Why Leeds is an Ideal Location for a Virtual Office

Posted on: 9th October 2023

Reading time:  13 mins

Share article:

picture

There are many benefits to virtual offices. For one, they allow your company to be present anywhere in the world without you needing to be on-site. Virtual offices also offer such services as sorting mail and handling calls, giving your business a more professional feel.

Some may even give you workspace access when you need it. This is especially valuable for businesses looking for more flexible work setups.

If you’re looking for a UK base then choosing a virtual office in Leeds is a smart choice.

Located in the north of England, Leeds is well-connected to other business hubs like Manchester and Sheffield. And with its booming economy projected to grow by 21% over the next decade, having a virtual office in Leeds will open many doors.

Below, we’ll outline why you should choose Leeds for your virtual office address and share a few options to help you start your search.

Why a Leeds virtual office is ideal for your business

From its stellar reputation to its availability of top talent, there are many reasons Leeds makes an excellent choice for a virtual office. Below, we explore seven reasons to consider a Leeds virtual office for your business.

1. A significant contributor to the UK economy

Leeds is the UK’s third-largest city, known as the financial capital of the north.

With approximately 109,000 businesses and a GVA exceeding £69 billion, it’s the most significant contributor to the UK GDP among Northern Powerhouse cities. It also holds the top regional economy spot after London.

The growing tech presence is fueling this success, with names like Sky Betting & Gaming and Pharmacy2u basing themselves in Leeds.

The city’s startup scene is thriving, too, with ventures like Switchmobility and Event Genius choosing Leeds as their home.

Despite economic challenges, VC investment in Leeds’ tech startups soared by 88% in 2022 compared to the previous year.

By choosing a virtual address in Leeds, your business can capitalise on this economic reputation and make an impression on clients, investors, and talent.

2. Central and convenient UK location

What makes Leeds ideal is its central location. This makes access to your virtual office more convenient for you and the people you work with.

Leeds is also an excellent base to get to other key parts of the UK, thanks to its many transportation links.

Trains are regular from Leeds Train Station, reaching most of the UK's major cities. For example, it takes just 20 minutes to get to York and under an hour to reach Manchester and Sheffield. Other major cities, like London and Birmingham, are approximately two hours away, while Edinburgh takes roughly three hours to reach.

Leeds Bradford Airport is also nearby, which is convenient if your team or clients are international.

3. A hotspot for financial and legal businesses

Leeds City Region is the top UK financial hub outside London. Over 30 national and international banks call Leeds home, including First Direct, KPMG, HSBC, Bank of Scotland, and Yorkshire Bank.

Leeds also boasts Britain’s fastest-growing legal sector, hosting notable firms such as DLA Piper and Pinsent Mason.

Establishing a virtual office in Leeds means you’ll get to be neighbours with the city’s business elite.

4. Diverse economy

According to Northern Tech 100, Leeds houses 20 of the fastest-growing tech firms in Northern England. The city is also home to 13 of Prolific North’s Top 50 PR Agencies.

Leeds also excels in healthcare. Four of five NHS national offices have their HQ here, as well as over 60 health tech startups.

Another thriving industry is manufacturing. Leeds City Region boasts 7,300 manufacturing and engineering businesses. It forms the UK’s largest manufacturing base, generating an impressive £7 billion annually.

Given such an impressive economy, having a virtual office in Leeds will give you access to the heart of this thriving city.

5. Highly-skilled talent pool

Another compelling reason to opt for a virtual office address in Leeds is its proximity to an exceptional talent pool. In the Leeds City Region, you’ll have a vast workforce of 1.4 million people on your doorstep. There are also an additional 7 million within an hour’s drive.

Around 49,000 of these individuals work in tech startups and scaleups across Leeds. The city also has a steady influx of fresh talent from its graduate community. Nine universities produce 39,000 skilled graduates every year.

Leeds University consistently ranks in the top 20 universities in the UK. Leeds Art University is one of only a few specialist arts institutions in the UK, and the only one in the north of England.

Having a company address in Leeds, whether virtual or on-site, will make tapping into this supply of skilled individuals easier.

6. A hub for research and innovation

Leeds not only excels in business, education, and healthcare. It also serves as a research and innovation hotspot.

The Leeds Innovation Arc exemplifies this. It’s a network of innovation clusters around the city’s universities, hospitals, and businesses.

With it, the city aims to establish a cutting-edge research and business hub, opening doors for growth and development opportunities. Opting for a virtual office in Leeds helps you engage with this potential.

7. An ideal environment for business growth

Another reason to choose Leeds for your virtual office address is that the city provides an excellent platform for business growth. One reason for this is the array of financial and educational support.

The annual Leeds Digital Festival is a vibrant tech celebration, reflecting the city’s strong tech community. Its purpose is to aid new and established entrepreneurs.

The City Region also remains one of the leading locations in the UK for foreign and direct investment.

Leeds University Business School adds to this ecosystem, aiding business owners, leaders, and teams in adapting to change and seizing opportunities.

Opting for a virtual office in Leeds connects you to this thriving business atmosphere without the cost of a full-time office.

Top virtual business addresses in Leeds

Virtual offices in Leeds offer a business plenty of benefits, yet each location can vary in what they provide. These can range from call answering services and access to meeting rooms, to exceptional amenities such as on-site restaurants and private outdoor areas.

Below, we explore some of the best Regus Virtual Offices in Leeds.

Wellington Place

Wellington Place is a top pick for businesses seeking a virtual office address in Leeds.

It’s a dynamic business development home to big names like Allianz and HMRC. Inside is a stylish reception area to welcome your clients, and light, airy offices with access to meeting rooms and a business lounge.

Wellington Place offers shops, cafés, gardens, and a gym for mid or post-work activities. It also has lovely riverside views and easy access to the city centre, street food markets, and free bike hire.

Highlights include:

● Break-out areas
● Business lounge
● Meeting rooms
● Outside seating area / terrace
● Showers

Information about Wellington Place

● Location: 2 Wellington Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AP
● Starting cost: Virtual offices from £89 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members.
● Nearby stations: Leeds Train Station (an eight-minute walk away)

Thorpe Park

Another exceptional virtual office to rent in Leeds is Thorpe Park. This bustling business campus hosts over 40 thriving brands, including Balfour Beatty and Blue Yonder.

Positioned just off Junction 46 of the M1, this out-of-town site is easy to get to. Its modern breakout spaces and meeting rooms offer a place for both focused work and collaboration.

A nearby hotel, spa, gym, restaurants, shops, and cinema make Thorpe Park a desirable place for unwinding activities after a hard day’s work.

Highlights include:

● Break-out areas
● Business park location
● Meeting rooms
● On-site sandwich/coffee bar
● Outside seating area

Information about Thorpe Park

● Location: 1200 Century Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 8ZA
● Starting cost: Virtual offices from £59 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members.
● Nearby transport: Thorpe Park Bus Stop (a four-minute walk away)

Park Row

Another workspace offering virtual office services in Leeds is Park Row, found in Leeds’ central business district.

This flexible hub combines modern style with business functionality. The recently revamped building boasts contemporary glass walls and a welcoming reception.

You’ll benefit from abundant natural light, city views, high-speed Wi-Fi, and excellent transport connections.

It’s also nestled among lively shops, eateries, and cultural attractions, making Park Row an ideal virtual business address in Leeds.

Highlights include:

● Break-out areas
● Bicycle storage
● Gym and fitness room
● Meeting rooms
● On-site sandwich/coffee bar

Information about Park Row

● Location: 7 Park Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5HD
● Starting cost: Virtual offices from £129 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members.
● Nearby transport: City Square H Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), Leeds Train Station (a four-minute walk away)

The Pinnacle 15F 18F

Situated on the 17th and 18th floors, The Pinnacle is a landmark in Leeds’ bustling commercial, financial, and cultural core. Positioned between the financial and retail districts and a stone’s throw from Leeds Station, its location is prime.

Expansive windows illuminate the sleek modern workspaces with abundant natural light. On-site parking ensures convenience, while vibrant bars, restaurants, theatres, and galleries keep you at the heart of the city’s culture.

Highlights include:

● Major transport links
● Meeting rooms
● Parking

Information about The Pinnacle

● Location: 15F 18F, 67 Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AA
● Starting cost: Virtual offices from £115 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members.
● Nearby transport: City Square G Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away), Leeds Train Station (a six-minute walk away)

Princes Exchange

Princes Exchange is a high-quality workspace close to the historical landmark, the Statue of Prince Edward. Its prime location, just moments from Leeds Station in the financial district, offers proximity to bustling bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops.

Take in panoramic city and river views from the expansive windows of this distinguished building. You’ll also have the convenience of secure underground parking, sophisticated interiors, and the added perk of an on-site cyber café.

Highlights include:

● Break-out areas
● Meeting rooms
● Secure underground parking

Information about Princes Exchange

● Location: Princes Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4HY
● Starting cost: Virtual offices from £115 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members.
● Nearby transport: Leeds Train Station (a two-minute walk away), Wellington K Bus Stop (a four-minute walk away)

City West Business Park Building 3

The City West Business Park Building 3 is a modern Leeds workspace that offers excellent road, rail, and air links. You can easily access the city centre, Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds United FC, and the White Rose shopping centre by choosing a virtual office here.

The striking glass building features contemporary workspaces with ample natural light. Supported by an on-site team and outdoor seating, you can stay focused on your goals.

Highlights include:

● Break-out areas
● Business park location
● Meeting rooms
● Outside seating area
● Sandwich service

Information about City West Business Park Building 3

● Location: Gelderd Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 6LN
● Starting cost: Virtual offices from £59 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members.
● Nearby transport: Gelderd Business Pk Bus Stop (a six-minute walk away), Wheatsheaf Junction Bus Stop (a seven-minute walk away)

Establish a business presence with a Regus virtual office space in Leeds

Whatever industry you’re in, a virtual office brings many advantages. And Leeds is an excellent place to base yours.

Regus offers a range of virtual offices to rent in Leeds. Opt for a professional business address with mail handling or virtual office packages with telephone answering services and access to business lounges.

Our Virtual Office Plus package includes occasional private office use if you need more. Find your virtual office space in Leeds today.

Topics in this article

  • Area Guides

RegusMagazine

Recent Articles


Keep up to date

Get news articles straight to your inbox.