Manchester Calling: Onepoint's bold expansion into the North

We are pleased to announce that Onepoint is expanding to Manchester!

Since our inception in 2005, we have strived to deliver superior digital strategies and solutions to our enterprise clients. Recognising the local talent and expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Data Analytics, we now embark on an exciting adventure in Manchester.

Why Manchester?

Onepoint has raised the bar in recent times. The firm’s enterprise client portfolio has continued to grow, bringing the need for further expansion. With the insight that diversity drives innovation, it was time for Onepoint UK to tap into talented candidates outside of London. While other locations were considered in the search for a new office location, the choice of Manchester became a no-brainer.

A magnet for talent

With a host of universities at its fingertips, Manchester is a source of some of the brightest young minds in the United Kingdom. Onepoint’s initial team in Manchester proves this.?

With the city and the surrounding area’s growth, development, and investment, young talent is more likely to relocate to — or indeed remain — in Manchester, seeking education and employment. This hub of vibrancy, creativity, and culture becomes a further magnet for students worldwide. The North West has developed a strong track record for technology-oriented companies, with skilled workers gravitating to the area.

A cultural playground

Manchester has been dubbed a top travel destination for 2023 by Lonely Planet. As the only city from the United Kingdom to be featured, it has been praised for “metamorphosing into a brilliantly creative, proudly musical and gastronomically diverse hub”.

A sporting heritage

A city alive with sport, Manchester is home to cricket, athletics, netball, rugby, squash, ice hockey, swimming, water polo, basketball, and, of course, football. The economic and financial influences of sport in Manchester translate to more than just on-field success.

Alongside sports, Manchester is steeped in musical culture and played its part in shaping music internationally. The ‘Madchester’ scene still has a lasting influence on the music of today and many students, tourists, and locals flock to various iconic musical landmarks across the city.

Tech roots that run deep

Coupled with its desire to choose a location that had something for everyone, Manchester's booming business and tech ecosystem was a significant driver in? Onepoint’s decision to expand into Manchester.?

Atom Valley, the city’s mayor Andy Burnham’s vision for the regeneration of Greater Manchester, emphasised the draw. This mission to create a hi-tech manufacturing hub, on par with the tech legacy of nearby Salford’s MediaCity, is underway and promises to further strengthen the tech ecosystem.?

As Manchester Digital, the city’s tech and digital trade body, states: “Manchester, the city that kickstarted the industrial revolution, the birthplace of Baby – the world’s first stored computer system – has always been at the forefront of innovation.”?

A celebrated work ethic

One of Manchester’s most prominent symbols is that of the worker bee – a constant reminder of the Mancunian work ethic. Hand-in-hand with Manchester’s industry, this work ethic warmly welcomes business and tech investment.?

Manchester is considered to be one of the up-and-coming tech cities in Europe. It was selected as the UK’s ‘Internet of Things (IoT) Demonstrator City’ in 2015. The city received a government award to invest in Smart City technology in 2016. Since then, the city has become a national leader in this industry, which further propels it onto the radar of tech, data, and analytics experts.

Local organisations, such as trade body Manchester Digital, have boosted the technology sector through the development of talent and skills. This is another factor that cements Manchester’s appeal to Onepoint. According to Alliance Investments, “approximately one-fifth of the city’s entire population” is employed in the technology sector, which makes Manchester a prime source of technical skills.

An exciting new chapter

Shashin Shah, the Founder and CEO of Onepoint, speaking on the expansion to Manchester, explained the objective of growing the team is to ensure that exceptional value is delivered promptly to clients.?

“We need to support and be an active player in other emerging technology hubs outside of London. Manchester in particular, with its excellent ecosystem in Data and AI, will be key.?

By setting up shop in the heart of the Manchester City Centre, Onepoint will be able to level up, provide career development opportunities, improve our diversity and inclusion, while also serving new and existing clients in the Midlands, North West, and Scotland.

I want to acknowledge the superb support we got from Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Digital, MIDAS, Nasscom, and UK DTI. They helped make our expansion go without a hitch and well ahead of our expected timescales.”

— Shashin Shah, Founder and CEO of Onepoint Consulting Ltd, the boutique technology consultancy with offices in Manchester, London, and Pune.

What does Onepoint bring to data and digital talent in Manchester?

For students, new recruits or technophiles who might be searching for suitable work experience and a hands-on approach to learning, Onepoint is an ideal home. The Onepoint Apprenticeships programmes, available to both the young and the not-so-young, are a way to explore career opportunities in a tech-driven business fuelled by constant innovation. Brainstorm with colleagues, observe and contribute to client meetings, get guidance and feedback from caring mentors, get involved with tech research and projects, and more when Onepoint steps up with you.

Workplace wellness is a key priority for Onepoint. The company has a series of initiatives to help employees find balance and avoid burnout.?

This focus on wellbeing, through cultivating a calm and positive mindset, translates when working with clients. Simon Post, Group CIO of Currys, formerly Dixons Carphone, summarised his experience with Onepoint:?

“When you get to know Onepoint, you do feel like they actually care. They’re not just in it to make money. This distinguishes Onepoint from the competition.”?

— Simon Post, former Group CIO of Dixons Carphone (now Currys plc).

As a certified UK minority-owned business, Onepoint understands that diversity helps businesses be more competitive and profitable while believing that everyone should have opportunities to mould their own paths and thrive. The expansion into Manchester further diversifies Onepoint, to the benefit of the community, clients, and colleagues.?

“We are so pleased to welcome Onepoint to the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and are thrilled that the support we have provided has enabled them to kickstart their Manchester journey. We just know that, as a top data-focused consultancy, they will fit right into the Manchester digital ecosystem.”?

— Annie Platts, Membership and Commercial Manager of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

What does Onepoint’s expansion to Manchester mean for clients?

Onepoint brings a nimble, enterprise-grade technology consultancy to Manchester.?

From energy to engineering; from retail to real estate; from telecommunications to travel, Onepoint stays rooted in the business outcomes that underpin a digital transformation journey.

The company now has access to an expanded talent base, a local presence in the north of the United Kingdom to serve clients and collaborate better with partners, and the ability to contribute to additional local communities.

“Onepoint’s unique offering is a welcome addition to Greater Manchester’s vibrant tech ecosystem. This follows a productive and inspiring visit by a Nasscom delegation in Manchester in September 2022 and it’s great to know that this is just the start of a flourishing relationship. We look forward to supporting Onepoint with their journey here in Manchester.”?

— Ben Ward, Business Development Manager at MIDAS, the inward investment promotion agency for Greater Manchester.

Chris Wray, a Senior Advisor at Onepoint, whose experience of being based in Manchester during his career was invaluable in Onepoint’s choice to expand there, said:??

“Manchester has played a significant role in the story of innovation, from the industrial revolution through to today’s emerging new industries.

Rolls and Royce met there. It was the location for Rutherford to be the first to split the atom, and ‘The father of modern computing,’ mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, published his landmark paper on Artificial Intelligence while at Manchester University.

As a leading-edge technology consultancy, Onepoint’s expansion into Manchester feels like a great match. It will be fascinating to see the company’s contribution to the city’s strong network and supportive infrastructure continue to drive digital innovation.”

— Chris Wray, Senior Advisor at Onepoint Consulting Ltd, the boutique technology consultancy with offices in Manchester, London, and Pune.

Annie Platts, Ben Ward, and Chris Wray will be watching with interest — and you should too!?

Onepoint aims to make a difference to its stakeholders, so stay tuned for more about this exciting Mancunian chapter, as it unfolds!