Tech group shuts Preston ‘Northern Tech Hub’

By Ged Henderson

13 Jan 2025

EKM

 Technology group ClearCourse has closed its Preston operation less than three years after it announced the creation of a ‘Northern Tech Hub’ in the city.

The group, which provides software services and an embedded payments platform, moved into Evolution House, the distinctive ‘Google-style’ office in Fulwood, following its acquisition of e-commerce business EKM.

In May 2022 it revealed that the office, which represented a £3.5m investment when EKM opened it in 2017, would become the base for around 150 workers.

It brought together three of its brands under one roof in Fulwood and unveiled plans to invest more than £1m in hiring new talent, learning and development. It also announced it planned to upskill existing staff at the tech hub.

John Antunes, ClearCourse’s group managing director at the time, told Lancashire Business View: “This is a big opportunity for us. We are also actively recruiting.”

He added: “One of the major plusses of creating the tech hub is cross-pollination. It gives us a huge opportunity working better together.”

It is understood that no jobs were lost as a direct result of the Preston office closure and that a number of staff have been redeployed. However, it is also believed restructuring across the business has led to some roles in the group being made redundant.

ClearCourse, which has its headquarters in the City of London, is making no comment on the Preston office closure or the number of job losses. The group still has an operation in Manchester.

Private Equity backed ClearCourse was created in 2018 and embarked on a growth strategy centred on buying tech businesses. That buy-to-build strategy has shown no signs of slowing and over time it has acquired more than 40 companies.

The group consists of companies servicing the payments, membership, business services, events and leisure and retail and hospitality sectors.

It acquired EKM, which began life in founder Antony Chesworth’s bedroom in 2002, for an undisclosed sum in October 2021. The business created by the Lancashire entrepreneur fitted the ClearCourse strategy.

EKM had grown to be a leading provider of e-commerce and online retail software, powering more than £350m of transactions annually for its customer base of SMEs.

Evolution House is now on the market to rent. Described as ‘the coolest office in the UK’ it was custom-built for EKM.

The landmark building offers 21,200 sq ft of premium office space. When it was opened its attractions included a raft of state-of-the-art office technology, an expansive kitchen, rest-and-relaxation area, training and presentation auditorium - and a slide reaching three stories.

There were also plans for a gym and a fully-equipped auditorium to be used for training seminars and available for local businesses to hire.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Ged Henderson

Latest news

1

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception Networking photograph

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception

24 Apr 2025

2

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities Head of Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications Professor Nigel Davies, Chris Ensor, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Sarah Kemp

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities

24 Apr 2025

3

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director Craig Bancroft and Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director

24 Apr 2025

4

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

5

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin