Blog: Leeds City Region offers the access to a significant and innovative talent pool

There is a real buzz in the city amongst the professional community. I am based in the expanding Wellington Place development, a very attractive and vibrant working environment within the Leeds Business District. From my base in Leeds it is a privilege to work on some fantastic national and international deals but also with some of the region�s emerging start-up businesses. It also good to be in a city where the business community works in a collaborative way, via organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, to maximise opportunities and take advantage of proposals such as the Northern Powerhouse and HS2 � the new high speed rail link to London.

The great thing for anyone looking to move into, start up or invest in Leeds is that they can be confident that they can access world-class professional services at cost-effective rates.

The professional, legal and financial services sector in Leeds has access to a significant and innovative talent pool including at the region�s many universities, one of which is where I studied Law.

I practice in planning law so I am particularly interested in new developments and there is lots of investment going on in Leeds. The Victoria Gate shopping complex, incorporating a large John Lewis store, opened last Autumn. Sovereign Square and Central Square both completed recently and provide additional Grade A offices and public spaces. Work has started in the South Bank, a major 185-hectare redevelopment area which is planned to create 35,000 new jobs and 4,000 new homes when complete and will double the size of Leeds City Centre. All of this makes Leeds an appealing place to live and work, helping to attract new business and talent that will foster further expansion of the professional services sector.

The Leeds City Region is not just a good place to work though. It also offers fantastic, art, culture, shopping and entertainment and includes the amazing Yorkshire countryside within a historic environment. I would not want to live or work anywhere else.

This blog was written by Amanda Beresford, Partner and Head of Planning at legal practice Shulmans LLP.