Technology

Posted on December 19, 2016 by staff

Pay-as-you-go MediaCity hub offers users groundbreaking tech

Technology

A tech and enterprise hub based in Salford’s MediaCityUK has announced more details of its new pay-as-you-go co-working space called Launch.

The Landing offers tech businesses a range of hi-tech testing labs, maker and prototyping workshops and development studios.

Paying as little as £199 per month, companies signing-up for one of Launch’s flexible packages can also access a select network of expert and specialist partners for business support bootcamps and advice.

Members will be able to access the Landing’s new ‘Maker Lab’, which is home to advanced 3D printers, laser cutters and other workshop and design kit. There are also additional prototype and testing facilities throughout the building.

Maya Dibley, head of programmes and partnerships, said: “The Landing has successfully adapted its offer, to meet to evolving needs of tech, creative and digital businesses, for four years now and always strives to anticipate what’s next.

“In the last 12 months, it became increasingly clear to us that while collaboration is key to innovation, the real demand in Greater Manchester now is for more emphasis on investment expertise and business growth.

“Launch at The Landing offers easy, on-demand access to the type of kit, labs and connectivity needed to test and refine great product ideas and push them forward commercially.”

The Launch space will be home to US-backed venture Trutripper, a peer-to-peer travel review website, and millennial job-board pioneers Roocru, coming to Manchester after a year in San Francisco.

A new Future of Health 3-month growth acceleration programme, sponsored by PwC, will also be based at Launch.

The programme is currently taking applications from established health start-ups.

Dibley added: “To ensure we got Launch right, and to create space that would drive deals as well as spark innovation, we talked to a wide array of tech entrepreneurs and investors both locally and internationally to gauge what businesses really need to get to the next stage of growth.

“Growing companies also had a massive appetite for health and wellbeing services to ensure that founders are able to look after their staff and build sustainable ‘happy companies’, so healthy eating, fitness, and culture programmes will come alongside meet-ups and social events to be firmly embedded in the Launch philosophy.

“This ‘Work, Test and Play’ approach is also why the likes of Roocru and PwC are already signed-up, and I’m confident that we’ll soon be seeing a stream of home-grown success stories also emerging as a result of the Launch initiative.”

Prices and PAYG packages to access the Launch co-working space, its business support services and The Landing’s testing and production facilities start at just £199 + vat per month for 24/7 access.

Companies who sign-up will also enjoy a wide range of additional benefits including membership of the On the 7th private members club.

The Launch co-working space was opened simultaneously with The Landing’s new Barclays’ Eagle Lab earlier this month.