A delegation of MPs has heard how Leeds and the West Yorkshire region are playing a crucial role in driving economic growth.
The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee visited Nexus, the University of Leeds innovation hub, for a round table discussion with regional industry leaders.
Members of the committee, including MPs Liam Byrne, Joshua Reynolds, John Cooper and Sarah Edwards, heard from a diverse range of local businesses, from startups to large corporates and membership bodies, across sectors including healthtech, AI and financial services.
Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, said: “We’ve had another brilliant roundtable here in Leeds, many thanks to our hosts. In some ways it echoed the issues we’ve heard around the country - especially on the need for policy certainty so that businesses feel confident opening their war chests to invest.
“We’ve heard again about the need for better export support – starting with just cutting the paperwork that is costing businesses much too much.
“But there was also a particular emphasis here on talent, and a need to think more carefully about the immigration levy and visa flexibility so that businesses here can put together the best teams with talent from around the world.
“Finance comes up everywhere but we heard about the potential for demand from the NHS, such a large spending organisation, to be a really significant driver of innovation and startup growth.”
A presentation about Leeds and West Yorkshire priorities for growth was delivered by Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Fiona Bolam, Chief Officer for Economy and Skills at Leeds City Council.
Fiona Bolam said: “I'm grateful to the Business and Trade Committee for coming to Leeds and hearing directly from businesses about the opportunities and challenges they are facing.
“Our city has a strong, resilient economy, underpinned by genuinely collaborative leadership. By continuing to work as 'Team Leeds,' we can unlock even greater potential and deliver truly inclusive growth for all.”
The visit also included a tour of Nexus, where the Committee visited the MNS lab. Founders Henry Dunne and Ian Bartenev, who are alum of the University of Leeds, showcased their innovative self-adhesive patches containing microscopic vaccine needles.
Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “The University of Leeds is committed to working collaboratively with our partners in the region, to support sustained business growth and drive innovation.
“Through our world-leading research, knowledge exchange, and dedicated programmes for entrepreneurs and SMEs we help businesses to access the expertise, skills and talent to grow, scale and succeed.
“We are grateful to the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee for choosing to hear from local businesses in our region, who are at the forefront of driving this growth and creating a stronger, more prosperous city and region.”
Further information
For more information, please contact Rebecca Hurrey at r.hurrey@leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds press office.
Picture credits: Mark Bickerdike.
Main Image: (left to right) Dr Martin Stow, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement, University of Leeds; Professor Nick Plant; John Cooper MP; Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Leeds; Liam Byrne MP; Sarah Edwards MP; Joshua Reynolds MP.