Leeds has been named among the UK’s leading regions for mid-market business growth, according to new research highlighting a shift in innovation beyond London. The study, conducted by NatWest in partnership with Beauhurst, ranked the top 25 areas driving expansion among firms with annual revenues between £25 million and £500 million.
Leeds stood out for its growing strength in health technology and its established financial services sector. Its proximity to NHS Digital and leading hospitals has fostered a strong ecosystem for medical innovation, attracting both investors and skilled professionals. This dual focus on finance and health tech has positioned the city as a major player in the UK’s evolving business landscape.
The report also recognised Manchester and Oxford as other major centres of growth, while smaller areas such as Slough and Telford were noted for their emerging innovation clusters. Swindon featured prominently in renewable energy and clean technology activity.
With mid-market companies accounting for around a quarter of national employment and 30% of economic output, the research points to Leeds as a key driver of regional resilience and one of the cities shaping the UK’s next phase of business growth.
