Working in Leeds and the surrounding area

Leeds has a thriving economy and an extensive history of market growth and development. Economic output currently stands at £13 billion and it is projected to grow by a third in the next ten years. With a workforce of 442,400, Leeds is the major employment centre for the Yorkshire and Humber region. (Leeds, Live it, Love it)

Over the last 20 years, Leeds has created more jobs than any other major city outside London.  Of the five largest cities in the UK (Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester), only Leeds demonstrated a net gain in employment over this period, creating over 90,700 new jobs. Total employment is expected to grow by a further 7.1 per cent over the next decade, creating 32,000 new jobs (2005 Leeds Economy Handbook).

The financial and business service sector is the largest employer, followed by the public sector. Leeds is one of the UK’s principal manufacturing centres, a major media centre, as well as being the UK’s largest legal centre outside of London.

Over 180 law firms are based in the city, employing in excess of 8,000 professionals.
Many of the UK’s national and international law firms were founded in Leeds, many of which have expanded into global markets.  Law firms in Leeds offer everything from global practices employing hundreds of legal professionals, to small practices specialising in niche areas of law.

Top national and international firms have a presence in Leeds, including Pinsent Masons, DLA Piper, Hammonds, Addleshaw Goddard and Eversheds.

A varied skills base, two universities and a wide range of vocational training facilities ensures that Leeds’ diverse and dynamic economy is well served by a skilled workforce compatible with the most up to date and flexible working practices.

Over two million people live within thirty minutes drive of Leeds city centre, making Leeds a major employment provider for adjacent districts, with a net 70,000 in-commuters in 2005. Leeds is a major visitor destination, with the tourism industry supporting 19,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

As well as being a prosperous business centre, the city centre also offers a great lifestyle with a wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs and other entertainment. There is a broad range of cultural attractions, including a theatre, opera and ballet.

The fast-paced city centre is also complemented by stunning local countryside, including the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, which lie within easy reach of the centre.

Sources:

Leeds, Live It, Love It
Leeds Legal
Yorkshire Forward