Regional Focus on Leeds

“Rich local history, world-class sports, fantastic shopping and diverse year-round entertainment are just some of the things that make Leeds such a great place for everyone to enjoy.”

We have put together a guide to help you while you're making the decision to relocate to Leeds. All you need to do is get in touch with a recruitment consultant at BCL Legal who will be able to advise on the legal jobs opportunities in the Leeds area.

About Leeds

Leeds is the capital of the Yorkshire and Humber region. It claims to be the fastest growing city in Britain, with a population of over 700,000.

Situated midway between the capital cities of London and Edinburgh, Leeds is officially the second largest legal centre in England. It is also the third largest centre for financial services, attracting over £1.6 billion worth of investment in the last 8 years. A further £1.8bn of investment is proposed in new buildings and infrastructure. Leeds has a vibrant and thriving multi-cultural community.

Culture

Home of Opera North, the Northern Ballet Theatre and the West Yorkshire Playhouse (which stages more productions than any other theatre outside of London), Leeds has a thriving cultural scene. Leeds has a great depth and breadth of galleries and museums to suit every taste. The Henry Moore Institute on The Headrow was described by the Times as “probably the best 20th Century art collection outside of London”.

Retail Therapy

Leeds is a thriving retail centre. The first regional branch of Harvey Nichols opened here. The Victoria Quarter houses designer names Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith, amongst others and includes up-market shops like Jigsaw, Episode and Hobbs.

The converted old Corn Exchange and surrounding streets are home to independent fashion boutiques catering to the younger market. Leeds also boasts one of Europe’s largest outdoor markets. Granary Wharf, a shopping centre built within existing railway arches, essentially built underneath the main railway station, specialises in arts, crafts and textiles.

Nightlife

Leeds has an exceptional variety and range of hundreds of hostelries and restaurants. Ranging from old fashioned Yorkshire pubs to fashionable city centre bars. Restaurants include Michelin starred establishments, specialist and ethnic outfits to suit all tastes. There is a thriving club scene which attracts international DJs of repute and is a fixture on the country’s thriving club circuit.

Sports & Leisure

The 70’s giant of English football that was Leeds United is currently ailing somewhat, but the club retains a massive groundswell of support. The consensus is that it is a case of, if, rather than when, premiership football will return to Leeds. International cricket features regularly in the northern Leeds suburb of Headingley. The city boasts top flight rugby league and rugby union teams, offering excellent spectator options in both. There is a horse racing track at Wetherby, to the north of the city. There are 21 golf courses within driving distance of the city. Walking in the nearby Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and York Moors is a popular past time.

Fountains Abbey and Kirkstall Abbey are just two of the local historical monuments that are testament to the rich history that the Leeds area enjoys.

Transport Links

Leeds has direct rail links with London with a journey time of 2 hours and trains run every 30 minutes. Leeds has its own rapidly expanding international airport. The city benefits from excellent road links, with the nearby M1 and A1 providing excellent links with the rest of the country. Leeds city centre itself is less than 20 miles from the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The city enjoys a considerable and easily accessible green belt and Leeds has more parkland than any other European city.

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