KPMG launches innovation hub in Manchester

The tech arm of business advisory firm KPMG is to take 100 digital specialist staff to 12,000 sq ft at Manchester Science Partnership’s Manchester Technology Centre campus on Oxford Road.

KPMG’s Solutions & Digital team provides technology and management services to clients in order to help technological integration. This includes help with cloud computing, digital learning, regulatory changes, automation, and technology to improve performance across front, middle and back office functions.

The data scientists, designers, software engineers, project managers and analysts will move from their current base at One St Peter’s Square next week.

Nicola Quayle, office senior partner at KPMG, said: “Manchester is already home to one of our largest offices in the country and we’re committed to investing in the city. The decision to move to Circle Square also recognises Manchester’s status as a growing centre or the international the economy.

“Quite simply, our Solutions & Digital practise needs great connections, access to incredible talent and to be plugged into a vibrant tech community. Manchester, and in particular Circle Square, offers all of this in abundance.”

Lisa Heneghan, chief digital officer at KPMG, said: “We’ve created a modern collaborative space where technologists will want to come and work, and where we can transform the way we deliver for our clients with technology.

“It’s all about providing the foundations for technology, development and innovation to flourish and complement the work of our colleagues right across KPMG as they help organisations through the technology revolution that is transforming the economy.”

The space at Manchester Technology Centre can house 180 staff and has been designed around collaboration and development.

It also provides access to the local technology and university communities currently housed in what is now known as Manchester’s ‘Innovation District’. This includes IT and technology company Hewlett Packard Enterprises, which has taken temporary residence of a floor in the building until the company moves into 20,000 sq ft of managed space in No.1 Circle Square.

Manchester Technology Centre also currently houses smaller office spaces for SMEs and startups. It is home to MSP’s Tech Incubator, which launched last year and provides access to MSP’s business growth services, funding and finance, talent and mentorship, R&D resources, product development, and professional services.

MSP has an additional three campuses in the North West. These are Alderley Park in Macclesfield, and Citylabs and Manchester Science Park, both in Manchester.

Bruntwood SciTech, the joint venture between developer Bruntwood and Legal & General, is the majority shareholder in MSP.

Bradley Topps, commercial director of Bruntwood SciTech, said: “It’s great to have KPMG on board at Circle Square; it’s the perfect new location for a business that uses innovative technology to continually improve the service it provides its international roster of clients.

“Manchester Technology Centre’s high-quality workspace and location at the heart of the city’s innovation district means it is the perfect environment for KPMG to grow its technology and software team.”