Business leaders from Leeds have returned from Brussels with a promise from Members of the European Parliament to support the Leeds city region in its ambition to attract inward investment and grow jobs. 

Headed by Marketing Leeds, a twenty strong delegation including representatives from UKTI, Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds City Council and bmi Regional also met with companies interested in doing business with the city during their two day trip. 

At a VIP event hosted by the British Ambassador to Belgium, Jonathan Brenton, the delegation met with potential investors from key sectors including pharmaceuticals, manufacturers, legal and security. Talks will continue from the UK. A series of meetings also took place between the delegation and Yorkshire and The Humber’s MEPs, Timothy Kirkhope, Godfrey Bloom and Diana Wallis at their Parliament base. 

Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford Airport’s Commercial Director, said, “The events in Belgium have provided a real opportunity to forge links with both potential inward investors and politicians. In discussions at the European Parliament our regional MEP’s recognised the importance of links between Leeds Bradford and Belgium, our region’s sixth largest trading partner. They also committed to working more closely with us to increase our competiveness and to drive international trade. 

We have also been able to increase awareness of what Yorkshire has to offer to Belgian businesses to help sustain and grow our economy and attract jobs.” 

A second reception at the Ambassador’s residence, organised with support form the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, provided an opportunity for leisure businesses, including Radisson Radission Blu, RAI plc and Weetwood Hall conference Centre and Hotel to showcase their facilities to conference buyers and travel organisations. 

Deborah Green, Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds says: “Leeds in Belgium is an excellent example of the city working in collaboration. Our activity was jointly organised and sponsored by Marketing Leeds, bmi Regional and Leeds Bradford Airport and provided a great opportunity for the city to raise its profile and articulate it’s position as a key location for business and leisure tourism. Belgium is a key market for Leeds and I have been delighted by the interest from the companies we met in Brussels in forging business links with our city region.” 

The delegation travelled aboard bmi Regional’s direct Leeds Bradford- Brussels service, which celebrates its 10 year anniversary next month. Bmi Regional operates between two and three flights daily. 

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