Leeds is the UK’s fastest growing city with the second largest employment total outside London. It is recognised as the capital of the Yorkshire and Humber region. The estimated value of the city’s economy currently stands at £12.0 billion (2004) and what’s more, it is projected to grow by a third in the next ten years.

City living
City centre living is currently in vogue, which has resulted in many new developments and the conversion of vacant space above shops, restaurants and offices. Exciting housing schemes are now springing up all over the centre of Leeds.

Transport links
Leeds maintains a fantastic district transport network, with drive time from smaller rural towns only 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre.

The city boasts a pioneering guided bus system and an extensive network of services, with the average distance from house to bus route under 200 m.

Retail development
On the retail side, major developments include The Light and shopping centre refurbishments at Leeds Shopping Plaza, the Headrow Shopping Centre and Kirkgate Market. There have also been substantial store expansions by Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams.

Strength in diversity
Leeds has the most diverse economy of all the UK’s main employment centres, with over 25,000 businesses in the city registered for VAT and/or PAYE. The city is a major centre for manufacturing and commerce, with an estimated 442,400 people employed in the local economy.

A few key facts about Leeds
• Leeds has received a string of accolades including Britain's Best City for Business (OMIS Research).

• £2.5 billion has been invested in commercial property development in Leeds over the last 10 years and a further
£4.9 billion of projects are under construction.

• Leeds is the major employment centre in the region. Around 442,400 people work in the Leeds and the city is expected to provide 45% of employment growth in the region over the next 10 years.

• Leeds is one of the UK's largest centres for financial and business services with over 30 national and international banks based in the city.

• Dubbed the Knightsbridge of the North, the city centre has over 1,000 shops and is the region’s prime shopping destination.

• Leeds is linked by rail to London Kings Cross, with a journey time of only two hours, and to major European business and holiday destinations via Leeds Bradford International Airport.

• Major national attractions located in Leeds include the Royal Armouries, Henry Moore Institute, Harewood House

• Leeds is recognised as the regional capital of Yorkshire and the Humber, an area with a population of around five million – similar to that of Scotland or Denmark.

• Over two-thirds of the Leeds district is covered with green belt land and the city centre is less than 20 miles from the Yorkshire Dales National Park.