Leeds named in list of top UK cities for business success
Leeds has been named as one of the UK’s top cities for business success in 2026.
The West Yorkshire city has ranked tenth in a list of UK cities which offer the most potential for new businesses, as part of a new a study from finance broker Approved Business Finance.
The company analysed a number of key indicators such as commercial property price, 5G access, and EV charging infrastructure to compile the study.
It also analysed the number of “new economy” firms working in each city, looking at companies which work in FinTech, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, and green energy.
Approved Business Finance said the findings highlight a “move away from traditional southern powerhouses toward northern and Scottish hubs that offer a balance of infrastructure and affordability”.
Aberdeen came first on the list, with Manchester and Coventry in second and third respectively.
Commenting on the research, commercial director of Approved Finance Group, Mark Kozo, said: “The UK business landscape in 2026 is defined by resilience. While the cost of business remains a challenge, our research shows that the right location can act as a shield against economic volatility.”
The new study also looked at the number of commercial properties available in each city and the amount of money per square foot for each property.
Leeds came in third place for the number of available commercial properties available to buy, with 1,137 available spaces.
The other three cities – Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow – each have over 1,000 properties available, making their combined total of 4,939 properties, which accounts for approximately 28.7 per cent of the entire 17,177 properties across all the cities.
According to the study, Leeds costs sit at £19.75 per square foot for rented properties.
This compares to Manchester, at £25.10 per square foot, and Aberdeen, at £14.15 per square foot.
Mr Kozo added: “Leeds is a great example of how Northern cities are challenging the status quo. The main appeal of the city comes down to the number of commercial properties available to buy, with Leeds ranking third.
“The combination of the high number of available spaces, affordability, and the growing number of new economy firms means Leeds is quickly joining Manchester as a Northern powerhouse for future-ready businesses.
“By choosing a future-ready hub, founders are giving themselves the best possible head start in a competitive market.”
Following Coventry in third, Reading and Norwich came in fourth and fifth place as the cities with the most potential for new businesses.
Derby came in sixth place on the list, while Milton Keynes and Glasgow came in seventh and eighth, followed by Birmingham in ninth.