Last week, Barclays Eagle Labs launched its new South Yorkshire Eagle Lab, delivered in partnership with Sheffield Technology Parks, to give ambitious entrepreneurs and growing businesses across the region greater access to the connections, expertise and practical support they need to succeed. 

Based at our central location in the Cooper Buildings, in the heart of Sheffield, the Eagle Lab will support founders, startups and scaleups from across South Yorkshire through business mentoring, growth programmes, events and workshops, investor and corporate connections, and access to Barclays Eagle Labs’ UK-wide entrepreneurial network. 

The partnership brings together Barclays Eagle Labs’ national reach and specialist support with Sheffield Technology Parks’ deep local knowledge and our established role in the region’s innovation community. 

The South Yorkshire Eagle Lab will complement existing local support and strengthen links between startups, industry, universities, investors and professional services. It will also contribute to the wider ambition to grow Sheffield and South Yorkshire’s strengths in areas including advanced manufacturing, deep tech, AI, health and life sciences, advanced materials, climate tech and the creative and digital industries. 

At the busy launch celebration event, hosted at Pennine Five, South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:  

"There’s a real sense of momentum in South Yorkshire. More companies are choosing to invest here because they can see what we already know: we’re a place with the expertise, experience and entrepreneurs to shape the industries and businesses of the future. 

“Barclays Eagle Labs is another vote of confidence and another important part of the ecosystem we’re building. Alongside our universities, the AMRC, Sheffield Technology Parks and the wider business support available across South Yorkshire, their work will strengthen the foundations that help businesses start up, scale up, succeed and stay here. 

“Most importantly, it means more opportunities for our people and communities. More investment, creating good jobs and support for the entrepreneurs and innovators who are helping drive South Yorkshire's next chapter.” 

Abdul Qureshi, Head of Barclays Business Banking, said:  

“South Yorkshire has the talent, ideas and ambition to build the businesses of the future. By combining Barclays Eagle Labs’ national network and growth expertise with Sheffield Technology Parks’ outstanding local knowledge, we can help more founders make the right connections, access practical support and turn their ambitions into sustainable growth. We are proud to be investing in South Yorkshire and to be part of its next chapter of innovation.” 

Tom Wolfenden, Chief Executive of Sheffield Technology Parks, said:  

“For almost 40 years, Sheffield Technology Parks has supported ambitious early-stage businesses with the expertise, networks and opportunities they need to grow. 

Our partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs strengthens that support, connecting founders to wider networks, finance and customers, while helping create more opportunities for businesses to start, grow and scale, strengthening the entire ecosystem across South Yorkshire.” 

The partnership was formally celebrated at the launch event in Sheffield on Thursday, bringing together founders, investors, universities, partners and organisations from across the region. 

Businesses can find out more about the South Yorkshire Eagle Lab through the Barclays Eagle Labs website.