Leeds: the heart of regional connectivity and global ambition

West Yorkshire is at a pivotal and exciting moment, witnessing a transformation that is not just reshaping its physical landscapes but also unlocking potential to further grow the local economy.

 

Having joined the authority just a few months ago, it is already clear to me that Leeds is at the very heart of this evolution, acting as the engine of a region poised for remarkable and sustainable growth.  

 

Leeds City Council’s commitment to a collaborative approach is what puts us in a strong position to deliver on our ambitions. We understand that true progress comes from leaning into the collective strength of our local authority partners and diverse organisations across the city and wider region – we want everyone in Leeds to be part of our growth story and see the benefits as we accelerate and transform over the next five to ten years.

 

At the core of this transformation lies ambitious investment in mass transit – the most significant advance in connectivity for decades. This investment isn’t just about moving people; it’s about forging vital links between key cities. Leeds, located at the geographical heart of the UK, plays a pivotal role in these networks, being both at the centre of the region and providing seamless access from our city, not only across West Yorkshire, but to the entirety of the UK. This accessibility is not just geographical; it’s about connecting talent, ideas, and investment, collaborating to create an outstanding location for people to come and do their life’s best work in a supportive and thriving environment.  

 

The confidence in Leeds is evident in the substantial investments we are attracting. The arrival of the National Wealth Fund, the FCA, the National Poetry Centre, the British Library’s new northern home, and our new partnership with the Government focused on transforming six of our communities on the periphery of the city centre, are testaments to Leeds’s growing national significance.  

 

Furthermore, the phenomenal growth of events such as The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) and Leeds Digital Festival over the past few years, highlights the city’s attractiveness to investors and developers, and how we really are a city that you can land in, make connections and grow through a supportive ecosystem that opens doors for all involved. 

 

We are proud to welcome leading organisations to our city, including Microsoft and the Bank of England, reinforcing Leeds’s position as a powerhouse for innovation and financial services. The ripple effects of this investment extend beyond Leeds. The region is unlocking significant opportunities, leveraging its combined strength to deliver substantial economic and social impact. With plans for a transformative integrated transport system, alongside massive housing developments and building on our impressive strengths in health tech, we are seeing real investment and delivery taking place across the region. The combined population of the Leeds and Bradford conurbation is over 1.3 million – more than Birmingham, and we are seeing real talent flow between our cities, and with the brain gain from our many excellent universities this is only set to continue.

 

Leeds plays a vital role in driving growth across West Yorkshire. Our city’s economic strength, coupled with its strategic location, positions it as a key driver of regional prosperity and the location of many high-value jobs. We are not just a city; we are a catalyst for the region’s success.

 

The data speaks for itself. Leeds is the fastest-growing city in the UK, projected to reach a population of one million by 2050. Our £26 billion economy, coupled with the broader regional economy, signifies our economic power and acts as a launchpad for what is to come.

 

Innovation drives our economy. We are particularly proud of our strengths – including financial and professional services (FPS), digital and health – which place Leeds in a strong position for the future. Our digital sector is booming, highlighted by the highly successful Leeds Digital Festival, which showcases our cutting-edge technologies and advances and fosters collaboration across a wide variety of sectors. UKREiiF has gone from strength to strength, bringing economic benefits to the region of over £38.5 million since its inception in 2022, and now attracting over 17,000 delegates to the city in this May. 

 

Our universities are incubators for talent and innovation, feeding our industries with skilled graduates driving research and development, creating and nurturing cutting edge businesses at the forefront of the economy. Our thriving and expanding airport connect us to global markets and opportunities, and with our focus on our masterplan for Leeds Station, the busiest train station in the north of England, we are securing our future growth through connectivity.

 

It’s a really exciting time to be in the city – we are building a future where regional connectivity and global ambition go hand-in-hand, creating a prosperous and sustainable future for all. We are confident that by continuing to work together, we will unlock the full potential of our region and cement Leeds’s place as a leading city on the global stage which, at its heart, continues to build and grow for the benefit of everyone living and working there. Watch this space. 

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To find out more about UKREiiF and the team, visit here www.ukreiif.com.

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