A new initiative in Greater Manchester plans to support 500 start-up businesses and the creation of 1,100 jobs within the digital and cyber security sectors.
Entrepreneur platform Barclays Eagle labs, in partnership with consortium partners Plexal, Lancaster University and the University of Manchester, is launching a Digital Security Hub (DiSH) in a bid to drive innovation and growth in Greater Manchester’s digital security sector.
DiSH will be headquartered in Manchester in an 11,000 sq foot space based at Heron House, which is set to open in the summer but will be accessible virtually across the UK.
The space, which will be available for co-working or private office space for businesses and entrepreneurs, will provide access to networking opportunities, business growth programmes and mentorship from industry experts.
The consortium of partners, appointed by Manchester City Council, will also provide a range of cyber and digital educational initiatives across the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
This is set to include training and support for businesses, business owners and employees through workshops and seminars designed to upskill over 1,000 individuals in the next five years with a focus on deprived local communities.
DiSH will also offer cyber and digital skills workshops working with local primary schools, colleges and employers.
Graham Bastin, MD and North West site lead at Barclays, said: “Digital and cyber security skills are becoming ever more crucial to the function of businesses, government as well as society at large.
“Through the collaborative DiSH initiative we, along with our consortium partners, hope to find and support talented entrepreneurs in the sector, and bring digital and cyber skills to the North-West. We believe this will support the growth of a diverse and inclusive digital security industry within Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “Manchester is Europe’s fastest-growing tech city and is establishing itself as a centre of excellence for digital and cybersecurity. DiSH should help build on this and create a wide range of new opportunities in the sector for Manchester and Greater Manchester people.”
