New hub to give tech firms a place to grow

Building on Yorkshire Street due to be converted into a new digital hub

TECH start-ups are being urged to join a new enterprise hub designed to scale young digital business in Oldham and across the Greater Manchester area.

Oldham Council and Wayra UK, a digital start-up accelerator and part of Telefónica Open Future_ are urging regional start-ups to join the new multi-functional hub currently under development in Yorkshire Street.

Open Future_ North, which is set to open next year, will give businesses the chance to access a co-working space as well as business support services including as connectivity services, mentoring, access to Wayra UK's network and training in entrepreneurship and business skills.

If applicable, the best businesses will be asked to join the full acceleration Wayra UK programme where they could receive £34,000 as a direct cash investment.

Gary Stewart, Director at Wayra UK and Telefónica Open Future_ (UK), said: "Oldham is hugely attractive for any entrepreneur looking to build a successful business in the Greater Manchester area.

"£100 million has been invested in infrastructure projects, with the town's young and diverse population enjoying excellent education and skills development opportunities through four leading institutions; direct transport links to and from Manchester City Centre and passionate business leaders like Norman Stoller CBE investing millions more to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

"Combine that with the fact that you have nearly three million people 30 minutes away and you are really faced with an exciting opportunity."

The launch of Open Future_ North forms part of a wider strategy, led by Telefónica Open Future_ to work alongside local and regional partners to reinvigorate entrepreneurial ecosystems, energise local economies and democratise entrepreneurship.

The facility also forms part of a £1 million investment by Oldham Council to help businesses thrive in the town's Independent Quarter.

Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council said: "Open Future_ North is a fantastic opportunity and we are hugely excited to be home to it in Oldham.

"I would encourage digital start-ups who want to progress their business ideas to apply and find out more.

"This hub will be a great space where entrepreneurs and creatives can get together to share ideas."

The call for start-ups to join Open Future_ North is now open via wayra.co.uk/north and will close on October 17.