Connect with success
If you are looking to invest in a city that is dynamic, prosperous and growth-oriented then look no further than Leeds. Widely recognised as the financial capital of the north, Leeds has become a major centre for accountancy and legal services, corporate and retail finance, banking, insurance, stock broking, venture capital and internet and call centre based financial services.
Leeds has established itself as a successful European city with one of the most diverse and fastest growing economies in the UK, attracting over £5bn of commercial investment over the last decade with a further £5.6bn proposed.
With over 200 accountancy practices, including the world's "Big 4", PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Deloitte and Ernst & Young, and over 30 international banks, the financial and professional services sector is thriving. In addition over 180 law firms are located in the region including the world leading law firms of DLA Piper, Eversheds, Pinsent Masons and Addleshaw Goddard.
The international city is unrivalled when it comes to:
Business in Leeds
Leeds city region financial and business sector output is valued at almost £13bn per year.
The financial and professional services sector alone employs in excess of 116,000 people with employment growing 20% over the last decade, making it the largest centre for financial and professional services outside London.
People and skills
Leeds is home to a large and highly skilled workforce and has the second largest employment total outside London.
The financial and professional services sector is supported by eight universities within the city region producing more than 27,000 graduates each year, thus contributing to the educated and skilled workforce.
Not only is the region home to one of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services which delivers world-class education and training aligned with employer needs in the financial services industry, but it also boasts two internationally recognised business schools which feature in the world’s top 100 business schools rankings.
Transport & Communications
Thanks to its geographical location and excellent transport networks Leeds has become a popular choice for global investment. Located at the centre of the UK, midway between London and Edinburgh, Leeds city region benefits from extensive transports links across the region and to other UK, European and global destinations. The international airport of Leeds Bradford is located North West of Leeds city centre and is the region's largest airport handling in excess of 2.8million passengers a year. Sixteen airlines operate out of Leeds Bradford airport, connecting the region with all major UK and European destinations.
Leeds city train station is the UK's second busiest railway station outside London after Glasgow serving in excess of 100,000 passengers daily. Direct services to London make the capital just 2 hours away by train. In addition Metro trains connect all parts of the region making commuting extremely efficient.
Being the principal hub of the national motorway network, Leeds is exceptionally well connected by road and easily accessible from all major routes. The M1 and M62 motorways intersect in the south east of the city and the A1(M) runs along the eastern border of the city connecting Leeds with London and Edinburgh.
Across the Leeds city region significant investment has been made in infrastructure in order to meet the demands of businesses now and to support future growth. The region's forward thinking approach has led to it benefiting from one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe. Major service providers including BT and Cable & Wireless have invested heavily in Internet Protocol (IP) in order to produce a network that is entirely digital. At the forefront of technological advances in telecommunications, the region is leading the UK in the deployment of next-generation access of fibre broadband.
It is also part of Northern Net; a new and developing secure data network providing a minimum of 100 Mbs fibre connectivity for the delivery of large and sensitive data files securely from point to point.
Value for money
One of the greatest strengths when looking to locate or expand a business is the availability and affordability of office space together with cost of staff across the Leeds city region. Being number one in Europe in terms of value for money of office space, Leeds city centre provides a highly cost effective location offering high class office accommodation.
The lower cost base and pool of talent make the region an extremely attractive choice for business location. With major organisations already located here average salaries in the financial and professional services sector are up to 12% lower than the national average and office rentals lower than many other UK cities and up to 30% lower than London.
Quality of life
Leeds is a fantastic city for living, working and investing. Home to some of the world’s most successful organisations, Leeds is not only an ideal business location but also a vibrant, dynamic and cosmopolitan place to live.
Rich in local history with an abundance of excellent shopping centres, no shortage of places to eat and drink, world class sports venues and a full calendar of cultural events, Leeds city region provides an unsurpassed quality of life.