Leeds' 'Northern Square Mile' grows as major fintech bank moves into bigger office
It’s the latest big company to open in the area
Leeds’ ‘Northern Square Mile’ is continuing to grow as a fintech bank moves into a larger office in the city centre.
LHV Bank has relocated to bigger premises at 12 Wellington Place, joining a growing number of financial services firms based in the business district.
The area, close to Leeds railway station, is home to major companies including Lloyds Banking Group, Rathbones and Equifax.
LHV said its decision to expand its Leeds operation reflected the strength of the city’s financial services and technology sectors, as well as the pool of skilled workers available locally.
The bank, which also has offices in London and Manchester, said the new premises would allow it to retain existing staff and recruit more people in Leeds as it grows.
Leeds is home to more than 100 fintech firms, according to LHV, while the wider West Yorkshire region has developed into a major centre for financial technology.
Kris Brewster, interim chief executive at LHV Bank, said: “Leeds is fast emerging as one of the UK's most exciting growth cities, combining genuine innovation, large scale regeneration and a thriving, research-led economy with access to the technical talent that underpins our digital-first proposition.
“Choosing to expand here rather than move elsewhere was an easy decision.”
The move comes as Wellington Place continues to attract financial, legal and professional services businesses, with the district increasingly being dubbed Leeds’ ‘Northern Square Mile’.