Over the past few years, Leeds has grown considerably in stature as a city in which to do business. It is believed to be the UK’s fastest growing city, with an economy that is predicted to grow by an impressive 21% over the next decade.

Businesses across financial, healthcare, banking and media sectors have all made their homes in Leeds, boosting the economy and helping to revitalise this West Yorkshire city, the leader within the Northern Powerhouse.

Leeds is one of the big six regional office centres in the UK and there is strong demand for good quality space, from small businesses looking to make their mark in the city to national names.

12 King Street is in the heart of this thriving city and its Business Improvement District (BID) – and while there are plenty of economic reasons why it makes good business sense to move to Leeds, there are so many reasons why it is seen as an attractive proposition for individuals and why it is considered a great place to live and work. Here are our top five:

1.The culture

2023 is the year Leeds focuses on its culture. Billed as an international cultural festival, the city will host 12 main events and dozens of other happenings, including dance, design, art and theatre.

It’s building on the city’s established reputation as a creative and media hub – home to Yorkshire Television and, more recently, Channel 4.

2. Value for money

Leeds offers exceptional value for money in the office sector – significantly less per square foot than Manchester or Birmingham – with a strong presence from the business and financial services sectors, which account for about 40% of the city’s total. And when it comes to housing, Leeds also offers good value for money. According to Zoopla, flats sold for an average price of £153,926 in 2021, while terraced houses sold for an average of £179,369. Compare this to Manchester, where flats were an average of £173,100 and terraced houses £192,847.

3. Shopping

From the buzz of Trinity Leeds, the glass-roofed centre packed with 120 shops, to the grade I listed Kirkgate Market, where Marks & Spencer started its humble beginnings, Leeds is one great city for shopping. The Victoria Quarter – a stunning arcade with mosaics, rich mahogany and wrought iron – is where you’ll find Harvey Nichols and other premium brands, while Victoria Gate has the largest John Lewis store outside of London.

4. Social life

With more than 60,000 students spread over three universities in Leeds, it is not surprising there is a thriving night economy in the city. From fine dining (including a Michelin star restaurant) to street food – and cuisines from all over the world – Leeds has an enviable dining scene and is known as the food capital of the North. Bars, pubs and nightclubs all combine to create a vibrant night time economy.

5. Countryside

Leeds is a thriving city, but on its doorstep is the magnificent Yorkshire Dales, a national park with incredible scenery, attractive villages and towns, waterfalls and woodland, plus the three peaks, Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent, which attract thousands of intrepid walkers every year. Closer to the city centre are the wide, open spaces of Roundhay Park, one of the biggest parks in Europe at more than 700 acres.

If you want to be part of one of the most exciting cities in the UK, see here for more details on 12 King Street.