Bruntwood launches £2m technology hub

Platford

Manchester-based commercial property company Bruntwood is to open a £2m technology hub in Leeds this year.

The news follows hot on the heels of Bruntwood subsidiary, Manchester Science Partnerships’ successful tender to establish a £2m Tech Hub at Oxford House in Manchester, focused on data science and digital start-ups which was announced at the end of last year.

Bruntwood, the largest regional property developer and operator in the UK, has secured a £2m funding award from Leeds City Council to open a Tech Hub aimed at digital start-up companies and tech entrepreneurs within Platform, its new flagship building located at the city’s mainline rail station.

Chris Oglesby, chief executive of Bruntwood, said: “The North has a vibrant and fast-growing digital economy, which will be enhanced by both Manchester and Leeds Tech Hubs.

“Both facilities will be offering truly supportive environments for digital entrepreneurs to thrive by accessing high quality business growth support and an extensive network of funding partners.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to be Leeds City Council’s partner to deliver this exciting and strategically important new Tech Hub for the city region.

“We have a long-term commitment to Manchester and Leeds, and both cities will play a key role in driving the Northern Powerhouse economy forward. The two Hubs will operate in partnership and we can drive meaningful connectivity and valuable collaboration between these two Northern tech clusters for mutual benefit.”

The Leeds Tech Hub, which will be operated in close partnership with the city council, Complete Resourcing and other partners from the city’s digital community, will support more than 1,000 new jobs over the lifetime of the project.

Platform, due to open this summer, will provide an inspirational home for Leeds’ digital sector, fostering innovation and collaboration. It will also offer a focal point to bring the wider regional tech community together, and a showcase for international investors.

Oglesby added: “We are committed to working in collaboration with partners across the Leeds tech ecosystem. Our consortium has considerable experience in successfully growing tech businesses and job creation, securing inward investment, leveraging the local knowledge and talent base and attracting leading accelerator brands.”

The Tech Hub consortium bid partners include specialist talent support services company – Complete Resourcing, leading full service national law firm – Shoosmiths, and independent media and technology company – HeBe Works.

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