Leeds might not be the official county town of Yorkshire, but perhaps it should be. It’s the largest economy in the Northern Powerhouse, and in fact the largest in the UK outside the South-East. Its thriving economy and the innovation driven by its four universities make it one of the most desirable places in the UK for digital start-ups.
It’s also a great place to live. The music scene is vibrant, and the countryside is close by, giving the city real international appeal. Leeds attracts families, students, and professionals from around the world. It also benefits from strong investment, both from government innovation projects and private companies.
Why Leeds Is Rising as the UK’s Next Big Startup Hub?
The Leading Northern City for Digital and Creative Industries
Leeds leads the way for the digital and creative industries, and not just in the North. It’s already home to over 7,000 digital businesses, and this number is only expected to rise in the coming years.
Start-ups that choose Leeds as their base find real value in the thriving tech ecosystem. Sectors represented here include software, cybersecurity, FinTech and SpaceTech. It’s a great location for a health-sector start-up too, with four out of five NHS national offices based in the city.
High Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living
Leeds offers the opportunities of world-class cities such as London, but for a fraction of the price tag. In fact, the average London property costs an astonishing three times as much as an average property in Leeds.
For entrepreneurs looking to relocate, Leeds offers both city-centre living and quiet green suburbs close to the office. The property market moves fast, and many desirable homes sell only days after they are listed. If the right property becomes available, buyers may need to move fast.
This is where modern property sales services can help facilitate a quick house sale. These services can complete the sale of your house within seven days, helping you relocate swiftly and making sure you don’t miss out on opportunities.
The same technology can help relocating entrepreneurs act fast to secure office space. Leeds has a large number of modern offices located around the city centre, with a particular SciTech cluster around West Village.
These offices provide specialist support to help innovative businesses grow and succeed. A cash sale on a property elsewhere can help fund a new office space.
Leeds is well-placed for connections to other major UK cities. It’s less than an hour from Manchester, and many companies run offices in both locations with frequent travel between the two.
It’s also only two hours by train from London, so it gives easy access to the attractions of the capital without the hefty price tag of living and working there full-time.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to launch your start-up, Leeds could be a serious contender. The combination of a strong talent pool, digital expertise, and an affordable location might just make it the perfect choice.
The city also offers plenty of support networks for new founders. With its growing tech scene and collaborative business community, it’s a place where young companies can thrive.
