Bournemouth: Expanding Eagle Labs moves to bigger premises

Barclays has announced the official re-launch of one of its first Eagle Labs in the UK – the Eagle Lab at County Gates House in Bournemouth.

Originally opened in December 2015, the Eagle Lab has re-located to larger premises (5,145 sq ft) on the sixth floor of the same building, and remains dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs unlock their potential, scale their business and succeed.

The Barclays Eagle Lab network is one of the largest co-working and incubator networks for start-ups and scale-ups with 24 now launched in towns and cities up and down the country. The Labs are spaces to help entrepreneurs and ambitious businesses connect, innovate and grow - effectively skills factories for the UK.

The new Eagle Lab at Bournemouth includes a workshop, co-working space, a maker space and private offices and can accommodate up to 90 co-workers. Entrepreneurs using the Lab will continue to be supported by an ecosystem manager and a dedicated lab engineer who provide deep technical expertise and bring to life the technologies that make up Industry 4.0 (such as AI, blockchain, Internet of Things, additive manufacturing, virtual and augmented reality) - as well as provide mentoring and the connections required for Bournemouth and Dorset businesses to flourish.

Barclays local business banking teams and specialist ‘high-growth’ managers are also available to provide banking support to companies and entrepreneurs.

Jon Hope, director Barclays Eagle Labs, said: “Our expansion to new premises is testament to the success of our Bournemouth Eagle Lab and this new facility will further deepen our commitment to the region’s entrepreneurs. Eagle Labs is committed to supporting the development of skills in entrepreneurship, innovation and in new and emerging technologies such as AI, data exchange, connected devices, advanced manufacturing and much more.

“We’re so excited and proud to be re-launching Barclays’ Eagle Labs in Bournemouth, right at the heart of the local business community.”

One company already benefitting from the Bournemouth Eagle Lab is Oomf, a premium high protein porridge brand currently sold through several major retail outlets, aimed at changing the way people think about convenience eating. Their recipes consist of healthy and hearty ingredients to help kick-start the day.

Andrew Sweeney, co-founder and managing director at Oomf, said: “We started with two co-working desks when we first came to the Lab in Bournemouth in January this year and have now moved into our own private office. It’s been great that the Lab team has been flexible as our company has grown and we are planning to taking on more staff in the near future. We are delighted with the new work space; it’s slick, modern, and buzzy and fits perfectly with our brand.”

Sweeney continued: “Being surrounded by businesses from different sectors on a similar growth journey has been great! It's a brilliant place to work and you never know who you might meet at the regular events held at the Lab. For a business that is looking to scale I would definitely recommend Eagle Labs as the association with Barclays opens up growth solutions and support.”

Eagle Lab at Bournemouth is now open and the team look forward meeting any local businesses interested in joining the community, for further information labs.uk.barclays/locations/bournemouth.