Mayor kickstarts plan to supercharge West Yorkshire’s green economy

An ambitious new strategy designed to supercharge growth in West Yorkshire’s green economy has been launched by Mayor Tracy Brabin today (15 December).

Aiming to position the region as a leader in clean technology and sustainable innovation, it will help to create thousands of skilled jobs and attract millions of pounds of investment into the region, 

The new action plan reveals that West Yorkshire’s green economy is set to grow by £3 billion in the next year, powered by areas such as climate technology and clean energy. 

It also outlines how around 20,000 jobs could be created across the region by 2030, through ongoing investment into home energy upgrades, low-emission transport and renewable energy. 

The sector currently supports over 53,000 jobs and contributes over £8 billion to West Yorkshire’s local economy.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“West Yorkshire is leading the way in green industries - from home retrofits to clean energy and electric transport. 

“This plan is about building on that success and unleashing the potential of this thriving priority sector.

“We’re creating good jobs and backing local businesses to supercharge growth and build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

The ‘Green Economy Cluster Action Plan’ sets out nine priorities to drive growth, create high-quality jobs, and tackle climate change - supporting the region’s ambition to reach net zero by 2038.

It addresses key challenges such as skills shortages and early-stage finance gaps, while promoting international trade and inward investment. 

Mayor Brabin launched the new plan during a visit to Leeds-based Test Consulting, which helps businesses around the world to lower emissions, meet environmental standards, and prepare for the transition to net zero.

John Swallow, Managing Director of Test Consulting, said:

“This plan shows that West Yorkshire is serious about backing green growth.

“It will give companies like ours the confidence to employ more people and scale up, as the world works towards a greener future.

“It’s an exciting moment for the region and the sector.”

Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“From Advanced Manufacturing to FinTech, West Yorkshire offers the innovation, talent and investment needed to drive a clean growth future. Our businesses are powering innovation across the world.

“By investing in retrofitting, transport and skills training, we will ensure the green economy delivers opportunities for businesses, good jobs for people and long-term benefits for our communities." 

Green economy was identified as one of West Yorkshire’s six key growth sectors in the Combined Authority’s flagship Local Growth Plan, unveiled earlier this year. 

The Combined Authority is also investing in Skills Bootcamps, and working with employers through the Fair Work Charter to ensure green jobs are secure, well-paid and rewarding.

Click here for further information and to view the Green Economy Cluster Action Plan.