Barclays is new partner in Avenue HQ

Barclays has been revealed as a major new partner at Avenue HQ, a new, 16,000sq ft, flexible workspace facility opening on the Liverpool Waterfront.

‘Avenue HQ Liverpool supported by Eagle Labs’ will open its doors this month (June, 2017), and Barclays will be an integral part of the 200 seat co-working site, bringing its maker space to the incubator with 3D printers and laser cutters.

It is aiming to support rapid prototyping for all members and access to resources including expert mentoring – giving Liverpool’s start-up and scale-up communities a crucial boost.

Liverpool is the eleventh Eagle Lab Barclays has opened, after success in locations such as Salford, London and Cambridge.

Andrew Gornall, Barclays’ head of SME in Liverpool said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with Avenue HQ and this launch will further our investment in the North West’s entrepreneurs.

“The city’s businesses are hungry for flexible workspace and we want to help local entrepreneurs to win the ‘champions league’ of growth and job creation.

“Liverpool is famous for its culture, buildings and people, and has long been at the forefront of industry – providing a network to the rest of the world.

“Technology is transforming the speed at which start-ups can grow and scale. Simply having access to a 3D printer can now help people turn a clever idea into a business success overnight, and by providing practical resources alongside our financial expertise we intend to help people succeed.

“The Eagle Lab at Avenue HQ will take our relationship with local entrepreneurs one step further, providing them with access to our specialist high growth team, the tools and resources that will help them accelerate growth.”

The space at Mann Island, a stunning waterside location overlooking the historic Albert Dock, will be specifically designed around the needs of local entrepreneurs, businesses and communities and reflects Liverpool’s strength in creative and digital industries and its growing technology cluster.

The Lab is supported by local Barclays’ Business teams who will be on hand to offer support to local businesses. Barclays will also have High Growth Managers on site to provide support to local companies and entrepreneurs.

Matthew Kennedy, co-founder and chief executive of Avenue HQ, said: “Avenue HQ was founded to deliver high quality collaborative spaces where startups can work alongside, and be supported by, established businesses.

“We are therefore delighted to secure this partnership with Barclays for our site at Mann Island.

“Combining our flexible membership packages, workspace and events spaces with expert support, extensive events calendar and maker facilities, we will create a central hub for businesses of all sectors and sizes.”