A consortium has unveiled a new digital security innovation proposition that aims to bring 1,000 jobs to the digital and cybersecurity sectors in Greater Manchester.
Barclays Eagle Labs, in partnership with Plexal, Lancaster University and The University of Manchester, is launching the Digital Security Hub (DiSH).
The new initiative – a 13-year commitment – wants to help drive innovation and growth in Greater Manchester and the wider UK’s digital and cybersecurity sectors, with an aim to support 500 startups and create over 1,000 jobs in Greater Manchester.
Graham Bastin, MD and North West site lead at Barclays, says: “Digital and cybersecurity skills are becoming ever more crucial to the function of businesses, government as well as society at large.”
The DiSH will be headquartered in Manchester in an 11,000 square foot space in Heron House, due to open in the summer, but accessible virtually UK-wide.
The space, 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 will include training and support for businesses, business owners and employees through workshops and seminars and upskilling over 1,000 individuals in the next five years to help them, with a focus on deprived local communities to “promote social mobility through innovation”.
In addition, DiSH will offer cyber and digital skills workshops working with local primary schools, colleges and employers.
This latest development is more great news for Manchester and the region.
As reported last week, London-based online trading platform CMC Markets revealed an investment as it plans to unveil a tech hub in the city.
CMC’s new tech hub and investment follow other positive news in the region.
As eWeek UK reported earlier, Accenture announced plans to boost its UK workforce by 3,000 new roles over the next three years – and Manchester was one of the cities getting a mention.
Also, last autumn a new Digital Tech Cluster was announced by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. The plan aims to support the growth of digital businesses throughout the region and could potentially bring 1,000 jobs to North West England.
By the way, last week, eWeeK UK published its latest tech feature – ‘Eight Fintech Companies in Manchester to Watch’. The article comprised such names as AccessPay, BankiFi, Bank North, Collctiv, Digital Oracles, Orka Pay, Payful and PollenPay.
