February 2025 Good News Round-Up

West Yorkshire leading the way

As part of its Get Britain Working White Paper, the government has announced West Yorkshire as one of its trailblazer areas to get people back into work, but also prevent people falling out of work for health reasons. The region has also been announced as one of four Strategic Partnerships that the National Wealth Fund is trialling in the UK, supporting us to secure long-term investment opportunities. 

Leeds Kirkgate market celebrates bumper year 

The market received more than 5.9m visits over the course of 2024 which is up 4% from 2023. Footfall is now up by 33% since 2021, with a record 20 new indoor businesses opening up last year. It is looking ahead to an even better 2025 as it continues to feel the transformative effects of a multi-million pound investment programme.

Careers festival success

During 2024 the Leeds Employment and Skills Service delivered five careers events which brought together relevant leading businesses and training providers from across the city. A total of 20,400 visitors attended across these events along with 320 employers, training providers and support agencies. 

New Wortley programme launch

HOPE (Help with Opportunities to Prepare for Employment), a new pre-employment offer at New Wortley Community Centre, formally launched in January. It was developed after engaging with local residents about things that would help them to develop their skills and move closer towards good employment, and has been supported by resources from Leeds Anchor Network. The programme includes a weekly Conversation Club aimed at women from diverse communities, an upgraded IT suite, and a weekly employment advice drop-in delivered by Employment & Skills Leeds.

Heart of Holbeck

Ed Whiting, the new Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, alongside Councillors Lewis and Pryor, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin and Minister for Local Growth MP Alex Norris recently visited the Heart of Holbeck project which received levelling up funds from the government. The plans include Leeds Building Society, one of our Business Anchors, converting their building into a space for local charities and community drop-ins.