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Sectors and industries

We are home to six clusters of businesses that are driving growth in their sectors. There is huge potential to invest in companies that are known around the world for their innovation and quality. From established manufacturing to cutting-edge technology, West Yorkshire is where opportunity lives.

Our regional economy is full of dynamic and thriving businesses. Many of them are at the forefront of creating new solutions to the challenges we all face.

We have particular strengths in six key sectors where there is huge potential for growth. We are a region of manufacturers and engineers that powered the industrial revolution. We have embraced the potential of digital technology and services. We are a region of creatives, home to arts universities, television studios and music makers. We are home to the Northern Square Mile, with the Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and others already here. We are transitioning to net zero by 2038 and building the largest hydrogen processing facility in the UK. We are the home of the NHS, a globally important healthtech cluster and the £160 million West Yorkshire Healthtech Investment Zone.

Below you can find out more about our growth sectors and meet some of the businesses that are thriving here.

Creative services.
Digital and technology.
Financial and professional services.
Healthtech.
Advanced manufacturing.

Male software developer sat at computers

High growth opportunities in AI and data

West Yorkshire is recognised by the UK Government as a high growth opportunity area for data and AI. We are building a hyperscale data centre and produce more data science graduates than any other region.

£1.3 billion

Digital and tech businesses are valued at £1.3 billion annually.

27,000

West Yorkshire is home to 27,000 financial and professional services firms.

£3 billion

Healthtech companies have revenues of £3 billion a year.

112,000

People work in the manufacturing sector in West Yorkshire.

£1.7 billion

The creative services sector is valued at £1.7 billion.

37%

The green economy in West Yorkshire has grown by 37% in the past three years.

£1.3 billion

Digital and tech businesses are valued at £1.3 billion annually.

27,000

West Yorkshire is home to 27,000 financial and professional services firms.

£3 billion

Healthtech companies have revenues of £3 billion a year.

112,000

People work in the manufacturing sector in West Yorkshire.

£1.7 billion

The creative services sector is valued at £1.7 billion.

37%

The green economy in West Yorkshire has grown by 37% in the past three years.

Our growth sectors

Health and Life Sciences

West Yorkshire is the best place in the UK to start, locate and grow a Health and Life Sciences business. As the home of the NHS and world-leading research facilities, we drive health innovations from initial ideation to clinical commissioning.

Advanced manufacturing

With the highest concentration of high-value manufacturers and the largest manufacturing workforce in the UK, West Yorkshire is best placed to address the challenges for the future of manufacturing. It provides the perfect location for companies looking to invest, grow and innovate.

Space

West Yorkshire is home to a leading cluster of companies manufacturing parts for almost every satellite launched from Earth. Companies worldwide in the space sector look to us to source mission-critical components where quality, reliability, durability and safety are essential.

Textiles

Textiles are in West Yorkshire’s blood. The region has been developing new materials and processes for centuries. Today, local companies are still at the forefront of making the fabrics of the future.

Financial and Professional Services

West Yorkshire is home to the Northern Square Mile, the second largest centre of banking, accounting and legal services in the UK. It has a long history of financial excellence and expertise in the sector.

Technology and AI

West Yorkshire is recognised by UK Government as a world leader in tech and AI, with the largest population of AI students in the UK.

Creative Industries

Discover West Yorkshire’s thriving £2 billion creative sector. A powerhouse of TV, film, music, gaming, design, publishing, dance, theatre, heritage and cultural institutions, including arts and museums.

Work with us to make the most out of investing in West Yorkshire

Our dedicated team can help you meet the right people and find the right opportunities to fit your needs. Speak to us today to get started.

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