Starling Bank has officially revealed the location of its new Manchester office, aimed at spearheading its growth in the North. Positioned strategically in Barings’ Landmark at St Peter's Square, this significant expansion promises to generate up to 1,000 new job opportunities within the region.
The decision to set up shop in Manchester comes as part of Starling's broader effort to tap into the area's rich fintech talent pool. With the Manchester fintech ecosystem being the largest of its kind in the UK, the bank is poised to enhance its workforce, which currently includes 2,500 employees across locations such as London, Cardiff, Southampton, and Dublin. "Manchester is one of the most important tech hubs in the UK," said Anne Boden, Founder and CEO at Starling Bank. She emphasized the interconnectedness of London’s fintech success with regional prosperity, noting, "That’s exactly what we’re doing with this office in Manchester."
Starling has secured a 10-year lease for the fifth floor of the 14,061 square foot Landmark building. The choice reflects not just a desire for a prime location but also a commitment to sustainability. This office is powered by green energy and built with eco-friendly materials, also encouraging employees to opt for more sustainable transport options. Intriguingly, the building houses two beehives, each containing about 80,000 bees during the summer months.
"We’ve had some outstanding applications for our roles in Manchester already, affirming the city’s place as the tech capital of the North," stated Susanna Yallop, Chief People Officer at Starling Bank. The enthusiastic response to their job postings is a clear indicator of the region's strategic significance for tech talent. "The facilities at Landmark made it the obvious choice for us," she added.
Deborah Walker, Head of inward investment for Financial, Professional, and Business Services at MIDAS, praised Manchester's capabilities, noting, "Manchester is the largest regional tech hub outside of London, home to more than 10,000 tech businesses benefiting from our digital expertise and ambitious, collaborative nature." Walker expressed excitement about Starling's integration into Manchester’s tech community, commending the bank not only for its innovative banking solutions but also for its ethical stances. "Here we align with Starling and look forward to working with them to take the financial services sector to new heights," Walker remarked.
Starling's commitment to the North isn't limited to job creation; the bank has been actively involved in supporting the women’s football community throughout Lancashire. Being the first bank in the UK established by a woman, Starling has played an instrumental role in empowering women's grassroots sports. They have provided significant funding for local women’s football clubs and collaborated with former Manchester City player Jill Scott MBE for a £200,000 kit giveaway directed at girls' grassroots teams. Furthermore, Starling was a sponsor of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, aligning with Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp to introduce the first ever fantasy football tournament for the Women's EURO in the UK.
The announcement of this new office marks a critical phase in Starling Bank’s growth strategy, as it seeks to strengthen its presence in a vibrant market rich with talent and innovation. As Manchester's financial innovation landscape continues to evolve, Starling's commitment to building a diverse and skilled workforce will contribute significantly to the growth of both the bank and the local economy.