2017 saw many challenges for regions and businesses in the UK, with volatility and uncertainty surrounding so many industries for so many different reasons. Our West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference is one of the many events round the region which saw business leaders come together to try and buck the trend, and make sure the region prospers. And it certainly shows elements of just that in 2017.

The number of new businesses starting up in the Leeds City Region bucked the national trend, with them increasing over the past year. And goods exported from Yorkshire and Humber outperformed the North with the strongest growth in this area – with a value of £9.75bn to the economy. Businesses were expanding at a faster pace than others. And so many more positives!

Our West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference heard from key people from the LEP and West Yorkshire Combined Authority who were both instrumental in supporting the success through their Growth Service, SME grants programme and much more.

2017 was a record year for inward investment as Leeds City Region was named the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the North as it attracted investment from major companies such as Burberry, creating hundreds of jobs.

Infrastructure was a highlight of 2017 as the Wakefield Eastern Relief Road was completed, which has opened up land to develop over 2,500 homes and the new Temple Green Park and Ride, which has already taken 6,000 cars out of Leeds city centre. And Leeds Bradford Airport are announcing exciting plans alongside new stations at White Rose Colton and the Leeds City development from HS2 all part of the future development to ease congestion and aid transport into the city.

Businesses invested in skills, products, development and innovation. Construction and development firms are becoming more ambitious, are set to provide better quality housing and boosting the quality, whilst the Combined Authority’s intention, alongside Historic England’s approval to develop historic mills for housing could produce more alongside jobs.

 

The West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference will be launched soon so keep an eye out.

Other events coming up in the region including the Sheffield Development Plans Conference and the Yorkshire Universities Development Plans conference.