Tech business invests in permanent city base and creates up to 100 jobs

Edinburgh-founded tech company, xDesign, has launched a new office in Leeds.

The firm first arrived in the city in 2021 and initially opened a four-person temporary office near the main railway station. Since then it has created as many as 100 tech jobs and has formed a partnership with Leeds City Council.

Commenting at an event to formally launch the larger office, Leeds City Council leader, Councillor James Lewis, said: “In just over a year, we’ve seen xDesign taking an active role in our local digital scene – opening a permanent office; sponsoring the Leeds Digital Festival and Leeds Digital Careers Festival as well as supporting the local economy by creating up to 100 high-skill roles in tech.

“It’s been fantastic to see the company go from strength-to-strength while emphasising the need to also nurture the community it works within.

“We can’t wait to see what this local digital success story does in the next 12 months.”

The council’s partnership with xDesign will see the two organisations collaborate on a digital campaign, which will provide young people in Leeds with more opportunities to explore tech careers.

Matt Ward, xDesign’s head of Leeds, said: “Back in October, we released research that found that although 59% of young people in Leeds are considering a career in tech, two-thirds of them think tech companies could be doing much more to engage and nurture their digital aspirations.

“In order to take action on the data – rather than just offer commentary on a perennial challenge the tech industry faces – we’re going to be running a programme of activities in the new year that will better engage local youngsters in thinking about tech careers.

“These activities will also provide private sector companies in Leeds with a platform to better connect with young people and help them highlight the opportunities their company can offer.”

Martyn Long, head of employment and skills at Leeds City Council, added: “Our partnership with xDesign holds some really exciting potential for the Leeds tech community.

“By coupling our local knowledge with xDesign’s expertise and experience in the tech sector, we can really offer young people a package of support that will fuel their imagination.

“Our aim is to get more young people thinking about a future career in technology, whilst helping to connect them to companies like xDesign that are actively investing in the future of Leeds’ tech community.”