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
Over 2.4 million people live here
With over 4.5 million within an hour’s drive, and more people here are aged under 20 than any other area of the North.
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 spoke across the region and Bradford has the fastest growing young population outside of London.
Home to over 95,000 businesses
We employ 1.2 million people, 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 31,000 graduates a year
Our region boasts an unrivalled supply of talent, with two world-class business schools, seven universities and nine further education colleges producing over 31,000 graduates a year.
And we’re also a magnet for the next generation of innovators, creators and makers with 56% of students educated here choosing to stay to live and work after graduation, and 70% of graduates who studied elsewhere returning to West 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 outside of London
Adding £2 billion to our local economy and employing 50,000 people, West Yorkshire has England’s fastest-growing creative sector outside of London, so it’s no wonder we’re welcoming key players like Channel 4 and record label, EMI North.
We produce over 31,000 graduates a year
Our region boasts an unrivalled supply of talent, with two world-class business schools, seven universities and nine further education colleges producing over 31,000 graduates a year.
And we’re also a magnet for the next generation of innovators, creators and makers with 56% of students educated here choosing to stay to live and work after graduation, and 70% of graduates who studied elsewhere returning to West 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 outside of London
Adding £2 billion to our local economy and employing 50,000 people, West Yorkshire has England’s fastest-growing creative sector outside of London, 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.