Why invest in West Yorkshire?
Net Zero 2038
A £58 billion regional economy
at the heart of the UK
Why invest in West Yorkshire?
Net Zero 2038
A £58 billion regional
economy at the heart
of the UK
A £58 billion
regional economy
at the heart of
the UK
2.4 million people live here
With over 9.7 million people living within an hour’s drive.
Voted among the happiest and best places to live in the UK
Thanks to the combination of a vibrant cultural programme, award-winning restaurants, three National Parks and a contemporary urban buzz. There are 170 languages spoken across the region, and over the last decade Leeds has seen the biggest growth in the number of people aged under 16 of any local authority in England.
Home to over 95,000 businesses
We have 1.2 million job opportunities, including a large number of corporates and headquarters undertaking advanced operations.
We're known internationally as a great place for businesses to thrive and expand - Bradford was voted the best city to start a business by Barclays, and Leeds is home to the largest number of scale-up businesses outside of London.
We produce over 35,000 graduates a year
Our region boasts an unrivalled supply of talent, with two world-class business schools, seven universities and seven further education colleges producing over 35,000 graduates a year.
And we’re also a magnet for the next generation of innovators, creators and makers with 55% of students educated here choosing to stay to live and work in Yorkshire after graduation, and 72% of graduates who are originally from West Yorkshire choosing to work in Yorkshire.
We're blessed with world-class culture, heritage and sport
We are leaders in sculpture and contemporary art, internationally significant theatre, dance and opera companies, major music and literature festivals, and cutting-edge hubs for the games, screen and events industries.
Whilst Bradford’s City of Culture 2025 is set to attract visitors from around the globe. This will be trailed by celebrations in every part of our region including Leeds 2023, Kirklees’ Year of Music, and Year of Culture 2024 events in both Wakefield and Calderdale.
We are England’s fastest-growing creative sector employer outside of London
Adding around £2 billion to our local economy and employing 112,000 people in creative jobs across all sectors, West Yorkshire has England’s fastest-growing creative employment in the north, so it’s no wonder we’re welcoming key players like Channel 4 and record label, EMI North.
We produce over 35,000 graduates a year
Our region boasts an unrivalled supply of talent, with two world-class business schools, seven universities and seven further education colleges producing over 35,000 graduates a year.
And we’re also a magnet for the next generation of innovators, creators and makers with 55% of students educated here choosing to stay to live and work in Yorkshire after graduation, and 72% of graduates who are originally from West Yorkshire choosing to work in Yorkshire.
We're blessed with world-class culture, heritage and sport
We are leaders in sculpture and contemporary art, internationally significant theatre, dance and opera companies, major music and literature festivals, and cutting-edge hubs for the games, screen and events industries.
Whilst Bradford’s City of Culture 2025 is set to attract visitors from around the globe. This will be trailed by celebrations in every part of our region including Leeds 2023, Kirklees’ Year of Music, and Year of Culture 2024 events in both Wakefield and Calderdale.
We are England’s fastest-growing creative sector employer outside of London
Adding around £2 billion to our local economy and employing 112,000 people in creative jobs across all sectors, West Yorkshire has England’s fastest-growing creative employment in the north, so it’s no wonder we’re welcoming key players like Channel 4 and record label, EMI North.
Our opportunities
Our region is home to a diverse wealth of investment opportunities which will accelerate our journey towards creating a net zero region.
Private investment will play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of these opportunities to help rapidly reduce emissions, champion emerging technologies and create highly skilled jobs.
The Net Zero Region Accelerator programme will provide support to unlock at least £120 million worth of capital investment across our region and create a sustainable pipeline of market-ready projects.
Our opportunities
Our region is home to a diverse wealth of investment opportunities which will accelerate our journey towards creating a net zero region.
Private investment will play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of these opportunities to help rapidly reduce emissions, champion emerging technologies and create highly skilled jobs.
The Net Zero Region Accelerator programme will provide support to unlock at least £120 million worth of capital investment across our region and create a sustainable pipeline of market-ready projects.