City Growth is an initiative led by the private sector, which puts business at the heart of inner city regeneration. The aim is to build on the economic strengths and potential of disadvantaged areas to secure their long-term regeneration.  The City Growth model has been developed from the work of Professor Michael Porter based at Harvard University, and focuses on developing competitive business clusters to create sustainable economic growth, prosperity and employment. 

Following the success of a series of pilot projects in the UK, a further ten locations including Leeds were earmarked by the Government for the City Growth Initiative.  HM Treasury funding was available to support the research and strategy development phase of the project which ended in March 2006.  

In Leeds, economic development consultants Regeneris identified five clusters as the focus for the City Growth initiative: construction; digital and creative industries; healthcare; finance and business services; and manufacturing. New research was commissioned into three of the clusters (construction, digital and creative industries and manufacturing) which has informed City Growth Action Plans for each cluster.  In the financial and business services area recent research commissioned by the Leeds Financial Services Initiative was developed into a City Growth Action Plan for the cluster.  Research into the healthcare cluster within West Yorkshire is currently on-going the result of which will be incorporated into the City Growth programme as appropriate.

A board comprised of private companies within the key business clusters as well as representatives from the public sector and chaired by a Director of Leeds Chamber of Commerce was established to oversee the research and strategy development phase.  As City Growth moves into an implementation phase the board will continue to meet to monitor progress.  

A series of networking events, organised by Leeds Chamber and took place throughout 2006 to promote the initiative and continue to engage the private sector. 

For more information, contact Katie Dunlevey, City Growth Project Assistant on tel: 0113 247 4344 or email: katie.dunlevey@leeds.gov.uk