Inward investment results in 4,300 new jobs for Leeds City Region

Between 2016 and 201, 3,990 jobs were created in Leeds City region as a result of inward investment.

A further 330 roles are also expected to be filled this year already, with the benefit of these investments being felt across the region.

This is against a backdrop of continued economic success, a 6% increase in GVA up to £64.6bn from £61.4bn in 2013, and a 6% increase in the rate of general private sector jobs creation, the fastest nationally.

Amongst the international companies who see the value of the region’s skills and business community is US–owned Perform Group, a digital sports content company which announced the creation of 100 new jobs in Leeds late last year.

Ben Warn, Perform Group CEO, said the company found “the right attitude and right location” to develop the business in Leeds.

The region’s digital sector was also strengthened when Sky Bet revealed plans to double its presence in Leeds to accommodate the firm’s digital team, totalling 150 roles.

The economic growth has continued this year, with another 330 jobs to be created. The news of luxury brand Burberrytransferring 300 jobs from its London offices to Leeds will result in a new shared services centre of excellence.

This followed the announcement that US-owned bio-pharma company Covance will open a new facility at the National-Agri Innovation Food Campus in York. This facility will add to its existing base of 1,000 employees already in Harrogate.

John Ratliff, chief executive officer of Covance said: “Covance is a recognised leader in providing global BioPharmCMC solutions, in a large part due to its reputation for operational, service and scientific excellence at our Harrogate facility.

“By investing in the Harrogate BioPharmCMC expansion into nearby York, we continue to strengthen our leadership in this space.”

Kersten England, chief executive of Bradford MDC and LEP lead chief executive for business investment and growth, added: “This is a solid performance for inward investment job creation and we have the fastest rate of private sector jobs growth nationally.

“It confirms the international and national private sector confidence in the region and that our investment in skills, infrastructure and services to investors is clearly paying off.”

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