Entrepreneurial Spark to support Manchester startups

Business accelerator Entrepreneurial Spark has today (September 9) announced the opening of a new Hatchery in the centre of Manchester.

The organisation, which claims to be the largest free business accelerator in the world, is launching the new hub on Hardman Boulevard in February next year.

Jim Duffy, the organisation’s founder and chief executive, said: “Our model for helping early stage businesses has proved extremely successful, helping more than 350 companies to create over 1,000 jobs and £41m in turnover last year, when we were operating from just three Hatcheries in Scotland.

“People considering setting up a business or at an early stage consistently tell us that support and advice is what they need most, and with small companies undoubtedly being the lifeblood of the economy and creating the majority of jobs, this support is crucial to cementing a balanced and sustainable recovery.”

Jim added: “That’s why we are rolling out our Hatcheries to other hubs of business and entrepreneurialism in the UK, and we have chosen Manchester as an excellent place to support ambitious small businesses.”

Founded in 2011, Entrepreneurial Spark is now expanding across the UK with help from the Royal Bank of Scotland, NatWest and global professional services firm KPMG, providing free work space, advice and support for startups.

NatWest’s CEO of commercial and private banking, Alison Rose, said: “In partnership with Entrepreneurial Spark, we are delighted to be launching a free business accelerator Hatchery in Manchester, with more to follow across the UK over the coming two years.

“This will give thousands of entrepreneurs free facilities, free business advice and supporting networks to ensure they are given the best possible chance of success.”

Applications for fledgling businesses that want to join the Hatchery opened today. Other cities involved in the programme include Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Brighton, Bristol and Birmingham. Eventually, Entrepreneurial Spark is expecting to serve 7,000 startups.

KPMG’s head of national markets, Ian Moffatt, said: “While the idea of being your own boss may sound tempting and even glamorous, the reality is that for many people, starting out on your own and taking that leap into the unknown can be a truly daunting, and even lonely experience.

“Couple this with the burden posed by administrative red tape, and the confusion caused by the myriad of incentives, reliefs and schemes that are available to assist small companies, and it’s no small wonder that entrepreneurs consistently tell us that they need more support.”

He continued: “This is why the support and guidance provided by Entrepreneurial Spark is so vital.”