Yorkshire and the Humber emerging as ‘world class’ tech region, says new report
Yorkshire and the Humber is emerging as one of the UK's most promising technology regions, according to a new report by national law firm Mills & Reeve.
The report analysed a range of data sources including the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Companies House, as well as information from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
It found that the region's universities are among the UK's most productive at turning research into companies.
In HESA's UK spinout register, the University of Leeds ranks 10th in the country with 54 spinouts – one of only two northern English universities in the national top 10, alongside Manchester.
Almost all of the region's spinouts are rooted in high-growth science. 122 of 125 emerged from medicine and life sciences, or physical sciences, engineering and mathematics.
Alex Newman, partner at Mills & Reeve, said: "It's hugely encouraging to see our analysis confirm what so many of us who work in this region already feel – that Yorkshire has the ingredients of a truly world-class tech economy.
“We have a broad base of ambitious companies, universities that are among the best in the country at spinning out high-tech firms, and a talent pool in data and AI that is the envy of the UK. What stands out in particular is the momentum. The region's digital workforce is growing rapidly, investment and partnership opportunities are growing, and major players are increasingly looking to Yorkshire.”
The report also found that around 43,000 students graduate from the region's seven universities each year, with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority reporting that Yorkshire produces more data science graduates, and hosts more AI students, than anywhere else in the UK.
Companies House data shows Leeds is the clear anchor of the regional economy, with around 4,000 active tech firms supported by substantial clusters in Sheffield, York, Bradford and Hull.
The report also identified distinct tech hubs across the region’s cities.
Home to more than 90 games firms, Sheffield is a hotbed for games-development, while Leeds leans toward enterprise software, professional services and fintech.
Across just West Yorkshire, around 50,000 people are now employed in digital, tech and AI businesses, with Leeds serving as home to around 4,000 active tech firms – one of the largest concentrations outside London.
The new report waspublished by Mills & Reeve to mark the conclusion of Top Tech Yorkshire 2026 – the firm’s annual programme connecting the region's tech businesses with mentors, investors and advisers.