HOST Salford: The Home of Skills & Technology Driving Innovation in Greater Manchester
In the heart of MediaCityUK stands HOST Salford, one of the most vibrant and inclusive innovation hubs in the United Kingdom. Known officially as the Home of Skills & Technology, HOST has become a symbol of digital growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and community-driven innovation in Salford and beyond. Operated by IN4 Group on behalf of Salford City Council, HOST provides a unique ecosystem that brings together startups, SMEs, established companies, and individuals to collaborate, learn, and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
With its focus on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, gaming, immersive media, and cybersecurity, HOST Salford has positioned itself as a leading centre for creativity, knowledge, and opportunity. This article explores HOST’s journey, facilities, programmes, and its impact on the region while also highlighting practical details such as its headquarters, founding year, contact information, and key specialities.
The Story of HOST Salford
From The Landing to HOST
Founded in 2011 as The Landing, the centre originally served as a digital hub designed to foster innovation in MediaCityUK. In 2020, it rebranded as HOST Salford—marking a new chapter in its mission to provide a world-class environment for collaboration and growth. The rebrand reflected its wider vision: not just as a workspace, but as a true home of skills, training, and technological advancement.
A Hub for Innovation
Today, HOST stands as a five-floor facility dedicated to nurturing talent and supporting businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether it is an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea, a small business looking to scale, or an established company eager to innovate, HOST offers the tools, resources, and community needed to succeed.
Location and Contact Information
HOST Salford is strategically located in Blue Tower, MediaCityUK, Salford, Greater Manchester (M50 2ST). This central position places it at the heart of a thriving community of more than 250 creative and digital businesses.
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Website: https://www.hostsalford.com
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Phone: The hub can be contacted directly on +44 161 686 5555 for general enquiries and membership opportunities.
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Headquarters: Blue Tower, MediaCityUK, Salford, Greater Manchester, M50 2ST.
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Founded: 2011, originally as The Landing, before its transformation into HOST in 2020.
HOST Salford’s Vision and Mission
Driving Digital Inclusion
One of HOST’s defining qualities is its commitment to inclusivity. It is not simply a business centre; it is a social value engine. HOST is passionate about creating pathways into technology careers for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. By focusing on skills development alongside innovation, it helps ensure that digital opportunities remain accessible to all.
Part of the Salford Innovation Triangle
HOST also forms part of the Salford Innovation Triangle, which brings together three powerful forces:
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Salford Royal Foundation Trust with its innovation-led healthcare programmes.
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University of Salford, the fastest-growing university in the North West.
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MediaCityUK, home to a thriving community of creative and digital enterprises.
This collective strength reinforces HOST’s position as a driver of regional and national economic growth.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Five Floors of Innovation
HOST Salford’s facilities are purpose-built to inspire innovation and collaboration. Spread across five floors, the hub includes:
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Affordable Workspace: Co-working areas, private offices, and flexible desk options designed for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
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Research and Development Labs: Spaces tailored for prototyping, user testing, and experimentation with new technologies.
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Specialist Advice and Support: On-site experts provide guidance on scaling, investment readiness, and digital adoption.
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Social and Networking Spaces: Designed to encourage collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange among members.
Cutting-Edge Labs
HOST is renowned for its innovation labs, which are vital in helping companies test, develop, and deploy new technologies. These include labs focused on:
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Immersive Technology: Virtual reality, mixed reality, and motion capture environments.
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Data and AI: Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence applications.
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Cybersecurity: Secure labs for training and innovation in digital security.
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Gametech: Facilities supporting esports, game development, and broadcast technologies.
HOST Salford Programmes
FreelanceHER 100
This award-winning accelerator is designed specifically for women and non-binary entrepreneurs. It provides training, mentorship, and confidence-building opportunities to create sustainable freelance and business careers.
Play AI
An innovative programme that introduces graduates and apprentices to the world of generative AI. Participants receive hands-on training, take part in competitions such as AWS DeepRacer, and gain valuable industry-recognised certifications.
Modern Worker for the Modern Workplace
This programme helps organisations unlock the power of generative AI to boost productivity and innovation. It provides practical use cases, peer learning, and guidance tailored to sectors ranging from industry to public services.
Skills City
One of HOST’s most significant initiatives, Skills City delivers digital bootcamps in disciplines such as data analytics, cloud engineering, software development, and cyber. These intensive courses are designed to equip learners with job-ready skills in just a few weeks, addressing the region’s digital skills gap.
HOST Salford Specialties
HOST offers a broad range of expertise and services to support its community, including:
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Business Support and Scale-Up Guidance
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Networking and Knowledge Sharing
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Accelerator Programmes for Startups
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User Testing Facilities
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Immersive Technology and 3D Prototyping
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5G Development and Applications
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Co-Working and Flexible Workspaces
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Online and Hybrid Events
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Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing
These specialties demonstrate HOST’s versatility in addressing the needs of businesses from multiple sectors.
Community and Partnerships
HOST’s impact extends far beyond its walls thanks to strategic partnerships with leading organisations. It collaborates with major industry players such as AWS, Microsoft, Vodafone, and GCHQ, as well as with public sector bodies like Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Salford City Council.
The hub also fosters a strong internal community through its member directory, which includes a diverse range of businesses in digital marketing, software development, gaming, and beyond. This ecosystem ensures that HOST members have access to invaluable networks, potential partners, and collaborative opportunities.
Impact and Social Value
HOST Salford is not only a driver of economic growth but also a catalyst for social value. By focusing on inclusivity and opportunity, it has generated millions of pounds in measurable social impact for the local community. Its programmes have helped countless individuals develop new skills, gain employment, and launch successful businesses.
Why HOST Salford Stands Out
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Comprehensive Support: From workspace to specialist advice and funding pathways, HOST covers every angle.
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Inclusive Vision: A dedication to making technology careers accessible for all demographics.
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Strategic Location: At the centre of MediaCityUK and the wider Salford Innovation Triangle.
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Cutting-Edge Facilities: Innovation labs for immersive, cyber, AI, and gaming technologies.
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Strong Partnerships: Connections with industry leaders and public authorities.
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Proven Impact: A track record of boosting skills, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating social value.
Conclusion
HOST Salford is far more than just a business centre; it is a living, breathing ecosystem designed to transform the future of work, skills, and technology in Greater Manchester. By offering inclusive programmes, cutting-edge facilities, and powerful networks, it supports everyone from budding entrepreneurs to established companies looking to innovate.
With its headquarters in MediaCityUK, HOST has redefined what an innovation hub can achieve—combining skills training, business support, and social value creation under one roof. Since its founding in 2011, it has continually evolved to meet the needs of a digital-first economy, making it an indispensable part of the UK’s innovation landscape.
For anyone looking to connect, learn, and thrive in the world of technology and business, HOST Salford remains the ultimate destination: a true Home of Skills & Technology.
