TechHub picks Manchester for first base outside London

MORE space has been made available in Manchester to nurture technology start-ups.

TechHub, a London business which offers flexible space to entrepreneurs, is opening at Carver’s Warehouse in Piccadilly Basin, near Ancoats in November.

It is being launched by Martin Bryant, managing editor of tech news website The Next Web, along with Doug Ward, Shaun Gibson and Ben Hookway.

They have franchised the TechHub brand and concept which was set up in London by Elizabeth Varley. There is already a base in Riga and four more are planned around the world this year.

The idea is to help start-ups by giving them cheap access to an international network of individuals and offices.

The Manchester site will complement east Manchester’s Sharp Project – aimed at media and tech entrepreneurs, and Manchester Metropolitan University’s Innospace, which is targeted at graduate start-ups.

The media and tech sector is a major focus of Manchester’s landlords. Both Bruntwood and Spinningfields-owner Allied London are planning buildings dedicated to the sector.

TechHub Manchester has has agreed terms with Leeds-based landlord Town Centre Securities for two floors at the warehouse where there will be 50 desks. Extra “drop in” space will also be available.

Martin Bryant said: “Manchester has strong skills bases in the fields of computer science and digital creativity, coupled with a long heritage of mavericks with big, bold visions. That’s a great foundation upon which the city can nurture a new generation of ambitious technology companies with world-class, innovative ideas.

“There’s already a palpable buzz within the city’s startup scene that’s hard to ignore, and TechHub Manchester will be a focal point as this scene grows further. Having TechHub, a well-respected name amongst the international startup community, present in Manchester will be a key factor in growing the city’s reputation as a home for top international technology talent.”

TechHub co-founder and chief executive Elizabeth Varley said: “Right now, Manchester is buzzing, and we see it as an excellent addition to the growing TechHub network. I’m looking forward to greater collaboration between entrepreneurs and tech companies in the North and South of England.”

Richard Lewis, property director at Town Centre Securities, said: “This is a real coup for Manchester. To secure the first UK TechHub outside London is recognition of Manchester’s ambition to be the UK’s digital city and a major player in the global digital technology sector by 2020.

“TCS has its own aspirations to develop and support this sector, which has huge potential for growth. Carver’s Warehouse in Piccadilly Basin, right next to the city’s Northern Quarter and minutes from Piccadilly Station, is an ideal location for TechHub to be based.”