City Guide
Leeds
City Overview
About the City
Leeds is a modern, city with a rich industrial past in the north of England. Situated in the heart of Yorkshire you’ll find an energetic city and it’s whirlwind of art, culture, and nightlife.
Economy and Employment
Leeds’ economy is driven by 4 strong business sectors: manufacturing, health, innovation, financial and professional services and it is on track to become the UK’s northern digital and information hub. At the global forefront of modern high-value manufacturing, Leeds upholds a high reputation for technical and scientific capabilities. It is the UK’s leading city in health and innovation with its unique health and social care ecosystem. Furthermore, as a hotbed of professional services, Leeds ranks as a key UK financial centre.
Transport
With many of forms of public transport available you’ll have no trouble getting around Leeds. You can hop on a bus to get in and out of the city centre. Coaches travelling across the UK are available from the Coach Station. A rail network is also available in the city centre and you can travel to local areas outside of Leeds. Leeds Bradford Airport is 7 miles away from the city centre.
Education
Leeds has a high concentration of students with 4 universities across the city. These are University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Arts University and Leeds Trinity University.
Retail
Leeds City Centre is a shopper’s dream with over 1,000 shops; high street favourites, quirky independents and high-end luxury. There are plenty of shopping centres including White Rose Shopping Centre, the Merrion Centre and Trinity Leeds in the heart of the city with its iconic glass roof. Don’t forget to visit Leed’s historic Kirkgate Market with over 600 stalls. If you’re looking for something luxurious, pay a visit to the Victoria Quarter.
Leisure and Recreation
In a city as lively as Leeds, excellent entertainment is guaranteed. If you’re a fan of the arts take in some visual art at Leeds Art Gallery or watch a performance at Leeds’ Opera House or maybe you’d prefer to visit the award-winning gardens at Roundhay Park. You can also visit Kirkstall Abbey and get a glimpse of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Remember, Leeds comes alive at night so there are endless options for you to explore such as dinner, cocktails, clubs and music events.
Hotel
In Leeds, you will be sure to find a hotel which is perfect for you. Leeds offers a vast range of hotels from affordable to top of the range. The city boasts a number of famous Luxury hotels moments away from the city’s best attractions.
City Key Facts & Figures

Population
789,200

GVA (Billions)
£ 23,250

Working Population
65%

Employment Rate
78%
Top 5 Business Sectors in Leeds
Business Count by Size (%)

Key Employers
Employment by Occupation (%)

Local Transport
- Leeds Bradford Airport
- Main Roads: A58, A61, A643
- Leeds City Bus Station
- Whitehall Road Station