Situated at the heart of the UK, Leeds is a wonderful city which offers a wealth of culture, and shopping and eating experiences, as well representing a significant commercial hub and gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and the rest of the UK. In addition, it is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and has excellent transport links (by motorway and by rail) to the rest of the UK. All of these factors combine to make Leeds one of the most thriving and lively cities in the North of England, playing host to the 421,000 business people, students, families and tourists that live there.
In the early 20th century, the engineering and textile industries dominated in Leeds. These industries have since suffered dramatic decline and the city has experienced times of significant penury. In the last ten years, however, the city has undergone a huge transformation thanks to major investment and re-development, which has done much to improve many aspects of the city centre. A large amount of new office space and housing has sprung up over the last three years in particular within a five minute walk from Leeds central rail station, and the many new bars and restaurants that have sprung up by the Canal over recent years bear witness to the city’s growing prosperity. The addition of Harvey Nichols in recent years to the shopping precinct is further evidence of the city’s growing affluence. Leeds University and other tertiary education establishments in the city have also brought a lot of new companies into the centre of Leeds to service all their requirements.
The main business centre operators in Leeds are Regus, which has multiple serviced office locations in the city centre and around the outskirts of Leeds; Citibase, which offers office space in Park Square and Wellington Street; The Executive Centre which has serviced offices in City Square; and MWB which offers office space in Whitehall Road. All these key operators offer substantial high-quality office space.
In addition to Regus’s large office spaces on the outskirts, Bizspace and Evans Easyspace provide swathes of space to accommodate companies that are looking for office and light industrial space. There are also several incubation centers which are ideal for small start-up companies are looking for their first office space.
Prices in the centre of Leeds have dropped recently (November, 2008) from an average of £450 per workstation to around £275 - £350. This is due to increase in competition and high amounts of office space recently becoming available. Even lower prices are negotiable and deals are available if you know how to ask the right questions!