Microsoft opens new office in Manchester to support UA92

Microsoft has opened a new office in Manchester, UK as part of its partnership with the new University Academy 92 (UA92). The North West hub will act as a base to support customers and partners, and enable UA92 students to interact with employees by working and studying in the same space.

The office has been created as part of a partnership between Microsoft and UA92 to develop computer science curricula and bridge the digital skills gap in the UK. 

“UA92’s purpose to nurture talent and ambition is closely aligned with Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more, as well as our goal to close the digital skills gap across the UK,” said Cindy Rose, chief executive of Microsoft UK, at the opening of the new office. “We are proud to play a role in both the educational and technology aspects of this unique initiative. It’s an exciting time for technology in Manchester. It has become a vibrant tech hub with a fantastic start-up community and a centre of gravity for Microsoft and our partners.”

With over 170 Microsoft employees based in the region, the office will enable them to host and better support the company’s 800 partners in the area. Students and employees will both use the facility on a daily basis, something that Microsoft and UA92 hope will help students succeed in the workplace. 

“UA92 are trying to deliver education in a very different way,” said Derrick McCourt, general manager of customer success at Microsoft UK. “I think there’s recognition that in a very competitive global market that education has to be delivered in a different way to meet the needs of the students. At Microsoft we’re trying to accelerate people into the workplace with skills that match the 21st century workforce that we need.”