Living and Working in Leeds: Economic Growth, Culture & Career Opportunities

Leeds is one of the UK’s most attractive cities for professionals and businesses as it offers a combination of career opportunity, economic growth, and lifestyle benefits. 

With its Gross Value Added (GVA) projected to grow by 1.7% by the end of 2025, which outpaces both the UK and Yorkshire, Leeds stands out as a smart choice both for companies looking to expand and professionals seeking their next move. 

In this article, we explore what makes Leeds a great place to live and work, the industries and companies that are thriving in the region, and the demand for senior talent shaping Leeds recruitment. 

If you’re seeking Leeds recruitment opportunities, view the latest vacancies at our Horsforth office today. 

What Makes Leeds a Great Place to Live? 

Rich Culture and Historical Attractions 

Leeds offers a great balance of industrial heritage and modern culture, meaning there’s something for everyone. You can visit the national collection of armour at the Royal Armouries Museum, explore global natural history at Leeds City Museum, and delve into history at the Thackray Medical Museum, all of which are free to enter. The Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute also showcase contemporary and classical works in award-winning architecture. 

Traditional trading halls such as the Corn Exchange and Grand Arcade now have indie boutiques, cocktail bars, and artisan bakeries, blending heritage with the future. This is all part of the “Team Leeds” initiative, which aims to bring together individuals, businesses, and organisations to achieve collective goals and improve the quality of life for all residents. 

Outdoor Adventures and Local Experiences 

As well as a great urban life, Leeds offers easy access to nature and greenery. Just a short journey from the city centre, Roundhay Park provides over 700 acres of green space with lakes, gardens, woodland walks, and even open-air performances. The Leeds–Liverpool Canal is perfect for walking or cycling, with scenic routes that stretch for miles. Plus, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is just 15 miles away, with Ilkley Moor and the North Yorkshire Moors also close by. 

Back in the city, shopping spots like Trinity Leeds and the historic Victoria Quarter offer everything from big brands to boutique products. You’ll also find food and drink experiences across the city, including brewery tours and guided food walks that highlight Leeds’ growing independent scene. 

Musical Heritage 

Leeds’ dynamic lifestyle is shaped by its musical roots, with the city home to major acts such as Kaiser Chiefs, Soft Cell, and Alt-J. Many other acts are also attracted to Leeds’ various venues, including the First Direct Arena, the O2 Academy, and the popular Brudenell Social Club, and every August, Leeds Festival draws tens of thousands with its star-studded line-ups. Aside from big arena acts, underground clubs in Holbeck and the Call Lane quarter keep the indie music scene thriving. 

Diverse Community and Celebrations 

Leeds is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, with over 180 nationalities represented. This diversity is celebrated throughout the year with major events like the Leeds West Indian Carnival and Leeds Mela, which showcase music, dance, and food from across Asia. 

The city's multiculturalism is reflected in its food, with street food markets, international supermarkets, and family-run restaurants serving a range of cuisines. There are also local programmes like “Welcome to Leeds” that help new residents settle in and feel part of the community from the start. 

Thriving Sports Scene and Community Initiatives 

Leeds has a strong sporting tradition, with Leeds United drawing large crowds to Elland Road and Headingley Stadium hosting both Yorkshire Cricket and the Leeds Rhinos rugby team. The city has also hosted major events like the Tour de Yorkshire and the World Triathlon Series. 

There’s a big focus on getting people involved too, as organisations like Sport Leeds and the Leeds United Foundation run projects to support local communities, encourage active lifestyles, and make sport more accessible to everyone. For those looking to stay fit, Leeds offers plenty of options. 

Dan Cordwell, data centres recruitment expert at CSG Talent, shares his thoughts on living in the city: "Leeds is a fantastic city full of great people. I originally moved here in 2019 for university and have been here ever since. One of the biggest perks is how convenient and easy it is to travel around, whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city. Plus, the cost of living is affordable, especially when compared to the South of England, where I grew up." 

What Makes Leeds a Great Place to Work? 

Diverse and Resilient Economy 

As the largest financial centre outside of London, Leeds is home to a growing number of banks and legal firms. But the city isn’t reliant on a single sector, its economy is shaped by a wide mix of industries, making it a secure place to build a career. Ongoing infrastructure investments like the Leeds Existing Station Programme (LESP) and Leeds Area Improvement Programme (LAIP) are helping to drive growth and create new opportunities across the city. 

Opportunities Across the City and Suburbs 

Leeds offers job opportunities both in the city centre and in a range of surrounding areas too. The city centre remains a hub for financial and professional services, while suburbs such as Horsforth and Headingley are seeing growth in tech, healthcare, and creative sectors. Many companies base their operations near suburban retail parks or business centres, offering a good balance between access to the city and more affordable housing. These suburban areas often have better road links and proximity to the airport, which can be ideal for professionals who travel regularly for work. 

Strong Transport Links and Connectivity 

Leeds is well-connected by train links, motorways, and airports, making commuting simple. Direct trains run to London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, with further stations planned at Leeds Bradford Airport, Thorpe Park, and White Rose. The city also offers an extensive bus network, park and ride options, and a public electric bike hire scheme. 

Major investment is being made through initiatives like the Connecting Leeds project and the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP), which work towards better road infrastructure and a more reliable public transport system for the future. 

A Supportive Environment for Business 

Leeds City Council is committed to creating a positive environment for both businesses and employees through initiatives that support innovative startups while also focusing on well-being through flexible work policies and development programmes. Employers benefit from access to four major universities, which provide skilled talent pools and research collaboration opportunities. 

Key Industries in Leeds 

Life Sciences and Medical Devices 

Leeds has earned a reputation as a UK leader in life sciences and medical devices, with institutions like the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust supporting world-class research and innovation. Investment in digital health is accelerating, with NHS Digital headquartered in the city and the £1.5 billion Leeds Innovation Arc underway. 

Roles in bioinformatics, clinical trial management, and software development are in particularly high demand, helping bridge the gap between patient care and innovative technology. 

Finance and Professional Services 

Leeds is the leading centre for financial services outside London, with a large number of banks, fintech companies, and accountancy firms based in the city. Home to regional offices for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England, the city exports over £2 billion annually in financial services. With over 60% of finance jobs requiring advanced skills, Leeds offers strong prospects for senior professionals seeking leadership roles in financial innovation and strategy. 

Construction and Civil Engineering 

Driven by rapid population growth and regeneration projects, construction and civil engineering are major growth sectors in Leeds. Over £3.9 billion has been invested in large-scale developments in the past decade, with another £7.3 billion in the pipeline for housing schemes and sustainable transport links. 

As the population approaches 830,000, professionals with expertise in BIM and project management are required, as are specialists who can integrate renewable energy systems into new builds. 

Data Centres and Technology 

Leeds is fast becoming a digital powerhouse in the UK, with over 9,700 technology businesses and 50,000 digital jobs making it one of the country’s most vibrant tech hubs. The sector is expanding 125% faster than the national average, driven by innovation in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI. The Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) leads research in AI and machine learning, while major employers such as IBM and Cognizant continue to expand their presence in the region. 

The increase in data centre planning applications reflects the rising demand for network engineers and cloud infrastructure managers and, with a strong pipeline of digital talent, Leeds offers exceptional career opportunities for professionals seeking senior-level data centre roles. 

Industrial Engineering 

With over 1,500 manufacturing firms employing around 30,000 people, Leeds is one of the UK’s top locations for industrial engineering and manufacturing. The city’s highly diverse sector includes aerospace components, advanced textiles, and food production. 

As the region invests in smart factory technologies, Leeds remains a top destination for senior professionals such as process engineers and operations managers. 

Top Employers in Leeds 

Asda 

Founded in 1949, Asda is one of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, with its headquarters located in Leeds. The company operates over 1,100 stores across the UK and employs approximately 145,000 people, making it a significant contributor to the local economy. While many associate Asda primarily with retail roles, the business also supports a wide range of head office functions, including marketing, finance, supply chain, human resources, IT, and commercial operations. These departments play a key role in driving strategy, innovation, and growth across the organisation. 

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 

As one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves as a regional and national centre for specialist treatment and a leading biomedical research facility. Employing over 22,000 staff, the organisation treats approximately 1.5 million patients annually across its seven hospitals, including Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital. It is also key to medical education and research, working closely with academic institutions to pioneer new treatments and innovations in healthcare. 

Unilever Leeds 

Unilever's Leeds site is the largest deodorant factory in Europe, producing almost a billion deodorants annually for the UK and European markets. The facility employs around 600 staff, including 150 scientists, and serves as a major research and manufacturing hub for Unilever's personal care products. The site's production capabilities and commitment to innovation make it a leader in Leeds' manufacturing sector. 

The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) 

Based in Horsforth, Leeds, TPP is a health technology company specialising in clinical software solutions for the NHS. Founded in 1997, TPP's flagship product, SystmOne, is widely used across GP practices in England. The company has secured significant contracts with the Department of Health and Social Care and is known for its contributions to digital healthcare innovation. 

AQL 

Founded in 1998, AQL is a telecommunications company headquartered in Leeds, known for operating data centres and providing colocation services and 5G mobile connectivity services for the Internet of Things (IoT). The company's headquarters are located at the historic Salem Chapel in Hunslet, Leeds, and it plays a key role in the city's digital infrastructure. 

Leeds Recruitment Experts 

At CSG Talent, our dedicated Leeds executive search team is headquartered in Horsforth, a thriving suburb just north of the city known for its excellent transport links and easy access to green spaces.