State of the Nation with Natwest

Join us for State of the Nation – an exclusive economic briefing designed specifically for the local business community.

Hosted in partnership with NatWest and Woking Chamber of Commerce, this special event welcomes Marcus Wright, Senior Economist at NatWest, who will deliver a clear and insightful analysis of the UK’s current economic landscape, and what it means for businesses of all sizes.

As we navigate an evolving trading environment in 2026, Marcus will unpack the key national trends shaping the year ahead, including interest rates, inflation, consumer confidence, and business investment patterns. His expert analysis will provide clarity on the opportunities and challenges facing local organisations and offer practical insight to help leaders plan with confidence.

What you’ll learn

• Actionable insights to support strategic planning and decision-making
• A forward-looking view of the UK economy and market conditions
• Greater clarity around growth prospects, funding, and operating costs
• The opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders and partners

This is a must-attend event for business owners, directors, and decision-makers who want to stay ahead of the curve and position their organisations for success.

Meet the speaker

Marcus Wright leads the Forecasting and Scenarios team within NatWest’s Economics division, using economic analysis to help shape the Bank’s strategy. He develops scenarios that support key processes including budgeting, IFRS 9, ICAAP, and regulatory stress testing.

A member of the NatWest Economics team since 2011, Marcus has developed deep expertise across the economic forces shaping UK performance, including monetary policy, housing, and labour markets. Prior to joining NatWest, he worked for an investment trust covering China, emerging markets, and commodities, and in consultancy undertaking impact assessments of public sector interventions.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Marcus also has particular interests in the energy transition, geopolitics, and the US economy. He holds a first-class degree in Economic Science from the University of Aberdeen.

Register here to secure your place.