More than 1,500 jobs created through trade and investment projects in 2018
Trade and investment activity by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) resulted in the creation of more than 1,500 jobs last year.
23 inward investment projects took place in the region throughout 2018, including international law firm Reed Smith, Perform Group, Premier Farnell, GAMA Healthcare and the public sector broadcaster Channel 4.
The investments secured by the Combined Authority and the LEP are expected to generate around £1bn for the economy.
Reed Smith opened its Global Shared Services Centre in August at the Platform tech and digital hub in Leeds, creating an initial 70 jobs.
Andrew Jenkinson, partner at Reed Smith, said: “Leeds has a fantastic story to tell. It has the economic growth, job prospects, location, HS2, universities and the higher education establishments.
“We want to create the next generation of lawyers and so we are focusing on tech and digital transformation and Leeds’ reputation made it a very easy location choice for us.”
Channel 4’s move to Leeds will LAO bring 300 jobs to the city with a further 1,200 more expected to be created at production companies, such as Workerbee and UKTV, resulting in an economic boost of around £1.2bn.
Sally Joynson, Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted with the news that Channel 4 will be moving its national headquarters to Leeds. It’s hugely significant for the sector and a validation of the city’s production expertise and potential for further growth.
“We look forward to welcoming Channel 4 and working with them to capitalise on the creative opportunities that this bold move brings.”
GAMA Healthcare, a global manufacturer and developer of infection prevention products for the healthcare sector, opened its new £4m research and development facility in Halifax, creating 30 jobs in November.
In Baildon, aerospace supplier Produmax increased turnover by 55%, increased headcount by 85% to 75 people, and secured contracts worth over £50m in 2018. The firm specalises in flight control components and exports around 80% of its production to the USA, Canada, Japan, Morocco, the Philippines and Italy.
Roger Marsh OBE, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: ““Our achievements as a region serve to reinforce why we need to keep pressing the case for further government and commercial investment to ensure Leeds City Region is a place where people can have great career opportunities and an outstanding quality of life.
“We look forward to building on this momentum in 2019, using the spotlight that’s now on our region as a result of our Channel 4 win especially to ensure Leeds City Region remains among the top investment destinations in the UK.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and leader of Bradford Council, said: “Our trade and investment activity is really important. Not only is it driving growth and productivity in the region, it’s also bringing new opportunities for local people to access skilled jobs that will enable them to prosper.
“We will continue to bang the drum for Yorkshire and Leeds City Region in 2019 to attract yet more investment and jobs.”
The Leeds City Region covers Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York. The region is home to the UK’s largest regional financial centre and has a digital technology sector now worth more than £6.6bn.
