[ city flash ]

About Us

Businesses have transformed Leeds over the last twenty years, bringing jobs and economic growth to the wider region on an unprecedented scale. Even before the current recession kicked in, large parts of the city were not sharing in this success. Unacceptable disparities in educational achievement, unemployment and life expectancy create a compelling economic and moral case for action.

Leeds Ahead provides businesses and employers with a single, easy point of access to a wide range of community-focused projects across the city. Employers can meet their corporate objectives and enjoy a wide range of other business benefits, confident in the knowledge that everything they do is helping to improve the city and grow GDP in the long-term.

Leeds Ahead is a social enterprise. We take our lead from the city's long term strategic vision and work alongside Leeds Initiative and Leeds City Council to deliver the three central aims of the Vision for Leeds 2004-2020. In December 2009, Leeds Ahead won a green flag from the Audit Commission within the Comprehensive Area Assessment for Leeds. This award acknowledges Leeds Ahead as a pioneer on the national stage. 

We are also helping to deliver the LEGI (Local Enterprise Growth Initiative) programme to further the economic development of the city's most deprived areas by stimulating enterprise.

  • The map shows where communities in Leeds fall within the national Index of Multiple Deprivation. We focus support to communities that fall within the lowest 20% on the Index.

    Our team of experienced business brokers is located within the neighbourhood in order to develop and maintain local knowledge and connections. This helps us channel support most effectively to where it is needed.

    If you would like any further information, please contact one of our specialist business brokers.

    [ go to the team page ]
    Where we workRead More

  • Leeds Ahead is an independent not for profit company limited by guarantee. Its Board of Directors is made up of business leaders and key individuals drawn from the public sector, all of whom share a commitment to the long-term future of the city.

    Leeds Ahead was founded by its Chief Executive, Stephanie Burras, in 2004. It helps businesses and public sector employers to deliver top quality community investment and staff volunteering programmes in Leeds.

    Visit our team page to find out more about our board and team members.

    Who we areRead More

  • Successful businesses recognise the connection between corporate responsibility, employee development, enlightened self-interest and making corporate social responsibility (CSR) an essential part of any business strategy. 

    However getting started is not always easy.  It can be difficult to work out what to do or which initiatives to back and most employers want to direct their resources to where they will have the most effect.

    We understand what businesses are able to offer and link public, private and voluntary sectors together to work on highly innovative projects.  We are independent and so offer our clients impartial advice on the programmes that will best meet their objectives.

    Click here to find out more about Leeds Ahead.

    What we doRead More

  • Leeds Ahead generates revenue by providing services to public and private sector clients.  We do not distribute profits to members but reinvest them back into the business to further our social objectives.

    We provide services to private and public sector employers through our membership scheme, our corporate sponsorship scheme and through delivery of other bespoke projects.

    We provide services under contract to public sector bodies, such as Leeds City Council and the Primary Care Trust. We have the lead role on engaging business in the Leeds Year of the Volunteer 2010 and the Leeds Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) Programme.

    Leeds Ahead is founded on the principle of partnership. We invite approaches from any public or private sector organisations interested in partnering with us. 

    Please feel free to contact us on 0113 246 7877 or by emailing info@leedsahead.org.uk

    How we're fundedRead More