Technology

Posted on August 21, 2018 by staff

Tech start-up moves from pub to incubator space

Technology
Tech start-up BizzleIt is set to move into UKFast’s new incubator space in Manchester after being gifted a lease by entrepreneur Lawrence Jones MBE.

Led by Jordan Ryan Madeley and Michael Lawes, BizzleIt creates online platforms for businesses to share offers, products and services with consumer groups.

The young company is behind the SPAR GO app and loyalty platform.

The entrepreneurs has previously been operating from home or at a local Wetherspoon pub but were on the look-out for office space to accommodate the growing team.

“We’ve seen some great successes this year with the likes of SPAR, some new big-name brands coming on board and an ever-increasing sales pipeline,” Madeley said.

“With that in mind, we’ve looked at office spaces but, while we invest heavily in our product, we simply couldn’t afford them at this stage.”

Madeley added that many spaces in Manchester are described as “incubator spaces” but still have landlords charging “significant rents”.

“On top of that, we’ve seen spaces where the atmosphere isn’t what a growing tech firm needs – they just tell you what you can’t do all the time or they chase you out of the door at 7pm,” he said.

Meeting for a mentoring session with UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones MBE, the BizzleIt team were offered a free one-year lease in the FastForward space.

The pair will have access to all necessary facilities including a phone-answering service, high-speed connectivity and all on-campus amenities including recording studios and a health-food café.

Lawrence Jones MBE said: “I’ve known the guys behind BizzleIt for some time and whole-heartedly support the entrepreneurialism and innovation that they’re driving.

“So, as we celebrated Tech Manchester’s one-year anniversary, I wanted to give back to the community.”

Tech Manchester’s FastForward space is set to launch later in the summer.

Applications for space at the facility are open and can be made via UKFast’s website.

Patricia Keating, director of Tech Manchester, added: “It’s been a remarkable first year for Tech Manchester, we’ve signed up more than 100 mentors and now have our first three companies moving into the FastForward space, before we’ve even officially launched.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the BizzleIt team and for Tech Manchester to support what is no doubt going to be an incredible journey from here.”