The West Yorkshire Business Board met on Wednesday 3 June 2026 to discuss the region's economic performance, the launch of a new Business Growth Hub, and upcoming major events. Key decisions included the reappointment of Mandy Ridyard as Chair and Asma Iqbal as Deputy Chair, and the nomination of representatives to the Combined Authority and Transport for the North boards.

Economic Update

The Board received an update on the West Yorkshire economy, noting that while national GDP showed modest growth in early 2026, inflation had fallen due to changes in the energy price cap. However, there was evidence of a decline in employment, particularly in the wholesale, retail, and hospitality sectors. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East was identified as a significant concern, with potential to increase energy prices, dampen business confidence, and impact household incomes.

Members expressed frustration with the outdated nature of the economic data, highlighting the need for more current lead metrics to inform decision-making. Peter Glover, Economic Evidence Manager, explained that structural factors referred to the nature of industries within the region, and that while infrastructure investment was crucial, the current economic challenges were also linked to the composition of West Yorkshire's economy, which is heavily weighted towards services and the creative industries.

The Business Pulse Survey, a subset of the Chamber's Quarterly Economic Survey, indicated more positive sentiment among West Yorkshire Business Board and Mayor's Business Council members compared to the wider business community. However, concerns were raised about subdued prospects for future workforce growth and recruitment difficulties, particularly for skilled manual/technical and professional/managerial roles. Investment in capital equipment and training showed a positive outlook, though profitability expectations were more mixed. Labour costs and inflation were identified as the most significant concerns for businesses.

Cluster Group Updates

Updates were provided on several key cluster groups:

• Green Economy Steering Group: The group aims to position West Yorkshire as a leader in climate innovation. Current work includes raising awareness, mapping the green tech ecosystem, and identifying necessary infrastructure and resources to support founders. Data indicated a rise in business births but a lag in high-growth businesses, suggesting a need for better support for business growth.
• Creative Industries Cluster Group: The group has held its first board meeting, focusing on business growth hubs and priority areas such as fashion, textiles, games, immersive experiences, music, and screen. The approval of additional funds, including £1 million for an IP fund, was welcomed. Efforts are underway to retain talent within West Yorkshire and engage with government on issues like the screen tax threshold.
• Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP): The visitor economy contributes significantly to West Yorkshire's economy, accounting for approximately 10% and employing 54,000 people. Despite recent growth in visitor numbers and economic impact, the sector faces challenges due to increased taxation and external factors like the conflict in the Middle East affecting consumer sentiment. The LVEP is working on a destination management plan, visitor proposition, and PR campaigns, and has established a screen tourism subgroup. A regional visitor pass and a potential overnight visitor levy are also being explored.

West Yorkshire Business Growth Hub Launch

The Board received a presentation on the upcoming launch of the West Yorkshire Business Growth Hub, designed to create a more coherent and accessible regional business support system. The new model aims to provide no wrong door access to support for businesses of all sizes, integrating public and private sector offerings. The public rollout is scheduled for June 2026, with a comprehensive marketing campaign planned, including social media, advertising, and collateral. Board members were encouraged to act as ambassadors for the launch and to share promotional materials within their networks.

Climb26 & UKREiiF 26

Updates were provided on two significant upcoming events:

• UKREiiF (UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum): This major property and place investment event, held annually in Leeds, attracts thousands of delegates. West Yorkshire's presence, including a pavilion and programme of events, showcased the region's strengths and investable opportunities. The event is seen as crucial for promoting regional investment and has already led to the announcement of a £100 million health tech fund.
• Climb26: This annual business growth event, taking place on 1st and 2nd July at Leeds Dock, aims to connect businesses with investors and finance partners. Climb26 will also serve as a platform to promote the new West Yorkshire Business Growth Hub. The Combined Authority will support a cohort of businesses to attend, and Board members were asked to consider how they could further facilitate engagement.

Governance Arrangements & Appointments

The Board noted that Mandy Ridyard would continue as Chair of the West Yorkshire Business Board. Asma Iqbal was appointed as Deputy Chair. Mandy Ridyard was nominated to sit on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board, with Asma Iqbal as her substitute. The Board also confirmed proposed membership changes, the continuing appointment of private sector representatives, and the extension of terms for several members. New members, including cluster co-chairs and representatives from the Local Visitor Economy Partnership, were appointed. Mandy Ridyard was nominated as the representative to the Transport for the North Board and the Business Board Network, with Natalie Sykes and Asma Iqbal as substitutes respectively.

Reflections from New Board Members

Councillor Stephen Place, newly appointed to the Board, shared his vision for Bradford, focusing on business growth, community engagement, and cultural regeneration. He highlighted plans for a 300-acre park development, new housing, and improved transport links, alongside a commitment to devolving decision-making to local communities. Councillor Daniel Sutherland, also new to the Board, reflected on the importance of data currency and understanding the so what of economic indicators. He emphasised the need for consistent public sector support schemes for businesses and the Combined Authority's role in advocating for regional interests at a national level.