Barclays is to launch its first Eagle Lab in Manchester City Centre later this year.
The lab, situated in Bruntwood’s Union building in Albert Square, will be “a space for ambitious entrepreneurs to scale and grow their business and receive advice”.
Eagle Labs are co-working and innovation spaces set up by Barclays to help businesses network, collaborate and grow. There are 17 across the UK, with Barclays staff on site offering entrepreneurs advice on how to grow their businesses.
Union has recently undergone a £5m transformation to offer high-quality workspace and offers businesses a prime location opposite Manchester Town Hall.
The 12,000 square foot Lab will be laid out over two floors with a coffee shop which will be open to the public, an 80-seat auditorium, co-working and breakout space at street level and a combination of private offices, meeting rooms and breakout spaces on the first floor.
Ben Davey, CEO of Barclays UK Ventures said: “Manchester has thrived on a spirit of innovation and industry – a spirit that led to the development of the world’s first programmable computer.
“Technology is now transforming the speed at which start-ups can grow and scale and by providing world class space and practical resources alongside our financial and business expertise, our mission is to help individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses to innovate, network and ultimately succeed.
“We recognise the importance of supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and accelerating high-growth companies, and the vital role they play in creating a sustainable, prosperous Manchester economy.”
