Barclays picks Manchester for cyber skills incubator 

Barclays Eagle Labs is launching an 11,000 sq ft hub at Heron House to help drive innovation and job creation in the UK’s digital and cyber security sectors. 

The Digital Security Hub, which will open in the summer, aims to support 500 start-ups and create over 1,000 jobs in the growing sector, according to Barclays. 

The project is being delivered by Barclays Eagle Labs, in partnership with Plexal, Lancaster University and The University of Manchester. 

Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is Europe’s fastest-growing tech city and is establishing itself as a centre of excellence for digital and cybersecurity.  

“DiSH should help build on this and create a wide range of new opportunities in the sector for Manchester and Greater Manchester people.” 

The space, available for co-working or private office space for businesses and entrepreneurs, will provide access to networking opportunities, business growth programmes and mentorship from industry experts. 

In 2018, Barclays Eagle Labs opened a 12,000 sq ft co-working space for entrepreneurs within Bruntwood’s Union. 

However, that site shut down in June 2021 so that Barclays could pursue the Heron House opportunity. 

Graham Bastin, MD and North West site lead at Barclays, said: “Digital and cyber security skills are becoming ever more crucial to the function of businesses, government as well as society at large. 

“Through the collaborative DiSH initiative, we, along with our consortium partners, hope to find and support talented entrepreneurs in the sector, and bring digital and cyber skills to the North-West. We believe this will support the growth of a diverse and inclusive digital security industry within Greater Manchester and beyond.”