Barclays opens up office space to start-up businesses

Barclays is opening up branch and office space across the UK in a new scheme that will provide resources and mentoring to support and grow local small businesses.

Designed specifically around the needs of local entrepreneurs and businesses, the spaces all feature event space, 3D printers and laser cutters, giving start-ups a cost-effective method of rapidly producing and testing prototypes.

After successful pilots in Bournemouth and Cambridge, Barclays opened its third Eagle Lab in Brighton this week, with plans to open up to 20 across the country including locations in Birmingham and Huddersfield.

Ashok Vaswani, CEO of Barclays UK, commented: “Technology is transforming the speed at which start-ups can grow and scale. Simply having access to a 3D printer can now help people turn a clever idea into a business success overnight, and by providing practical resources alongside our financial expertise we intend to help people succeed.”

John Beesley, leader of Bournemouth Borough Council said: “The Eagle Lab is a key part of our drive to grow our digital economy which is backed by many local partners including the Chamber of Commerce, Bournemouth University, the Arts University of Bournemouth, neighbouring local authorities, Silicon Beach and Silicon South.”