Angellica Bell: TV presenter supports NatWest campaign to boost investor confidence
Yorkshire has an “investment confidence gap” with large numbers of residents saying they grew up in households where investing was never discussed, according to new research from NatWest.
NatWest has launched a campaign with consumer finance broadcaster Angellica Bell, challenging common misconceptions and encouraging people to start small and build understanding of investments over time.
A study of 5,000 UK adults carried out by NatWest has concluded that more than three quarters (77 per cent) of Yorkshire people grew up in households where investing was never talked about.
However, despite this, more than a quarter (28 per cent) of respondents in Yorkshire are ‘investment curious’ but are yet to take their first step, with hesitation to invest driven by fear of making a mistake (36 per cent) and a desire for better understanding of investing (27 per cent).
Aroma Khan, NatWest Investment Expert, said: “At a time when many people are carefully managing their money and thinking hard about their financial priorities, we understand that investing may not feel like the right step for everyone. But for those who are in a position to save, investing can still feel out of reach, either because it was never talked about growing up or because it seems like you need a certain level of knowledge or money to get started.
"That’s why we’ve launched this campaign: to help break down those perceptions and support people in understanding whether investing is right for them, at a pace that works for them. We want to help more people feel confident enough to explore that first step, if and when they’re ready. In reality, it’s often about starting small, for example through something like a Stocks and Shares ISA, building understanding over time and recognising that you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one.
"By making investing feel more accessible and achievable, we hope to support people in turning that initial curiosity into informed action.”
Ms Bell said: "People often assume investing is something you need to have all figured out before you start, that you need the right salary, the right amount saved, or the right moment. But that's rarely how anything in life actually works. I've learned that in plenty of situations myself. Whether it was moving into a new role or picking up new skills later in life, the confidence came from doing it, not from waiting until everything felt perfectly in place. Investing doesn't have to be different. A small step is still a meaningful step, and you build from there.”