on data for decision-making. The report, launched on July 24, 2025, serves as a strategic guide aimed at helping UK businesses navigate the complexities of the contemporary economic landscape and achieve sustainable growth.
The 'Future Fit 2025' report synthesizes findings from in-depth research involving over 1,000 senior executives across various sectors. According to NatWest's Head of Commercial Mid-Market, Andy Gray, “This report offers a roadmap for you to follow to grow faster and ensure your organisation not only meets today’s demands but is prepared for what lies ahead.” The emphasis on data-driven decision-making is underscored by the finding that 92% of Future Fit businesses attribute their decision-making processes to data analytics, thus positioning themselves to outperform competitors significantly.
The report outlines actionable strategies and provides real-life examples of businesses that have transitioned successfully from challenges to opportunities, further emphasizing the critical role of technology and data in achieving competitive advantages. The integration of data analytics allows businesses to gain a real-time understanding of their performance metrics and market dynamics.
Key findings from the report include: 1. **Sustainability Initiatives**: Approximately 68% of Future Fit businesses connect their sustainability investments with long-term commercial objectives, thereby enhancing their competitive edge. 2. **Supply Chain Collaboration**: The report indicates that 53% of high-performing companies involve suppliers in significant decision-making processes to optimize supply chain management and enhance resilience against market fluctuations. 3. **Talent and Skills Mapping**: Nearly 48% of these businesses actively identify and plan for the skills necessary to navigate future challenges, ensuring they remain competitive. 4. **Investment in Technology**: The report highlights that Future Fit companies are investing in innovative technologies and data analytics capabilities, crucial for making informed decisions swiftly.
The insights presented in this report follow the findings from NatWest's previous 'Critical Middle' report, which suggested that an increase of just 1% in growth among mid-market businesses could potentially add £35 billion to the UK economy by 2030.
Among the businesses cited for their exemplary data use is Switch Management, a hospitality firm that has effectively harnessed data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. John Angus, Managing Director of Switch Management, notes that, “We’ve leveraged data to surface new opportunities to save costs and become more sustainable.” This commitment to data-driven practices has facilitated the implementation of environmentally friendly initiatives, such as the installation of ground source heat pumps and a shift from plastic to bamboo key cards.
The Future Fit framework presented by NatWest empowers business owners to craft tailored growth strategies that align their organizational purpose with operational performance, ultimately preparing them to thrive even amidst disruption. As UK businesses face an increasingly competitive environment, the insights from the 'Future Fit 2025' report may serve as a pivotal resource for fostering resilience and long-term success in the marketplace.
For further details and actionable insights, interested readers can explore the full report via the NatWest Future Fit hub.
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