Commercial enterprises on the lookout for ideal locations often miss the perfect spot by focusing on prime locations in cities like London, Birmingham or Edinburgh.
But apart from astronomical rents and the prohibitive cost of purchasing a property, the competition from rivals is fierce.
However, regional economies with a history of unique industry and innovation are receiving significant government support to regain their former economic glories — and several punch well above their weight.
With its diverse business mix, Yorkshire might be the pick of the northern powerhouse — here are four reasons it’s one of Britain’s coolest places to do business.
- Leeds
In mid-2017, a report from the Centre for Economics and Business Research reported that economic growth in Leeds in the preceding three years outpaced that of London — standing at eight per cent compared to just under seven.
And its job creation rate of nine and a half per cent outstripped that of both London and Manchester.
Apart from its famous football club, Leeds is home to trendy firms like craft beer emporium Little Leeds Beerhouse where you can browse a huge selection of bespoke brews from around the world and attend regular lively tasting events.
- Sheffield
Sheffield has been a hotbed of musical talent for many years — bands like Moloko, Pulp and The Arctic Monkeys all hail from the South Yorkshire city.
And it’s also home to cult clubs and music venues like Niche, Hope Works and Yellow Arch Studios.
But one of the coolest places to visit is pub, club and hotel combo The Harley — owned by Tramlines music festival guru Dave Healey, it features an in-house burger bar and hosts club nights like Banana Hill and Rite Trax, where you’ll experience everything from spoken word to DJs and live music.
- Huddersfield
A lively market town in West Yorkshire, Huddersfield has put itself back on the map in the past few years thanks to its football club’s promotion to The Premier League in 2017 and subsequent survival for a second season.
But it’s also home to the popular Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival, alcohol alchemists Magic Rock Brewing and specialist digital agency Attercopia.
And the town’s Saturday market is one of the North’s largest — with over 100 stalls selling everything from farm-fresh produce to international street food.
- Thirsk
Thirsk is a picturesque town in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire which was the home of vet James Herriot, whose books inspired the TV hit All Creatures Great and Small.
But farming and veterinary services aren’t the town’s only income streams — Thirsk Racecourse attracts thousands of visitors each meeting, offers excellent corporate hospitality packages and regularly hosts weddings and conferences.
And one of the most fascinating places to visit is Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre, where you can witness the awesome power of falcons, hawks, eagles, owls and vultures at close hand.
So there are four reasons Yorkshire’s one of Britain’s coolest places to do business — but visit yourself and you’ll find many more.
Have you invested in Yorkshire? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
