We’re excited to let you know we’ve set up a great partnership with Virgin Media Business, who will supply high capacity connectivity for our entire building when it fully opens.
Our programme has a strong focus on the creative industries, nurturing talent and helping digital entrepreneurs and specialists to develop their networks and skills, supported through the Virgin Media Business sponsorship. The partnership also complements Virgin Media Business’ support for start-ups, which has included the introduction of broadband services specifically designed for growing businesses, and the creation of free, online resources to help entrepreneurs make the most of the opportunities created by the digital world.
As our official technology partner, Virgin Media Business will also provide free Wi-Fi throughout our building for the half-a-million visitors we’re expecting each year.
Duncan Higgins, Marketing Director at Virgin Media Business, explained: “Manchester is fast becoming one of the UK’s leading technology hubs and projects such as this demonstrate how digital is key to the continued success of all businesses. We’re very excited by the potential of HOME and are proud to be involved.”
Marla Cunningham, our Development Director, said “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Virgin Media Business. HOME, will be a significant addition to the UK’s cultural offer. We’re excited about the potential of that Virgin’s technology can help us unlock- their significant support will help us to create a truly brilliant experience for our audiences.”
Councillor Rosa Battle, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Manchester City Council: “HOME is set to become an essential part of Manchester’s cultural offer and will strengthen our position as a leading digital city on both a national and international level.”
Virgin Media Business will support HOME Digital, a programme where digital meets art, theatre, film and much more and the wider development of the venue over the next three years.
Recently, Sir Richard Branson announced a £1 million business prize as part of ‘#Voom: Pitch to Rich’ 2015, a nationwide search for the best business minds across the UK. The search will be kick started with six events, taking place up and down the country throughout April. In Manchester, the evening will be held on Tue 21 April at Gorilla. With over 11,000 new businesses set up in Manchester in 2013 alone, the region is already recognised as a driver of national entrepreneurship. And the best thing is, anyone can take part!
During the evening, Virgin Media Business will scout out the most innovative local talent. Three lucky candidates will be given the opportunity to pitch to leading entrepreneurs Richard Reed, Founder of Innocent and Renaud Visage, Eventbrite Founder, and a panel of experts. Attendees will also benefit from one-on-one financial advice, as well as information about business funding and mentoring from Virgin StartUp.
The overall competition winners will be selected by Sir Richard Branson and a panel of trusted pals in a live final on Fri 26 June.
Fancy it? Reserve tickets for Manchester. And if you want to know more visit www.pitchtorich.co.uk.