The Generator enterprise hub has opened an additional site at Royal Mills in Ancoats, and is the second hub to launch as part of a multi-site project to support pre-start and early-stage businesses ac
The first site opened in St Peter’s Square, adjacent to Manchester Central Library, earlier this year and has since benefited over 300 pre-startups, new businesses, freelancers and hybrid/remote workers.
This new site offers a modern and flexible workspace with a wide range of office amenities to meet the needs of Manchester’s growing creative community and includes an in-house podcasting studio, mini photo studio and editing suite, which members can use for free to further their activities.
Members can meet new people through workshops and networking events as well as receiving on-site support from an Enterprise Officer.
Additionally, they can benefit from expert IP advice, start-up and new business advice, and access to £5million worth of business resources available through the Business and IP Centre of Greater Manchester and the Build a Business programme.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said:
“The Generator hubs provide a unique opportunity for independent small businesses and freelancers to access to a range of support to help grow their businesses as well as meeting like-minded people in a creative environment. This second Generator hub in Ancoats is a welcome addition to the original one in the city centre.”
Below is what some businesses, who have already benefited from the Generator services, have said about their experience:
Wafa Elamin – Founder of Ladr said:
“Finding the Generator has been a godsend. Before, I was working alone at home but now I love my morning walks into the city to start my day at the Generator. It is convenient, comfortable and quiet and the staff are always friendly!”
Andrea Whyne and Duré Shahawar, Co-founder of Consult Integrated Solutions said:
“We both connected at a Generator networking event. Through shared ideas and experiences, we immediately felt a common purpose to bring about sustainable change, and our partnership has flourished ever since. Our experience at the Generator workspace has been invaluable. The creative, collaborative environment has provided the ideal setting to work with like-minded founders. The staff at Generator have been consistently supportive, offering guidance and encouragement. This support network has significantly boosted our journey, helping us feel supported as we take the next steps in growing our business.”
Amy Thomson – Founder of the Travel Podcast Agency said:
“Using the conference meeting space at Royal Mills Ancoats was brilliant! I held a concept development session there with my first big contract client. This meant I was able to offer a professional workspace in front of my client, I used the big TV screen to present podcast concepts to them and by the end of the day we even raised the standing desk so we could get some much needed movement into the meeting too. As always, the Generator team were super helpful and organised, which made the day totally stress-free”
The Generator project has received £565,879 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
