Barclays backs TechHub Manchester
TECHHUB, the new space for Manchester technology start-ups, has secured Barclays as one of its main sponsors.
Based at Carver’s Warehouse, Piccadilly Basin, it will launch next month as a franchise of the original London TechHub.
The London site has big name backers – Google; Financial Times publisher Pearson; and BlueVia, a platform for developers owned by Telefonica.
Co-founders Ben Hookway and Martin Bryant told TheBusinessDesk.com earlier in the month they were in talks with potential sponsors and were targeting tech brands, large corporates and “local heroes”.
In a statement TechHub said Barclays would, “collaborate with TechHub Manchester in its mission to help technology companies develop new products in the heart of Manchester city centre”.
No details were given on the commercial details but Mr Hookway previously said such tie-ups were not just financial but would help bridge the gap between small start-ups and large corporate markets.
“How does a three-person tech start-up engage with a large corporate?” he said. “It can be a big gap to bridge. The corporate sponsorship angle is as much about access and start-ups understanding the market.”
He added: “Large corporates can play a really big role in helping start-ups understand the market in which they’re selling.”
The tie-up also reflects an increasing eagerness on the part of the professional services sector to attract business from technology, media and telecoms (TMT) clients.
Graham Bastin, head of infrastructure and site executive at Barclays Technology Centre at Radbroke Hall, Knutsford, said: “As a major IT employer in the region, we have a responsibility to the local community and, with other regional companies, we want to establish sustainable ways to promote technology across the North West with partners like TechHub Manchester.
“There are many entrepreneurs and start-ups with great ideas and ambitions about the future of digital and mobile technology. They will benefit from access to space, infrastructure and support as we help the next generation of technological innovators to fulfill their potential.”
In the statement Mr Hookway said: “We’re thrilled that Barclays is partnering with us to develop the technology community in Manchester and the North West. This is a major endorsement for TechHub Manchester and excellent support for the growing technology start up community in the region.”
There are two types of membership for TechHub, a hot desking deal for £350, plus VAT, and a ‘resident’ pass which costs £225, plus VAT, per desk. Both give access to the other TechHubs in London and Riga, as well as events. There will around 50 desk spaces and room for a further 30 hot deskers.
