Leeds has a sharp edge when it comes to digital. You feel it most all over the city and most-definitely in Mabgate, Holbeck, Headingley and the Northern Quarter. Agencies here are often grounded, and have a lot of pride about the north. I think what sets Leeds apart is the balance. It takes tech seriously but without trying to impress anyone. There is the rivalry with Manchester, of course, but largely it's tongue-in-cheek these days.
There's lots of big business in Leeds, and Yorkshire itself, from finance to healthcare and this creates enough opportunity for several large agencies and many smaller firms. There's also quite a decent pool of freelancers in Yorkshire, I have found. Universities push out talent with just the right mix of discipline and oddity and many southerners end up staying in the county for good after uni.
There's lots of coworking spots in the city, with Bruntwood's recent efforts very nice indeed. I’ve been to a couple of local digital events and meetups that felt more like genuine conversations than posturing. You can grow something in Leeds - there's enough here for you to not need either talent or business from other cities.
