AldridgeCreates at UTC@MediaCityUK will be a unique business centre in MediaCityUK located within the same building as the University Technical College, which provides 14-18 year old students an education specialising in the technical skills required for the Creative and Digital industries and offering
pathways in TV & Film, Interactive Media and Graphics, Radio & Audio, or Interactive Media & Gaming.

As well as a physical space for businesses, Aldridge Creates centres provide services and support for young businesses. There are already Creates Centres in the North West at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy and in London within Kensington Aldridge Academy linking business and education within their communities.

UTC@MediaCityUK in Salford

UTC Principal Ruth Bradbury said: “At the UTC, being housed within a media college will enable a transfer of knowledge, enthusiasm and creativity that cannot be found anywhere else. It really is different. UTC also has world class facilities that are available for use by the Aldridge Creates Members.”

“We will provide office space at very affordable rates to our members, to enable more entrepreneurial individuals to start up or grow their businesses where they might not otherwise have the means. The commitment that we ask of our members in return is that they contribute to the Creates community by acting as mentors and colleagues to their peers, and by engaging with the student population of the UTC on a regular basis.”

“At the end of the day though, we know how important time is to a business’ bottom line, and so we don’t ask our members to devote more than a few hours a month. This simple arrangement enables local businesses to start, grow and flourish by having the space they need in order to take the next steps, but also access to the most creative and uninhibited thinking minds, our students. Students gain the benefit of being exposed to real businesses.”

The Creates space in UTC@MediaCityUK has been formed in partnership with the Growth Company and benefits from a Growth Company business advisor operating from the creates space two days a week. This ensures that the local and student-led enterprises have ready access to business advice and guidance and valuable links into the wider entrepreneur growth network in the local area.

The programme is supported by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund in partnership with Northern Powerhouse.

The Aldridge Creates Business Centre is situated at the front of the college building, with fantastic views of MediaCityUK. Businesses enjoy the privacy of their own working environment, whilst the students benefit from seeing real businesses day in and day out.

The space consists of three private, fully equipped office ‘pods’, and breakout space around them. For applications to join the AldridgeCreates Business Centre to be successful there must be a commitment to give back to the Creates community and the UTC with a small portion of your time and expertise. In return, you can gain access to national network of Creates communities to support the development and growth of your business.

Private office Pods are available starting at as little as £210pcm and are aimed at both new businesses and  established businesses that need some office space.