Eagle Lab comes to Manchester

Barclays is set to open a 12,000 sq ft Eagle Lab, a business advice hub for entrepreneurs, within Bruntwood’s Union building on Albert Square.

Eagle Labs are co-working and innovation spaces set up by Barclays to help businesses network, collaborate and grow. There are seventeen Eagle Labs across the UK, with Barclays staff on site offering advice on how to expand, from access to funding, to mentoring and events.

The flagship Manchester Eagle Lab is set to open later this year.

Union, formerly Commercial Union House, is currently undergoing a £5m refurbishment, and is now also the location of Bruntwood’s HQ.

The Lab will be laid out over two floors with a coffee shop which will be open to the public, an 80-seat auditorium, co-working and breakout space at street level and a combination of private offices, meeting rooms and breakout spaces on the first floor.

Ben Davey, chief executive of Barclays UK Ventures said: “Manchester has thrived on a spirit of innovation and industry – a spirit that led to the development of the world’s first programmable computer. Technology is now transforming the speed at which start-ups can grow and scale and by providing world class space and practical resources alongside our financial and business expertise, our mission is to help individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses to innovate, network and ultimately succeed.

“We recognise the importance of supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and accelerating high-growth companies, and the vital role they play in creating a sustainable, prosperous Manchester economy.”