Business & Startup Scene in Leeds, United Kingdom
1. Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
A public-private partnership driving economic growth and job creation in Leeds through business support, infrastructure development, and skills training.
- Business Support: Offers advice, mentoring, and funding for startups and existing businesses.
- Infrastructure Development: Invests in physical infrastructure to accommodate business growth.
- Skills Training: Provides training programs to upskill the local workforce.
2. Spark (Leeds' digital and technology hub)
A hub for tech startups, scale-ups, and established businesses to connect, collaborate, and innovate.
- Collaboration Space: Provides shared workspaces to foster collaboration between companies.
- Networking Events: Hosts regular events to facilitate connections and knowledge sharing.
- Investment Opportunities: Offers investment opportunities to help businesses grow.
3. Leeds Startup Weekend
A weekend-long event where individuals form teams and develop a business idea from scratch.
- Idea Generation: Provides an environment to generate, discuss, and refine new business ideas.
- Networking Opportunities: Offers chances to connect with like-minded individuals and potential partners.
- Mentorship: Provides mentorship from industry experts to help shape ideas and plans.
4. Leeds Digital Festival
A city-wide celebration of digital innovation, showcasing the latest technologies and trends.
- Inspiration: Offers inspiration from keynote speakers and cutting-edge exhibitions.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides chances to connect with digital leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
- Skills Development: Offers workshops and seminars for skill development in various digital fields.
5. Leeds Tech Hub
A community of tech entrepreneurs, developers, and investors working together to foster innovation.
- Co-working Space: Provides shared workspaces for startups and freelancers.
- Networking Events: Hosts regular events to connect with other tech professionals.
- Investment Opportunities: Offers investment opportunities for growing businesses.
6. Leeds Beckett University Enterprise Team
Supports student and graduate entrepreneurship through business advice, workshops, and funding.
- Student & Graduate Support: Offers resources and support to students and graduates looking to start their own businesses.
- Business Advice: Provides advice from experienced business professionals.
- Funding Opportunities: Offers funding for student and graduate startups.
7. Leeds Trinity University Business School Incubator
Provides a supportive environment for new businesses with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth.
- Startup Support: Offers mentoring, workshops, and resources to help startups grow.
- Collaborative Space: Provides shared workspaces for collaboration between businesses.
- Growth Opportunities: Offers opportunities for business growth through connections and networking.
8. Leeds Chamber of Commerce
Represents and supports local businesses by providing advice, resources, and networking opportunities.
- Business Advice: Offers advice on various aspects of running a business.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides chances to connect with other local businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Representation: Acts as a voice for local businesses on issues affecting the business community.
9. Leeds Foundry
A creative workspace and events venue supporting entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators.
- Creative Workspace: Provides dedicated workspaces for creatives and innovators.
- Networking Opportunities: Offers chances to connect with other creative professionals.
- Events & Workshops: Hosts events and workshops focused on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
10. LeedsBID (Business Improvement District)
A business-led partnership working to improve the business environment in Leeds city centre.
- Improved Business Environment: Works to make Leeds city centre a more attractive and prosperous location for businesses.
- Security Measures: Implements security measures to protect businesses and their customers.
- Marketing & Promotion: Promotes Leeds city centre as a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
11. Leeds Start CIC (Community Interest Company)
A social enterprise providing business support services to underrepresented groups in Leeds.
- Support for Underrepresented Groups: Offers support and resources to underrepresented groups such as women, BAME entrepreneurs, and those with disabilities.
- Business Advice & Training: Provides business advice, training, and mentoring services.
- Networking Opportunities: Offers chances to connect with other underrepresented entrepreneurs.
12. Leeds Manufacturing Festival
A celebration of Leeds' rich manufacturing history and future, showcasing innovation, technology, and careers in the sector.
- Inspiration: Offers inspiration from keynote speakers, exhibitions, and demonstrations.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides chances to connect with manufacturers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
- Career Opportunities: Offers insights into career paths within the manufacturing industry.
13. Leeds Innovation Festival
A city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity across various sectors, promoting collaboration and inspiration.
- Inspiration: Offers inspiration from keynote speakers, exhibitions, and demonstrations.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides chances to connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals across various sectors.
- Skills Development: Offers workshops and seminars for skill development in various innovative fields.
14. Leeds Science Park
A hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) businesses and research.
- Collaborative Space: Provides shared workspaces for STEM-focused businesses.
- Networking Opportunities: Offers chances to connect with other STEM professionals and entrepreneurs.
- Research & Development Support: Provides support for research and development in the STEM field.
15. Leeds Entrepreneurs Society
A student-run society at the University of Leeds providing support, resources, and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Student & Graduate Support: Offers resources and support to students and graduates looking to start their own businesses.
- Business Advice: Provides advice from experienced business professionals.
- Entrepreneurial Events & Workshops: Hosts events and workshops focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business.