Bursting with life and culture, Leeds is a great place for any business, whether you’re looking to rent out an office space in the city as your company’s main base, or are thinking of opening a satellite office in this thriving Yorkshire city. Whatever your reason for considering office space in Leeds, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about working in the city.
What’s the appeal of Leeds?
Leeds was recently named the best place in the UK to start a business, ahead of London and Manchester. The study looked at a variety of factors, including start-up costs, the quality of broadband in the area, the talent pool available and the cost of rent – a key factor in attracting new talent. It found that the average cost of starting a business in Leeds was £15,550 – far ahead of London, which came out at an eye-watering £75,990.
Of the start-ups based in Leeds, many are doing incredibly well. In fact, the city has the third-biggest population of high-growth companies in the UK (outside of London), behind Edinburgh and Manchester, but ahead of Bristol and Glasgow. These companies make up 26% of the high-growth business population in Yorkshire, putting Leeds at the top of the list when it comes to locations in which to start a business in Yorkshire.
What’s more, 148 of these high-growth businesses are classified as scaleups. That means they’ve grown at least 10% in headcount or turnover in three years – making Leeds the best location for scaleups, other than London. If you’re a small business owner looking to invest and grow your company, then a serviced office space in Leeds could help you get there faster.
There are several colleges and universities in the city, giving a wide talent pool of graduates to hire from – and there is support from the universities, too. The University of Leeds has invested £40 million in its Nexus innovation centre, acting as a hub for Leeds’ start-up community and encouraging links between businesses and university students.
There’s also support from a number of accelerators in the city, helping start-up businesses with the potential to raise the capital they need to make their business an even bigger success.
What industries are thriving in Leeds?
Leeds was a major mill town during the Industrial Revolution, but today it’s home to a vast array of businesses from a wide range of sectors.
It’s one of the UK’s major financial hubs, outside of London. Currently the UK’s fastest-growing city, it has an economy of £64.6 billion, and over the next ten years, the economy is set to grow by 21%. Financial and business services are predicted to generate over half of GVA growth during the next decade.
The tech and digital economies in the city are also booming. There are currently 17 Leeds-based companies in the North Tech Awards list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses in the north of England, including digital consultancy Hippo Digital, online chemist Pharmacy2U, and mobile workforce management platform BigChange.
Leeds is also home to major national and international companies, including Asda’s headquarters, First Direct Bank, and video game designers Rockstar Leeds.
Types of office space to rent in Leeds
Maybe you’re a start-up founder looking for a temporary office until you get up and running. Temporary offices are an excellent option for businesses that need flexibility without breaking the bank. Low budget and low commitment, you can simply hire out an office whilst you’re finalising those all-important details you need before your launch or looking for office space all of your own.
Perhaps you want a coworking space where you can learn from other like-minded business owners. A coworking office is a great option for start-ups and solo entrepreneurs, as it means you’ll meet plenty of other people in the same situation as you. It’s also a great option if you have a hybrid team who needs somewhere to work that isn’t their home. You can hire a desk space for them, or opt for hot-desking, to ensure they can get away from their desks and into a more sociable space.
Alternatively, you could opt for a start-up office, giving your business a professional atmosphere in a dedicated workspace that’s perfect for hosting potential clients and investors.
If you’re currently based elsewhere in the country but want to expand to Leeds, then a satellite office is perfect for you. Build your name in the city with a local business address, and make your brand more appealing to the local talent pool who might want the option of going into the office rather than working remotely for a business headquartered in London.
Or maybe you need a private office space for rent in Leeds, where you have everything provided to ensure all you need to do is focus on the job at hand. Whatever you need, we’ve got a great selection of office spaces available in the city – and here are a few of our favourites.
Broad Gate
This stylish office space is one of the city’s most prestigious business addresses. The office comes equipped with everything you need to stay productive, including high-speed internet, video conferencing, and IT support. Facilities in the building include on-site catering and showers – perfect for an active commute.
North Street
The floor to ceiling windows in this office space offers an incredible view of the Leeds skyline – perfect for impressing clients, investors, and potential new staff members. And that’s not to mention the dedicated access to the building’s roof terrace, ideal for hosting after-work drinks.
With all the little extras you need to make an office space comfortable, including ergonomic furniture and a Nespresso coffee machine, this office space is a great choice for businesses looking to establish a base in the city.
Ludgate Hill
Take on office space in a historic landmark building in the heart of Leeds, within easy walking distance of all the city’s main transport hubs. There are options for businesses of every size in this building, from one-person teams to bigger businesses looking for a sociable workspace to call their home.
South Parade
A stunning art deco building, this 1930s office space is in the heart of Leeds’ financial district – but it’s ideal for businesses from any vertical. Close to some of the best bars, restaurants and shops in the city, this office is the perfect choice for teams who like to work hard and play hard.
East Parade
Set over five floors, this incredible office has something for everyone, from breakout zones to private offices, suitable for businesses of all sizes. With an on-site restaurant and bar, and a stylish roof terrace, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for sociable shared office space in Leeds where you can build a business community.
Find your new office in Leeds
With a thriving community of start-ups and established businesses alike, Leeds is the perfect new base for your company. Find your ideal office space today with Easy Offices, with a range of private offices and coworking spaces to suit your needs.
