An innovation hub in Salford has delivered 拢22.56m in social value in two years 鈥� upskilling thousands of people, creating hundreds of jobs and helping businesses increase turnover.鈥�
HOST Salford, the Home of Skills & Technology based at MediaCity,鈥痟as generated a 拢4.58 social return on investment (SROI) for every 拢1 invested between April 2023 and March 2025.听
The hub, which has played a major role in establishing Greater Manchester as a digital region, has upskilled more than 5,820 people, enabling them to go on to digital careers or set up their own businesses.听听
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Over the past two years, the hub has supported 392 businesses with everything from offering affordable workspaces and accelerator schemes, to providing innovation labs to grow and develop new products.听听
The initiatives, fuelled by investment from Salford City Council and operated by professional technology skills provider IN4 Group, have collectively created 269 jobs in the Salford city region.听听
HOST Salford received funding including 拢846,900 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
鈥淭hese are more than impressive numbers 鈥� they鈥檙e proof that inclusive innovation works. HOST Salford is a catalyst for opportunity, equity and long-term prosperity,鈥� said Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group.
鈥淲e鈥檝e built a blueprint that shows how communities across the UK can unlock digital potential.鈥��
鈥淪alford, with its 249,000 residents and growing reputation as a digital powerhouse within Greater Manchester, is now firmly connected to a thriving pipeline of tech careers, investment and enterprise.听
鈥淗OST Salford continues to scale a pioneering and inclusive ecosystem 鈥� one that鈥檚 designed to bridge the digital skills gap, empower talent from all backgrounds and drive economic growth across the North.鈥�
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, added: 鈥淗OST Salford is a clear example of what happens when we invest in people, places and the technologies shaping our future.听听
鈥淪alford is leading the way in digital transformation, creating a more inclusive and resilient economy and setting a benchmark for others to follow.听听
鈥淭hrough our work with IN4 Group, we鈥檙e strengthening Salford鈥檚 reputation as a national leader in tech while making sure opportunities reach every corner of our community. I鈥檓 proud of what we鈥檝e achieved and even more excited for what lies ahead.鈥濃��