Member Article

Barclays opens new entrepreneurial hub in Manchester

Barclays’ Chief Executive, Antony Jenkins will today open a new entrepreneurial hub in Manchester, aimed at inspiring and nurturing entrepreneurs and start-ups.

The Manchester Escalator, at 231 Deansgate, is a new collaborative space run by Barclays and Central Working, which will tap into the high growth business segment in Greater Manchester.

It will give entrepreneurs access to state-of the-art workplace in which to meet clients, collaborate with peers and access skills-based workshops and training, creating the optimum environment for entrepreneurs to thrive.

It will bring the magic of the growing Central Working business club to the city. Membership is open to professionals from the finance, technology, social enterprise, education, healthcare and gaming industries.

The Escalator has two meeting rooms for up to 12 people, featuring wide screen TVs and VOIP conference phones, along with 20 co-working seats, multiple break out areas and chill out spaces and an onsite coffee shop.

It will have free WiFi, a state of the art auditorium featuring a nine screen video wall and a powerful sound system.

The space can host events for up to 140 people.

Antony Jenkins said: “I am delighted to be opening the Manchester Escalator.

“It’s about offering the support, infrastructure and tools that entrepreneurs need to help grow and develop and builds on the work that Barclays has already been doing in this space.

“We’ve seen great successes come out of the London Escalator already and it’s great that we are able to extend this support further across the UK.

“Manchester is already a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, driving significant investment, productivity and growth, and it’s exciting that we can be part of this.

“We want to back the businesses of tomorrow and help aspiring entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.”

CEO of Central Working James Layfield, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing Central Working to Manchester with Barclays, demonstrating our commitment to truly support entrepreneurship and the startup community.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .