Not just desk space: new workspace and growth accelerator Huckletree opens in Express building

When it comes to creativity and innovation, Manchester has always been a northern powerhouse. So it’s hardly surprising that, according to global innovation foundation Nesta, the creative sector in Manchester is growing faster than any other region in the UK apart from London.

More start-ups and scale-ups means more places are needed where they can grow.

A new workspace and growth accelerator which launched in Manchester this week in the old Daily Express building on Great Ancoats Street, will be offering a lot more than just co-working space.

Huckletree is a Pan-European workspace and growth accelerator bringing together a diverse, disruptive network of start-ups, scaleups, innovation teams and global brands – all powered by the belief that collaboration is key to building a successful business.

Its aim is to bring together a hand-picked ecosystem of members working in digital lifestyle, media and tech businesses to empower local entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs.

“We want this to be a place for businesses to sustainably grow, internationalise and reach productive outcomes. This is not just a space to clock in, work, and clock out,” says Huckletree founder and CEO Gabriela Hersham.

“We started Huckletree based on the idea that you can’t change the world alone, and we’re prioritising long-term value for our members by building a trusted and curated network of people; mentors, talent, investors, experts, along with the right services to help them grow.”

Founding members at Huckletree Ancoats include Tech Nation and Pixel Kicks, and Huckletree have also announced new partnerships with the University of Manchester Business School and National Startup competition The Pitch.

Huckletree’s hubs are based on theme and sector, handpicking businesses and VCs who share similar mindsets and operate in similar fields. The model is tried and tested – Huckletree launched five years ago and now has hubs in London, Dublin and Oslo with an Investor and Venture Capital hub in Soho and a GovTech hub in Westminster.

“Having hubs based on theme or sector means that our growth will never be based on landing one or two large corporate members. Instead, our ambition and vision is focused on continuing to bring together thousands of growing businesses and entrepreneurs with shared values, who together are creating a bigger network and driving industry change,” says Gabriela.

The new 26,000 sqft workspace includes a 100+ person Live Lounge, meditation and wellness space and purpose-built podcast studio. It will host a series of weekly curated events and talks will focus on talent and driving northern investment, including a VC office hours with Beringea on 31st October.

Earlier this month Huckletree hosted 50 promising startups for the first ever northern bootcamp of national startup competition The Pitch in a closed door event to prepare and support UK startup businesses with networking, scaling and fundraising.

For more information about membership at Huckletree Ancoats, and access to their curated events schedule, click here.

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