Manchester’s Enterprise City Scores a £2 Million Boost for Its Tech Boom
In a move that’s bound to keep the North’s skyline buzzing, Manchester’s flagship tech hub—Enterprise City—has secured a £2 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The funding, handed over by Manchester City Council (MCC), is all set to keep the city humming with fresh tech talent.
Enterprise City 101
Think of Enterprise City as the city’s high‑tech, media, and cultural playground. Stretching across a two‑million‑square‑foot commercial district, it’s where daring minds, start‑up dreamers, and seasoned innovators mingle, collaborate, and grow.
Exchange: The Startup Lifeline
- What it does: Provides early‑stage tech companies with workspace, workshops, a menu of mentorship, and star‑studded speaker events.
- First cohort: 15 pioneering businesses will roll out over the next 6–12 months; the launch is slated for February 2020.
- Next round: The second cohort opens in August 2020, with new rounds every six months—because great ideas never sleep.
Why the Money Matters
Beyond the obvious cash infusion, the grant is a catalyst for more than 2,000 jobs over the next 15‑year stretch. It lets Enterprise City keep its promise of turning a handful of fledgling ventures into global tech giants while feeding local talent.
Hear From the Leaders
Tanya Grady, head of partnerships, shares her excitement: “Without the MCC and DCMS backing, we couldn’t deliver this level of full‑scale training and coaching. This is a big boost for Manchester’s tech scene and the wider North.”
Sir Richard Leese, Mayor of Manchester, adds: “Manchester is the largest tech hub outside London, and the newly refurbished Bonded Warehouse inside Enterprise City is both a heritage icon and a launchpad for future growth.”
Where Exchange Lives
The program takes place on the second and third floors of the historic Bonded Warehouse, the oldest building in the district. The space, managed by All Work & Social and spearheaded by award‑winning developer Allied London, has been turned into a modern incubator.
Keeping the Momentum Alive
By partnering with Tech Nation, Exchange ensures every company gets the tools to succeed, from flexible office setups to high‑profile panels, all designed to nurture ultra‑fast growth and collaboration.
For the next 15 years, Manchester is aiming to be a leading European digital city. With a foot on the ground in the Bonded Warehouse, Exchange opens the doors for the next generation of innovators—creators, trailblazers, and, yes, even the future CEOs of some of the world’s biggest tech firms.
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