Have your say on digital growth strategy for Leeds city region

A public consultation is being run by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as part of work on a strategy that will aim to ensure the strength of the local digital technology and data sector has the widest possible social and environmental benefits.

Encouraging communities to make their voices heard, Prof Adam Beaumont, LEP board member and chief executive of Leeds-based telecommunications operator aql, said: “Developing a world-class digital and data infrastructure is a key piece of the challenge to create a stronger north that can boost national productivity and competitiveness.

“In Leeds city region, we’re already on a well-established journey to achieve this.

“Critical pieces of the UK’s internet infrastructure are located here in the region, and through initiatives such as our positioning to become a 5G pilot location, this platform for growth will become stronger.

“Our biggest challenge is not just to build the infrastructure, but the eco-system in a layered approach on top of these foundations, so as to include and benefit all.

“I’m looking forward to hearing what our communities have to say and to building new strategic partnerships to further catalyse a connected north radiating out from our region.”

For further information about the consultation, visit the www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/digital web page.

The Yorkshire Evening Post runs a regular Digital City column in partnership with Sky Betting & Gaming.

The platform aims to highlight the giant strides being made by a sector that boasts around 3,000 organisations in Leeds.