Wakefield Council has launched an ambitious economic growth strategy with the goal of positioning the district as "the best place to do business in the north of England." The plan, unveiled at an event attended by over 130 business leaders and residents at Wakefield Exchange (WX), outlines a roadmap to attract investment, generate employment, and help residents acquire the skills needed to support the district's future economy.
New Strategy Aims to Reverse Lack of Ambition
Karl Johnson, leader of the Reform UK-led council, presented the proposals, emphasizing a shift in mindset. "For too long we have had a lack of ambition and not capitalised on the amazing strengths that our district has. It’s time to change that – it ends today," he said. "We are setting out an aspirational Wakefield as the best place to do business in the north of England. I want the message to go out today that Wakefield is open for business."
The strategy focuses on fostering growth in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and creative sectors. It draws on recommendations from the Wakefield Futures Commission, established under the previous Labour administration in December 2024 after data revealed that the proportion of district residents with qualifications above A-level standard falls significantly short of the national average.
Wakefield Faces Unique Skills Challenges
Wakefield is England's largest city without a university, which presents "significant challenges in developing and retaining higher-level skills among its residents," according to a report published last year. The commission's central recommendation was the creation of an employer-led civic hub, the Wakefield Futures Centre, to direct skills investment toward the district's fastest-growing business sectors.
Unlike traditional university courses, higher-level skills training would be co-designed with employers, making it concise, cost-effective, and adaptable to learners' needs. This approach aims to make it easier for people to enhance their prospects through new qualifications and better-paid employment. The commission estimates that bridging Wakefield's productivity gap could unlock more than £533m a year for the local economy.
Addressing Investment and Productivity Gaps
Coun Johnson highlighted the economic challenges: "We face an economic challenge on quite a few fronts. Wakefield doesn't attract national and international investment at the moment and we also face a productivity challenge." He noted that the district needs "12,000 more people working in knowledge-intensive business to bring us in line with the wider West Yorkshire region. These jobs need highly skilled employees to create value and drive growth, and they will play a crucial role in driving innovation that will turbo charge our local economy."
Tony Reeves, the council's chief executive, acknowledged past shortcomings: "Wakefield is full of great businesses and we are brilliantly located. There are all sort of opportunities here but, if we were really honest with ourselves, we haven't joined those things up sufficiently to really optimise the potential that the district has." He summed up the plan's essence: "It's about being bold, it's about being ambitious and being prepared to take some risks to unlock the full potential of our district."
Wakefield Futures Centre: A Broker for Skills
Professor Sir Chris Husbands, who chaired the commission, explained the rationale: "Wakefield has real assets, real ambition among residents, and a track record of weathering de-industrialisation better than many similar places. To close the gap between skills supply and the future economy, something new is needed." He added, "That's why we recommended the Wakefield Futures Centre – a broker between employers and training providers. Working with employers to stimulate demand for higher-level skills and with training providers to change the skills supply."
The strategy represents a concerted effort to transform Wakefield's economic trajectory, leveraging its strengths and addressing long-standing challenges. With a clear focus on collaboration between public, private, and educational sectors, the plan aims to create sustainable growth and opportunity for residents and businesses alike.
