Business advisory firm Deloitte has announced a new partnership with Catalyst as they open a hub for entrepreneurs in Belfast city centre.
The new Catalyst Bedford Street will be based on the ground floor of Ewart’s Warehouse, part of Deloitte’s new headquarters.
It’s hoped it will draw start-ups and growing companies to set up in the historic Linen Quarter.
The new space will feature more than 90 desks in open-plan areas and studios, meeting pods and individual call booths, a presentation and events space and a café, to be run by social enterprise The NOW Group.
Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte and office senior partner in Belfast, said: “Our purpose is to make an impact that matters. In Northern Ireland we continue to make bold choices and lead the way when it comes to fostering collaboration, driving innovation and shared prosperity.
“Deloitte is always looking for ways to maximise value, and this exciting new venture with Catalyst is the latest demonstration of our commitment to playing an active role in the growth of our local economy and further development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Belfast.
“Our new office brings Deloitte’s expertise in Belfast together under one roof in a building designed to foster even greater collaboration between teams.”
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Steve Orr, chief executive of Catalyst, said: “Catalyst is committed to identifying and investing in opportunities that empower entrepreneurs and drive innovation across Northern Ireland. We remain focused on fostering an environment where innovative companies can thrive and make a lasting impact.
“We have considered a number of options to expand our footprint into the city centre, but when Deloitte offered us the chance to partner and establish Catalyst Bedford Street here, it made perfect sense.”
Catalyst will host some of its entrepreneurship programmes from the new hub, including workshops for INVENT, CoFounders and Hello Possible.
NOW Group provides support and training for people with learning difficulties and disabilities to help them gain employment.
Chief executive Maeve Monaghan said: “Loaf Catering being named as the new café operator for the Ewart Building is the latest exciting step in NOW Group’s partnership with Deloitte, which began five years ago and has already created multiple social value and supply chain opportunities.
“This new café venture will provide training placements for individuals with disabilities, helping them gain the skills needed to succeed in hospitality and catering. These training opportunities will enable trainees to secure roles with local employers, advancing NOW Group’s mission of supporting jobs with a future.”