Coworking, Accelerators & Incubators In Manchester
Bolton born writer, Mark Radcliffe, once said that Manchester is:
“A city that thinks a table is for dancing on.”
Truer words have never been said. And it’s that energy and passion for life that makes Manchester a friend to new businesses.
The city’s value for startups can be discovered inside its exceptional coworking spaces, incubators and accelerators that allow entrepreneurs to push their limits, overcome tough challenges, and achieve sustainable growth to become leaders in their industries.
And we want to share these opportunities for growth with you. So here are the top establishments in Manchester handpicked by us to help you fly.
Top Coworking Spaces
Right for: Any startup seeking flexible office space that is cost-effective and built to bring together niche businesses for a supreme networking environment.
Beehive Lofts
Where: Jersey Street, Ancoats Urban Village, Manchester
If you’re a busy bee with a buzzing creative or digital startup, Beehive Lofts can provide you coworking space that’s a home from home. Become a member for 1 month to 6 months and gain space unpolluted by hot-desking, day memberships, or strangers walking past your desk on a daily basis.
A community of like-minded individuals is yours to join, and Beehive Lofts strives to give its members an environment that feels great to work in, so you can boost your team’s productivity without trying. Residency includes full access to Beehive Mill: Communal lounge spaces, meeting rooms, kitchen-diners, workspaces, meeting pods, and their exclusive event programming calendar.
Ziferblat
Where: Edge Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester
Ziferblat gives you stylish and playful work spaces (where tea and cake is in abundance) for startups on a budget. It uses a unique set-up where individuals pay just 8p per minute to take advantage of Ziferblat’s cosy sitting room, coworking space, events and meeting rooms. All its facilities are included, and your time is capped at 4 hours (any period after this is free).
It’s the perfect setting for easygoing startups, whether you want to invest in some office time here or have an meeting-come-lunch-come-boardgame session with old or new contacts. It’s a very popular coworking space for SMEs and freelancers, so if you’re looking to meet people on your wavelength, there’s no better place in the city.
Accelerate Places
Where: Princess Street, Manchester
If working in the heart of Manchester is a top priority, Accelerate Places offer space from 1-day hire to £325 per month. Up for grabs are dedicated workspaces in a professional and vibrant environment, in addition to fast internet, printing, tech-enabled meeting rooms, a private cafe, a services reception, and an onsite community manager to help meet your varied requirements.
This is also a great place for new startups who don’t yet have the expertise or resources in legalities, HR, and finance. Accelerate Places offers access to such services, and the best part is that your first month of membership is free!
Central Working
Where: Deansgate
With a 30-day money-back guarantee, Manchester’s Central Working is confident they can fulfill all your business’s growing needs. And the cherry on top is that you’ll pay nothing in excess – the establishment ensures that your requirements are met with a mixture of coworking space options available.
You’ll also be introduced to companies handpicked to help you grow in your industry. Become a member and gain access to “thousands of investors, clients and suppliers.” Central Working prides itself on helping new businesses conquer their challenges; the perfect place to become a part of a bustling community to ignite your start-up’s future.
HackSpace
Where: Wellington House, Pollard Street
If you’re an inventor in innovation, HackSpace was created for you. Choose to spend your day at this community-led workspace while you combine creativity and design, and you’ll get access to cutting-edge equipment and a community of fellow innovators in the arts, science, craft, and technology sectors.
Facilities range from a Laser Cutter, 3D Printer, CNC Machine, Sewing Machine, Metalworking Lathe, Oscilloscopes and Soldering irons, to a surprising number of saws and a huge collection of hand tools. And the workshop is open 24/7/365, so if you have a midnight Eureka moment you need to act on, HackSpace doors will definitely be open.
Clockwork
Where: 80 Mosley Street, Manchester
Clockwork is a newly created part of OBI’s expanded central Manchester office.
A uniquely designed space, Clockwork has a business lounge, touch down spaces, a range of meeting spaces and great coffee.
The many workspaces provided by Clockwork are designed to be more holistic in atmosphere than traditional office environments, making you feel welcome and instantly at home.
Wondering if there are any coworking space in Leeds or startup office space in London? If so, click on those links to find out more.
Top Incubators
Right for: Startups in the very early stages of development (less than 12 months afloat) looking to gain the essential footholds to become a success story. Membership period is usually for 3 – 4 months.
Innospace
Where: The Shed, Chester Street
For Manchester Metropolitan graduates, current students or staff, Innospace offers support and insight to help new business owners turn their ideas into tangible opportunities. An incubator program here includes dynamic decked-out office space, mentoring, business planning, bookkeeping assistance, HR and legal support, and many other valuable resources for its members.
The establishment also hosts a number events every day of the week for budding entrepreneurs to gain valuable insight into running a business.
MSP
Where: Oxford Road, Manchester
Created for digital and tech startups, MSP takes on new businesses at the beginning of their journey and nurtures them throughout the early stages of their development. On offer is dedicated coworking space, the chance to be a part of an electric digital and technological community, invaluable expertise from leaders in tech, and a comprehensive business support programme.
The latter includes access to investment and parnet opportunities as well as talent recruitment.
UMIC
Where: Manchester Corridor
Tech-oriented entrepreneurs suffering from the mayhem of starting your own business will find stability and reassurance at The University of Manchester’s North Campus Incubator. In addition to research laboratories on your doorstep, members gain stellar business support, with focus on technology commercialisation.
An array of facilities are provided to members in the heart of the university’s city campus, such as meeting rooms and access to conferencing and workshop facilities, modern office space, equipment for administration needs, kitchen facilities, and access to the University Library.
Top Accelerators
Ignite Accelerator
Where: Remote plus city centre location
If you need fuel to launch your business into scale-up mode, Ignite Accelerator’s program might just be your best resource. To qualify you must comprise of a “founding team of two or more with at least a Minimum Viable Product built and are able to commit to working full-time on your business.”
Once your application is accepted, you’ll begin 6 months’ of mentoring and business support, including £25,000 investment. There’s no set location, rather, you’ll be engaged with remotely for three weeks every month. The fourth week of every month will be held in Manchester where you’ll be connected with other startups, portfolio companies and a plethora of various opportunities for business.
Dotforge
Where: Deansgate
Through expert mentoring and numerous workshops, Dotforge offers its startups a huge network to rely on for success. It also helps businesses become investment ready after 3 months, in addition to offering a cash injection to new members.
According to their site, “70% of Dotforge startups have raised funding or have revenue for one year.” How has this been achieved? It’s accelerator program has been molded by experience: Dotforge teaches what it puts into practice, executing a successful model for training solutions through its experience working with businesses.
Entrepreneurial Spark
Where: Hardman Boulevard
Entrepreneurial Spark, created by Natwest, is a goldmine for young startups seeking accelerated growth. In its Manchester hub, four programs are available to startups at different stages in their early development.
For instance, if your business has an annual turnover of £99,999 and have secured £5,000 to £24,000 in investment, you are eligible for their Enable program. On offer is 6 months of acceleration-focused training and support. And the best part? Like Entrepreneurial Spark’s three other programs, startups gain group sessions, hot-desk space, wifi, coffee, and printing access … all for free. All that’s required in return is your dedication to the program (proven through your attendance to compulsory events and workshops).
AccelerateME
Where: Manchester University
The University of Manchester led accelerator aims to support UOM students and graduates looking to make a name for themselves in the business arena. Your business can be based in any sector, and successful applicants net up to £1.5k in investment. Past successes are impressive, with AccelerateME raising over £800k for We Raise (formerly Team First).
It’s a 12 week long program, where members are supported through mentorship, progress tracking, and professional assistance from their partners. Office space is also free for the duration of the accelerator.
Soar Above and Beyond Your Business Goals
Before your arrived here, you might have had a brilliant business idea but also felt overwhelmed by the necessary steps needed to scale-up.
Now, your idea is still brilliant. But you’re armed with confidence, knowing that the support and resources you need to fly are easily attainable.
If you’re thinking about registering a company in the UK, read our article “How To Register a Company in the UK: A Guide for Entrepreneurs“.
Want to start company incorporation in the UK but not sure how? Sleek can help with that. From registering your business, to your monthly annual accounts, or your payroll management – we do it all!
Here’s a list of all the establishments discussed today for a quick-fire reference:
Top Coworking Spaces
Beehive Lofts
Ziferblat
Accelerate Places
Central Working
HackSpace
Clockwork
Top Incubators
Top Accelerators
