Start-ups, small tech firms and independent creators will soon be able to get their hands on cutting edge technology when a makerspace opens.

A Barclays' Eagle Lab will open next Wednesday at Whitespace Norwich, St James Mill, and provide access to resources including expert mentoring, 3D printers, laser cutters and events space.

It aims to provide businesses with the tools they need to rapidly produce and test prototypes without having to import from overseas, which can significantly reduce the time and cost taken from concept to market.

Steven Roberts, strategic transformation director at Barclays, said: 'We've created the Barclays Eagle Labs because technology is transforming the speed at which start-ups can grow and scale.

'Simply having access to a 3D printer can now help people turn a clever idea into a business success overnight, and by providing practical resources along with our financial expertise we intend to help many businesses succeed.

'The new Barclays Eagle Lab in Norwich will take our relationship with entrepreneurs one step further, providing them with access to the tools and resources that will help them accelerate growth.'

The lab will be available for community events, digital Tea and Teach and LifeSkills sessions, with the aim of bringing together and developing useful technology and manufacturing skills to help inspire future innovators and drive commercial and social benefits.

Neil Garner, founder of Whitespace Norwich, said: 'Whitespace was established to give fledgling technology businesses a home to expand and achieve growth.

'The spirit of collaboration is part of the fabric of the Whitespace Norwich tech co-working experience and so this new relationship with Barclays Eagle Lab MakerSpaces fits perfectly with what we are all about.

'The new Barclays Eagle Lab will take the Whitespace in to a new and exciting level, giving our members access to technology like 3D printers that will no doubt inspire new ways to achieve further growth.'