Member Article

Fred Done backs Manchester's digital future to be big winner

The founder of the ‘Betfred’ national betting chain, Fred Done, believes Manchester will become Europe’s digital capital and has backed his judgement by investing £100,000 in the city’s technological future.

Mr Done, who has been impressed by Manchester City council’s vision to deliver a truly digital city, has ploughed his money into start-up business Degree 53.

The company launched in August and specialises in innovative mobile, web design and build services.

Now Mr Done is backing Degree 53, which is based at The Sharp Project digital hub in east Manchester, to be his next big winner.

Degree 53 is led by Andrew Daniels, the MD and creator of the business. Andrew has a decade’s experience in mobile technology and has implemented major projects in gaming and new media.

The firm, which occupies the largest space at the Sharp Project, already develops all of the bookmaking chain’s mobile phone and tablet apps.

Fred Done said: “Manchester is leading innovative development and I truly believe that by nurturing young talent, the city will become the digital capital of Europe.

“I identified Andrew as an amazing talent when he joined Betfred as Head of Mobile Development two years ago. His industrious attitude and entrepreneurial spirit really stood out. I bought into Degree 53 knowing that it will deliver an outstanding digital design and build service for every customer.”

Mr Daniels employs a team of thirty digital specialists and plans to recruit up to forty more within the next 18 months. The company’s rapid development will create dozens of job opportunities for newly qualified IT and business graduates.

He said: “Manchester’s infrastructure and huge student population confirm its place as the perfect base to build an innovative high-tech business. The city is bursting with talented graduates with a real appetite for delivering exciting digital projects.”

He has his sights set firmly on expanding the company’s client portfolio by offering multi-channel services across the industries, including retail, leisure and entertainment.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .