Accelerate Places to create co-working space for Manchester’s growing small businesses

Co-working space provider Accelerate Places is establishing a centre in Manchester’s Grade II-listed 101 Princess Street.

With backing from private equity firm Blenheim Chalcot, the company’s new two-storey space will target companies looking to grow and expand their workforce, market share and revenues.

At 101 Princess Street, which recently underwent a £6m refurb and redesign, Accelerate Places will offer 180 desk spaces along with a members-only private café, communal space, breakout zones and tech-enabled meeting rooms.

To stimulate innovation and creativity, the building’s interiors have retained many of the former textile mill’s original features, including industrial chic designs and private phone booths housed in repurposed lift shafts.

Accelerate Places will also provide business mentoring for SMEs covering accounting, tax, finance, legal matters and HR. The company likewise plans to host networking and learning events, bringing members of the coworking community together.

Lisa Murgatroyd, community manager at Accelerate Places, said: “Manchester has a thriving small business community and we’re hoping to attract those companies who are in their second or third year of operation, with anything upwards of four employees and ambitious growth plans.

“Our location is ideal as we are positioned close to Manchester Piccadilly and key transport links, yet easy walking distance from Spinningfields, Deansgate, Oxford Road, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter.”

She continued: “We’ll be creating a collaborative community of innovative scale ups and growth companies who will all have access to support from Blenheim Chalcot.

“We believe that the environment and surroundings, as well as business connections, play a crucial role in the success of a business and we’re providing ready made business networks and funding opportunities for businesses looking to grow with us.”

Accelerate Places will open at 101 Princess Street in early April.

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