Media

Growth over the last decade has made Leeds one of the UK’s top five centres for media, new media and communications.

Leeds has over 1,600 companies providing employment for around 12,300 people in the fields of print, publishing, news agencies, graphic design, television, radio, film, advertising, marketing, internet services, e-commerce and public relations.

The media and communications sector in Leeds is characterised by its breadth, rapid growth and willingness to embrace change.

There are 450 companies in software and IT consultancy based in Leeds, together with 162 in advertising and PR, over 70 graphic design agencies, eight news agencies and 24 companies associated with TV production.

The sector includes major regional companies such as the Yorkshire Post and BBC North, as well as a number of independent advertising and marketing agencies with national and international clients.

New media businesses, involved in internet provision and related activities, are growing rapidly and Leeds is renowned as the largest new media city outside of London, particularly for business applications.

The Leeds financial services sector has lead the way in developing e-business solutions but Leeds companies across all sectors have been quick to seize the opportunities presented by the internet to extend their global reach.

The world’s first virtual newscaster, Ananova, offering real-time news and information across a range of digital platforms, was created in Leeds.

Major media companies based in Leeds include: Orange Multimedia Operations, Radio Aire and Magic 828, Real Radio, TEAMtalk, Communisis, Brahm, Corporate Document Services, Brilliant Media, Elmwood Design, Galaxy 105, Trimedia and ATTIK.

The city’s two universities and six of its colleges of further and higher education offer a wide variety of media-related courses.

The Round Foundry Media Centre provides a high specification, serviced office environment for creative and digital media businesses. Located within Holbeck Urban Village, it is part of a fast developing business and residential community located just a few minutes’ walk from Leeds city centre.

The region’s screen media industry is promoted through Screen Yorkshire, set up to help create employment within the sector and champion the vibrant creativity of the region.

Leeds Media works to promote the creative talents and expertise of media companies based in Leeds and the Yorkshire region. Now part of Leeds Chamber of Commerce, Leeds Media offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities to its members and the wider business community.

[Last update 5/7/10]