Leeds co-working spaces get £848,000 funding boost

Two Leeds-based co-working space providers have received a total of £848,000 from the Leeds Tech Hub Fund, a £3.7m investment pot set up to support the local tech industry.

Duke Studios received £393,000 to fund the transformation of one of its spaces in the city, while, FutureLabs received £455,000 to boost its support of early-stage technology startup in the area.

James Lewis, the council’s executive member for resources and strategy, said: “The quality of bids which we received was outstanding and far exceeded the money available, which is I believe testament to the many creative and talented people and businesses in the Leeds tech sector.

“I am delighted to be able to announce that the two final projects to receive assistance from the fund will include the creation of a state-of-the-art events space and prototyping facility by Duke Studios, and the continuing important work by FutureLabs with early-stage tech businesses.

“While the digital sector in Leeds is fast growing we are certainly not being complacent.

“We will be continuing to work closely with partners to ensure that progress continues to be made here in the city and also with parallel investments in Manchester and Sheffield to promote the growth of the northern tech sector.”

The Leeds Tech Hub Fund was set up with funding from the government in a bid to help develop the local technology ecosystem.