Barclays has officially launched its new hub in Bristol offering business expertise, banking services and mentoring and coaching from scale-up specialists.
The Eagle Lab, the 37th opened by the bank across the UK, provides start-ups and entrepreneurs in the city with access to a wide range of services. 
It also offers members the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, local organisations, universities, industry bodies, potential clients and investors across the country, to help them build their networks and grow their business.
The Bristol Eagle Lab has opened in the University of Bristol’s pioneering Engine Shed innovation centre at Temple Meads, which has for the past 10 years been a key player in the development of Bristol’s thriving start-up ecosystem by providing space, membership, training and events.
Barclays has appointed Jack Jordan-Connelly, pictured, as its first ecosystem manager for its Bristol Eagle Lab. Jack has joined from Engine Shed-based SETsquared Bristol, the acclaimed University of Bristol-backed incubator, where he spent three years as business incubation manager.
His previous roles have included customer services manager at Bristol cybersecurity start-up Immersive Labs and a consultant at recruitment firm Adlib, also based in Bristol.
Since its launch in 2015 the Eagle Labs network, which is funded by the government, has supported more than 12,000 businesses.
Along with its range of business services and expertise, the team will also host a year-round events programme dedicated to promoting collaboration and innovation in the community.
Barclays Eagle Labs director Amanda Allan said: “We’re really excited to be opening our new Barclays Eagle Lab in Bristol and to welcome Jack onboard as our ecosystem manager.
“Jack will be responsible for delivering our Eagle Labs philosophy, helping to provide start-ups and scale-ups a home and to foster the connections to help them grow.”
Engine Shed director Mike Paton added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Barclays Eagle Labs to support accelerating innovation and sustainable growth of the regional economy.
“Eagle Labs offer a wide range of support for entrepreneurs that complements our existing portfolio of services, and we see this as a win-win for founders, start-ups and scale-ups in the region.”
