According to several newspapers, such as The Times in 2023, Leeds is considered one of the best places to live in the North of the UK. This diverse northern city in the Yorkshire region is an epicentre of both culture and economy. The Leeds economy revolves around many industries spanning many sectors (e.g., manufacturing, engineering, medical technology, research, etc.). More recently, innovative initiatives such as companies working in fintech and data analytics have penetrated the economy.
Thanks to Leeds' vibrant culture, nightlife, and various professional opportunities at all levels, the city is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates looking to find work in England. In addition, Leeds is a university city, with many international students studying at one of the city's higher education institutions. Part of the Russell Group, the University of Leeds is one of the top universities in the UK.
Why Leeds is a good place for work
Leeds has a developed and diversified economy, mainly driven by the services sector, which has taken over the manufacturing industry. The city is home to many banking and financial institutions, as well as insurance companies, which are among the leading employers. Leeds has its own airport for international and regional flights. In Leeds, you will also find job opportunities in airline and construction companies, real estate agencies, and head offices of multinational companies such as First Direct.
Like Manchester and Liverpool, Leeds also has a growing creative sector, with its strong presence flourishing across the city. Besides, the city is a shopping haven thanks to its impressive shopping malls and large department stores such as Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, and Marks & Spencer. Tourism also significantly contributes to the economy, with its airport, many hotels, and other tourist attractions such as the Royal Armory Museum, the Leeds Art Gallery, the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the North Opera, and the Northern Ballet Theatre.
Leeds is a great place to boost your career as it offers a good standard of living, has an affordable cost of living, and is close to natural surroundings. The city has a strong sense of community despite its extensive population of almost 800,000 people. Besides, the city is known for its bustling nightlife and vibrant social life that take place in the many bars and restaurants or during live music and other cultural events. In other words, Leeds guarantees a work–life balance that is not easy to achieve in other places.
Depending on what you are looking for in a house and your working conditions, you can live in the hipster-like suburb of Chapel Allerton. The suburb is named after Chapel Allerton Park, and its most characteristic features, apart from the independent cafes and boutiques, are the big Victorian houses lined along the area's streets. Horsforth is a bit more expensive than Chapel Allerton mentioned above, and it is a charming town within the City of Leeds. Horsforth has its own park as well, many quirky businesses, and a centrally located train station that connects commuters with Leeds' city centre in just 13 minutes. Suppose you are a solo professional expat who wants to live in an apartment in the city centre. In that case, you can look into former industrial sites transformed into urban villages, such as the Holbeck Urban Village, whose Victorian red brick warehouses and factories have turned into classy apartments and offices overlooking the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
If you are into art and culture, the Henry Moore Institute is a centre for studying and enjoying sculpture, as stated on the institute's website. However, if you would like to focus more on the history and background of the city you will live and work in for the next months, you should visit the Leeds City Museum. It will offer you a thorough introduction to your new home! Leeds has a long tradition in films. And if you aren't convinced yet, remember that the city of Leeds inspired JRR Tolkien, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Useful links:
Leeds International Film Festival
The biggest employers in Leeds
Known as one of the UK's fastest growing economies, Leeds is a £64.6 billion economy and is forecasted to grow by 21% over the next ten years.
Traditionally, the sectors that keep up Leeds' economy are manufacturing, engineering, education, research, chemicals, and finance. Recently, other sectors, such as fintech and data analytics, have made a striking appearance in Leeds' economy. Some of the biggest employers in Leeds are the supermarket company ASDA; low-cost airline Jet2, founded in Leeds; Ernst & Young, Channel 4; and, last but not least, the Leeds Cancer Centre stationed in St James's University Hospital.
If you want to work in higher education, the long-standing University of Leeds, a member of the Russell Group, is among the top 100 in the world and within the top 50 most international universities globally. University of Leeds staff members benefit from a 25-day annual leave and an extra 15 days off for public holidays and days when the university is closed. In addition, the university encourages work–life balance, offering flexible working arrangements and generous maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Besides, the university has its own childcare centre for the children of students and staff members.
Good to know:
The now multinational retailer Marks and Spencer appeared in Leeds for the first time more than a century ago when the Jewish immigrant Michael Marks became the owner of a stall in Leeds' Kirkgate Market.
Important:
According to the Office for National Statistics, the average salary in Leeds for full-time employment is £30,000, which is reasonable compared to the much lower cost of living in other parts of the UK.
Leeds can be an excellent choice if you have the skills that match the city's major economic sectors. Even if you don't, Leeds is a strong economic power, so finding a job there will be much easier than in smaller Northern or Southern cities. You can start by searching online or ringing recruiters and contacting the companies you wish to work for. It is best to conduct your job search before arriving in Leeds. However, having a local address can help you secure a job more quickly.
Tip:
For more job opportunities in Leeds, keep an eye on Expat.com's jobs in England link or post your availability on the England forum.
Useful links:
Vacancies at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Jobs at the University of Leeds
Everyday life in Leeds
Yorkshire Dales National Park offers a great escape on a good-weathered weekend. However, one of the most wonderful things about living and working in Leeds is that you don't have to leave the city to enjoy nature and clear your mind. Leeds is home to one of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park, with a vast area of parkland, lakes, woodland, and seasonal gardens. Besides sports activities such as tennis, golf, and fishing, you can indulge in birdwatching. Life in Leeds revolves a lot around cricket and rugby. The Yorkshire County Cricket Club is considered one of the best in the world, and the Leeds Rhinos rugby team is one of the most successful in Super League history.
Good to know:
Leeds has one of the busiest train stations outside London, with direct services to London and Edinburgh.
You can also go on a Leeds Heritage Beer Tour to discover and explore 300 years of beer history.
Useful links:
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