Download the Tech Nation report
Visit our Tech Nation Interactive Guide Powered by 
Leeds
Leeds has a strong digital technology sector, specialising in data analytics and management which underpins strengths across Health analytics, FinTech and Data Science.
Leeds is a major centre for financial services, the home of the internet bank First Direct and the back office operations of many of the Banks and Building Societies means the city is well placed to take advantage of opportunities in FinTech.
The city has one of the highest concentrations of health informatics professionals globally withorganisations such as NHS (hosting the NHS Data Spine), HSCIC (the national provider of information, data and IT systems for health and social care and providers) and firms such as EMIS and TPP.
Leeds also has keen credentials in data science with the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) housing the National Consumer Data Research Centre at the University of Leeds, the Leeds Data Mill (the city’s open data platform), the Open Data Institute Node and firms such as Asda contribute to this cluster’s specialism in data.
The cluster includes a number of the digital operations of major corporates such as Sky (Leeds is the home ofSkyBet), Pace, Echostar Telecommunications and Rockstar (developers of a number of the Grand Theft Auto series).
Leeds’ startup community is beginning to galvanise through Lean Startup Yorkshire, Leeds Hack, Google Garage and the Advanced Digital Institute in nearby Saltaire (Bradford). Also, physical spaces like Round Foundry, and Duke Studios are housing growing startups and creative companies.
Opportunities for collaboration have been boosted through the IP Exchange group iXLeeds, the recent launch of a Digital Catapult centre in Bradford, and the enterprise investment made by University of Leeds.
Support:
- Leeds City Region LEP – the main point of contact for business support after it recently secured a ‘£1bn ‘Local Growth Deal’ with government
- Business & IP Centre based at Leeds library – to support businesses. Backed by the EU
Funding:
- The Business Growth Programme provides grant funding of between £10,000 and £50,000 to new or established businesses based in Leeds or those planning to relocate to the area
- Growing Places Fund – for start-ups confident that they can bring economic and employment growth to the area
- Revolving Investment Fund (RIF) – £10m fund for infrastructure, property development and construction businesses
- Dotforge – offers a package of funding, office space, mentoring and networking opportunities
Subscribe
Get the latest Tech City UK news and events delivered to your inbox.