Eagle Labs opens at Engine Shed

BARCLAYS has opened an Eagle Labs incubator at Bristol innovation hub Engine Shed, marking its 37th location in the UK. The hub will provide start-ups and entrepreneurs with access to business expertise, banking services and mentoring and coaching from scale-up specialists.

The bank said its accelerator would also offer its members the opportunity to connect with likeminded entrepreneurs, local organisations, universities, industry bodies, potential clients and investors across the country, to help them build networks and grow.

Jack Jordan-Connelly has been appointed Eagle Labs’ ecosystem manager for Bristol. He will be based at Engine Shed, next to Temple Meads station, to meet with members and help connect them with Eagle Labs’ network and resources.

Mr Jordan-Connelly was previously business incubation manager at the SETsquared Bristol tech incubator and has also worked at cybersecurity start-up Immersive Labs and tech consultancy Tech Scale.

Amanda Allan, director at Barclays Eagle Labs, said: “We’re really excited to be opening our new Barclays Eagle Lab in Bristol and to welcome Jack onboard as our Eagle Labs’ ecosystem manager. Jack will be responsible for delivering our Eagle Labs philosophy, helping to provide start-ups and scale-ups a home and to foster the connections to help them grow.”

Mike Paton, director of Engine Shed, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Barclays Eagle Labs to support accelerating innovation and sustainable growth of the regional economy. Funded by UK Government, Eagle Labs offer a wide range of support for entrepreneurs that complements our existing portfolio of services.”