The start of something big?

Until the announcement of Channel 4’s intended headquarters switch to Leeds, I had been, personally, largely unmoved by the thought of a variable TV station moving jobs of undetermined skill level and seniority here.

But as most cities have seen inward investment fall away recently, I feel we should be glad for almost anyone choosing to locate here.

There has been considerable frustration among civic and economic leaders here that Yorkshire and much of the eastern side of the UK has been overlooked, while pounds have been piled almost by default into Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Leeds might not yet be the powerhouse of the north that one national newspaper billed it as, but such attention will be of undeniable brand value. The news has turned investor heads and might also be just the momentum swing that we need to get Leeds challenging Manchester once again.

While we’re talking investment, TV and tech are fabulous, but one area we did once lead the world in was manufacturing. Despite what some people might have us believe, manufacturing has a big future in Yorkshire and the Humber. Our companies are winning some of the most complex work anywhere in the world.

In the course of writing features on the sector this month I have had several fascinating factory tours. These were companies at the cutting edge of technology. But we do have a tail of SMEs that for whatever reason are less eager to invest. That might be down to wider macro issues, but hopefully when we emerge out of those, our manufacturers will seize the day and embrace government efforts to encourage digitisation and the many active skills programmes on offer.

It’s been another enthralling year in Yorkshire business to say the least. Here’s wishing you all a fabulous festive season and a prosperous new year.

Ian Leech, editor
@ianleechinsider

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