The city’s strength in financial services is reflected in the size and number of companies and the depth and quality of provision. Leeds is a major centre for accountancy and legal services, mortgage, corporate and retail finance, banking, insurance, stockbroking and telephone and internet-based financial services.

 

124,000 people work in financial and business related services in Leeds. In the last ten years employment has grown by 32%, and a further 15% growth is projected over the next decade.

 

In the wider Leeds city region, there are 298,000 employed in financial and business services.

 

More than 200 accountancy practices operate in the city, including the majority of the 20 largest UK practices.

 

Leeds has over 30 national and international banks, many of whose northern or regional offices are based in the city. It is the headquarters for First Direct and is home to Yorkshire Bank and large HBOS and Royal Bank of Scotland operations.

   

The city is an important centre for both the region and the North of England for equity, venture and risk finance for business.  Founded in Leeds, the venture capital provider, YFM, is now the UK’s largest provider of risk capital to small and medium sized enterprises.

 

Leeds financial and professional firms have expanded nationally and internationally and act for clients all over the world. 87% are represented or have links overseas in over 30 countries including all the major markets.

 

Leeds has become a major centre for consumer financial services including direct banking, insurance, home finance and related financial services such as credit and outsourced management services. First Direct, UKI Partnerships, Direct Line, HBoS, GE Money, Barclays Mortgage, Leeds Building Society and Alliance & Leicester have large operations in the city.

 

The Bank of England has a major presence in the city through its Leeds cash centre, which is responsible for bulk note handling for the North of England. The Bank’s Agency for Yorkshire & The Humber, which reports to the Monetary Policy Committee on economic conditions in the region, is also based in Leeds.

 

A full range of corporate and personal financial services is available providing services to regional, national and international clients.

 

Stockbroking, venture capital fund management, pension and independent financial advisers, and actuaries can all be found in Leeds, together with specialists in treasury management, trademarks and patents, wealth management, investor and financial public relations.

 

A contributory factor in the city region’s success and attractiveness as a financial services cluster is the availability of a skilled and educated work force, good transport networks, first class office accommodation and a high quality of life.

 

Leeds Financial Services Initiative is a partnership set up to promote the interests of the sector and the continued growth of the city as a major centre for financial and business services. Visit: www.leedsfinancial.co.uk

 

124,000 are employed in the sector in Leeds, making the city the largest centre for financial and professional services outside London, and an integral part of the United Kingdom’s financial services industry.

Leeds Financial Services Initiative is a partnership set up to promote the interests and continued growth of the city as a major centre for financial and business services.