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Why Yorkshire is a great place to work in the UK

It goes without saying that we’re big fans of God’s Own Country. From the scenery to the culture, the people to the ’reet gradely’ scran, Yorkshire has it all. As well as being a great place to live, we often hear from our community that Yorkshire is a fantastic spot for business. Especially for Yorkshire Day 2022, we caught up with some Wellington Place occupiers to find out why our fair county is one of the best places to work in the UK.

Yorkshire is industry-leading

Yorkshire can keep up with the best of them, especially in sectors such as professional services, transport, manufacturing and digital. Did you know that 28 of the UK’s top 100 law firms are based here? Law firm Ward Hadaway explains how “Yorkshire, and Leeds in particular, has rapidly become the hub for law in the North, with 1 in 4 northern legal professionals in 2020 being based in the city.”

As well as a hotspot for all things legal, Yorkshire’s home to big-name organisations such as first direct, Asda, Channel 4, the Ministry of Justice, Sky Betting and Gaming, NHS Digital and Jet2 – to name but a few! But it’s not just the big players who are thriving.

A 2021 report found that Yorkshire is blossoming as a hub for new business, boasting one of the highest startup densities in the UK.

However, us Yorkshire folk perhaps don’t shout about our successes as much as we should. Tommy Clay, Investment Management Assistant at Brewin Dolphin, tells us: “Going into the world of work, I feared I would have major London FOMO, as it seems to be the Mecca of financial services. Instead, I have been left in awe of what Yorkshire has to offer.”

great place for business UK

You’re always well-connected

Not only is Yorkshire home to vibrant cities such as Leeds and Sheffield, it’s also blessed with great transport links to the rest of the country. With major railway stations, motorways and airports on the doorstep, residents enjoy greater connectivity between regional branches and networking opportunities.

When asked why Yorkshire makes such a great business base, Phil Harris, Executive Director at Brown Shipley, explained: “With great links south to London and north to Edinburgh, Yorkshire is the beating heart of business in the UK, which is why we’ve maintained an office here for 160 years and counting!”

The region’s a magnet for talent

Boasting 12 universities and 34 further education colleges, including the University of Leeds, Yorkshire provides businesses with access to a fantastic pool of talent.

Part of the region’s appeal to highly-skilled workers is the strength of its industries, including digital and tech. In fact, Leeds was recently ranked by What Uni as one of the top five best cities for retaining students after graduation.

The region’s diverse geography is another big tick that helps employers to not only attract, but retain, staff. As Sam Hudson, Office Manager at Buro Happold, says: “Due to the balance of urban and country living that Yorkshire offers, we are able to continue to attract top local and international talent.”

Yorkshire puts people first

We may be slightly biased, but we think you won’t find friendlier folk than us here in Yorkshire (yes, that extends to the workplace too)! Glen Crossley, Co-Founder at Burendo, notes that the company has “received such amazing support from the Yorkshire ecosystem”, enabling Burendo to grow to the 170-strong company that it is today. Through their strong emphasis on community, Yorkshire developments like Wellington Place provide the support required to allow businesses to thrive.

Katie O’Hara, Director of Sales and Marketing at Crowne Plaza, added: “Having been based at Crowne Plaza since 2005, I have had the pleasure of seeing leading regional developments such as Wellington Place grow alongside their occupiers to become the amazing places that they are today. This transformation comes down to the support and friendliness of the Yorkshire business community. It really is like a family, and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else!”

Benefits beyond the office

Not only is Yorkshire a region where businesses can collaborate and thrive, but it also offers a great work-life balance. At Wellington Place, we have a range of on-site bars and cafés, perfect for all your morning coffees and post-work beers. We’re also a short walk away from Leeds’ main shopping district. No matter how you choose to unwind, we’ve got you covered.

As Sarah Simpson, Business Support Team Leader at Equifax, sharess: “From a business and social perspective, our hotels, bars and shops are second to none. I’m lucky to work in such a thriving cosmopolitan area, while also being just a 15-minute drive from the countryside.”

If that doesn’t convince you that Yorkshire has tons to offer businesses of all sizes, we’re not sure what will! Click here to find out more about working at Wellington Place.