Technology

Posted on January 25, 2019 by staff

Barclays opens Newcastle tech hub offering ‘maker space’

Technology

Barclays has opened its first flexible office space in the North East.

The bank has partnered with Chinese-owned TUS UK and its business centre TusPark to open the ‘TusPark Barclays Eagle Lab’.

The office space will provide support to tech businesses looking to scale up, and includes a maker space designed to allow firms to access emerging tech and training in AI and blockchain technology, 3D printing and laser cutting.

“We’re really pleased to be partnering with Tuspark and this launch will further our investment in the North East’s entrepreneurs,” said Andrew Lawrence, Barclays Head of SME in the North East.

“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.”

All members of TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab will be connected to TusPark’s global innovation ecosystem – the largest in China – enabling high-growth enterprises in both locations to collaborate across the world.

TusPark is the largest science park operator in the world. It was originally formed by Tsinghua University to help incubate and develop tech entrepreneurs. Apart from operating its science parks, it is also a major investor and source of smart money.

It has incubated over 6000 start-ups on its premises of which 70 have gone on to become listed companies.

“We were drawn to the North East’s diverse strengths and cherish the opportunity to work alongside Barclays to amplify the efforts of Newcastle entrepreneurs,” said Dr Yunming Shao, Vice President of TusPark Holdings UK.

“The TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab will take our relationship with local entrepreneurs one step further, providing them with access to our specialist high growth team and giving them the tools and resources that will help them accelerate growth,” added Lawrence.