Of Channel 4’s decision to move its headquarters to the city, Leeds Chamber of Commerce President, Paula Dillon, a partner with law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, said:
“Channel 4’s decision emphasises the strength of the city and region, and the role of Leeds at the centre of the North and the heart of the UK. This decision is hugely significant and reinforces Leeds’s presence on the national stage.
“The importance of culture and diversity is increasingly becoming a major component in decision-making around investment, and Channel 4 was clear that access to a wide and culturally diverse talent pool was an essential part of its decision-making process. This presents fabulous opportunities to harness the creativity located in our region’s towns and cities. We already have a strong, regional track record in the creative arts but bringing the commissioning powers of Channel 4 along with the additional production companies which will want to locate within its orbit will present opportunities.
“The recent recognition at the International Downtown Association awards in the USA where Leeds International Festival picked up a major award shows how important culture and digital are in the economies of places and highlights the region’s strengths in these areas. In attracting and retaining high quality and diverse talent through a strong cultural and digital offering we will continue attracting world class jobs. This week’s decision shows we are on this journey.
“The project to woo Channel 4 to Leeds was a fantastic example of the collaboration which has been taking place in recent years. Not just amongst local authorities but between the public and private sector too. Congratulations to all those involved in securing this investment and all credit to Cllrs Judith Blake and Susan Hinchcliffe, Tom Riordan, Roger Marsh and all at the Leeds City Region LEP investment team.”
