Barclays Eagle Labs
Posted on Feb 2, 2020 by Cambridge Catalyst
We explore Cambridgeshire’s top business spaces, from co-working hubs and start-up incubators to conference venues and meeting rooms
Offering co-working and office space, mentoring, events designed to help businesses grow, and access to new and emerging technologies, the Barclays Eagle Lab network now has 21 hubs across the UK. The Labs are designed to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital transformation of the UK by providing start-ups and scale-ups with the conditions to create and grow.
The original Eagle Labs concept was conceived to utilise under-used branches and office spaces and turn them into thriving business and community hubs, promoting digital skills and helping develop the UK economy.
In late 2015, Cherry Hinton in Cambridge was chosen as the location for the first Eagle Lab, followed more recently by an Incubator space on Chesterton Road.
The Lab in Cherry Hinton is a dedicated a Maker Space that’s equipped with digital fabrication equipment and a dedicated engineer who’s on hand to help businesses and entrepreneurs gain a foothold into the world of Industry 4.0, which includes the Internet of Things, sensor technology and augmented reality.
The Labs are designed to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital transformation of the UK by providing the conditions to grow
The Maker Space is a place where you can make an idea a reality, and it’s specially designed for rapid prototyping, technical projects and workshops. Once you’ve received a free induction, anyone can pay per half hour to use the equipment, which includes a laser cutter, 3D printer and a vinyl cutter. The Maker Space also offers practical and fun corporate away days, which can be tailored to your company’s digital goals, incorporating team building and problem solving.
Meanwhile, over on Chesterton Eagle Lab Incubator Hub offers a co-working space where users can pay for a part-time desk, a full-time desk or a private office, with membership including 24-hour access and office necessities such as superfast Wi-Fi, printing and unlimited refreshments.
What’s more, tenants get the opportunity to tap into an innovative community, taking advantage of mentorships from the Cambridge Judge Business School, as well Barclays growth specialists. Another advantage of working with a brand like Barclays is access to financial support – both in the form of funding help and loans, and the financial expertise and connections the company has. The results speak for themselves, with Barclays proudly pointing to the number of ‘graduates’ who’ve flown the nest, outgrowing the Hub and moving on to their own office space after successfully taking their business to the next level.
Find out more at labs.uk.barclays
What’s it got?
Incubator Hub in Chesterton with co-working and office space. Maker Space in Cherry Hinton with digital fabrication equipment and a dedicated engineer
IS IT FOR ME?
If you’ve got an idea you want to make a reality using equipment like a 3D printer, head to the Maker Space. If you’re after a hot desk or office spacemand access to a community, check out the Incubator Hub.
How much?
£99 + VAT per month for hot-desking and £299 + VAT per month for full membership at the Incubator Hub. From £36 per hour, get one-to-one support from the Maker Space engineer to make your design a reality.
