A guide to office space in Leeds
Leeds is in West Yorkshire, and is the third largest city in the UK, with the fourth largest urban economy in England. The city is also one of the largest legal centres in the UK, and is dominated by the finance, insurance and banking industries. Indeed, it is the leading UK city for telephone-delivered banking and related financial services, and is home to over 30 national and international banks. Other prominent business sectors include manufacturing, tourism, retail, and professional services. The city is also served by three universities, so it's excellent for graduate recruitment.
The location
While many businesses are concentrated in the city centre, which is contained by Leeds Inner Ring Road, there are a number of business developments on the outskirts and in the suburbs too. Leeds Bradford International Airport flies to the main European cities, while Leeds City Station provides rail links to cities across the UK. Leeds is also connected by road links, including the M1, A62 and A1(M).
Neighbouring areas - price comparisons, per person per month
Looking for an office in Leeds
Leeds CBD is ideal for those desiring a more prestigious location in a bustling business hub, while the outskirts suit those with a tighter budget, who require ample parking and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Costs
The average price for serviced office space is around £250 per person per month, but costs will differ according to location and requirements. These prices are also inclusive of amenities, which can include Internet, meeting rooms, IT and administrative support, lounges and kitchens, car parking, videoconferencing and AV equipment, among others.
Office sizes
Generally, businesses request private two- or three-person offices, rather than coworking spaces.
Instant offices offer a great variety of office type and size, and are able to accommodate most enquiries, from one person through to 100 people or more depending on the specifics. Serviced office providers can be flexible with the layout of the workspace, and are happy to discuss partitioning to fit a particular requirement.
Why choose Leeds?
A Leeds postcode will provide businesses with an office location in a growing economy, albeit with a more cost-effective price tag compared to what they would get in London. Companies also benefit from excellent transport links for business and leisure travel, as well as a vibrant city culture. They also have the option of choosing from a thriving CBD location or an office further out in the suburbs.
Five things you probably didn’t know about Leeds:- Over two-thirds of the Leeds Metropolitan District is designated green belt land
- Average morning peak travel times to work in Leeds are just 26 minutes, compared to 44 minutes in London
- Leeds city centre has 3.5 million square feet of retail floorspace and five miles of shopping streets
- Marks & Spencer was founded in Leeds in 1894
- The first full-length inter-urban motorway constructed in the UK, the M1, runs from Leeds to London
A closer look at Leeds
These are the most popular areas in which to rent office space:
Leeds Central
The Leeds CBD is divided into a number of different industry-specific sections. The Civic Quarter is populated largely by law firms, due to its proximity to the Leeds Magistrates and Crown Courts. The Shopping Quarter contains large retail centres, international chains and independent shops. Within the Financial Quarter, banking institutions such as The Bank of England, Aviva, Zurich Financial Services, Leeds Building Society, and Lloyds TSB have established their regional offices. Park Square — one of the only green leisure spaces within the city centre — is also in the Financial Quarter. Finally, the Skyscraper Quarter is the location of many of the city’s high rise developments, including Bridgewater Place, currently the tallest building in Leeds. Overall, due to its transport links, amenities and big name tenants, the central area is the ideal place in which to set up business. The CBD has the premium prices, but the advantages of this postcode more than make up for it.
Pudsey
Situated around four miles west of the city centre, Pudsey is a suburb on the outskirts of Leeds served by numerous bus routes, the New Pudsey railway station and various motorway networks including Leeds Ring Road for easy transport access. Pudsey offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the CBD, with several green spaces, pubs and a farmer’s market. Office space here is also more cost-effective, and parking is freely available. The Grangefield Industrial Estate is one of the main business parks in the area, and offers a mix of commercial, industrial, and office space.
Beeston
Beeston is another suburb around two miles south of the city centre. It's served by the M621 and M62 motorways, as well as a number of bus routes. The area also contains an extensive selection of restaurants, leisure facilities and retail outlets. Office space is available in refurbished buildings, modern developments, and the Leeds City West Business Park, which offers a combination of industrial and commercial premises. The area is also home to Leeds United Football Club and the White Rose Shopping Centre.
For more information on the current state of the UK serviced office market check out our UK Flexible Workspace Review 2016.
Want to find out more?
If you’re looking to move into the area, or simply require more information, contact Instant Offices' specialist local consultants.
Email our team or call us and we'll be delighted to help you.