Confidence in Leeds hits pre-recession levels

President Nigel Foster speaks at the Chamber of Commerce lunch in Leeds.

Speaking at the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce annual lunch, Mr Foster said: “Indeed our own quarterly survey results released next week will report that member’s confidence levels are at levels last seen six years ago, Q3 2007, pre-Lehman Brothers.”

The lunch at The Queens Hotel in Leeds attracted more than 300 attendees.

Mr Foster said: “I believe we have turned a corner and are on the up, business owners are feeling more confident and investment is starting to flow into the city. With Rugby League and Rugby Union World Cup matches being played in the city in 2013 and 2015 and of course the Grand Depart next year, the eyes of the world will be upon us.”

Speaking about the year to date, the president of the Leeds Chamber said that the opening of Trinity Leeds development and the Leeds Arena has proved to be transformational for the city of Leeds.

He said: “Trinity Leeds has brought 46 new high profile brands to the city, contributed to the highest city centre Easter weekend footfall ever recorded, and in total has seen 11 million people (equivalent to the population of Paris) go through the centre since opening in March.”