An innovation hub in Salford has delivered £22.56m in social value in two years – upskilling thousands of people, creating hundreds of jobs and helping businesses increase turnover.
HOST Salford, the Home of Skills & Technology based at MediaCity, has generated a £4.58 social return on investment (SROI) for every £1 invested between April 2023 and March 2025.
The hub, which has played a major role in establishing Greater Manchester as a digital region, has upskilled more than 5,820 people, enabling them to go on to digital careers or set up their own businesses.
Over the past two years, the hub has supported 392 businesses with everything from offering affordable workspaces and accelerator schemes, to providing innovation labs to grow and develop new products.
The initiatives, fuelled by investment from Salford City Council and operated by professional technology skills provider IN4 Group, have collectively created 269 jobs in the Salford city region.
HOST Salford received funding including £846,900 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
“These are more than impressive numbers – they’re proof that inclusive innovation works. HOST Salford is a catalyst for opportunity, equity and long-term prosperity,” said Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group.
“We’ve built a blueprint that shows how communities across the UK can unlock digital potential.
“Salford, with its 249,000 residents and growing reputation as a digital powerhouse within Greater Manchester, is now firmly connected to a thriving pipeline of tech careers, investment and enterprise.
“HOST Salford continues to scale a pioneering and inclusive ecosystem – one that’s designed to bridge the digital skills gap, empower talent from all backgrounds and drive economic growth across the North.”
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, added: “HOST Salford is a clear example of what happens when we invest in people, places and the technologies shaping our future.
“Salford is leading the way in digital transformation, creating a more inclusive and resilient economy and setting a benchmark for others to follow.
“Through our work with IN4 Group, we’re strengthening Salford’s reputation as a national leader in tech while making sure opportunities reach every corner of our community. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited for what lies ahead.”