We Are Wakefield

The launch of Wakefield Council’s new Economic Growth Plan on 4 August marks an important milestone in the district’s journey towards a stronger, more prosperous future. More than a strategy document, the plan provides a clear vision for how Wakefield can build on its strengths, attract investment, create higher-value jobs and ensure residents have the skills needed to thrive in a changing economy.

For businesses across the district, the message is clear: Wakefield is open for business. But perhaps more importantly, Wakefield has a plan for how it intends to compete, grow and succeed in the years ahead.

Building on Strong Foundations

Wakefield already contributes more than £10 billion to the UK economy and is recognised as a critical economic hub within West Yorkshire and the wider North of England. Its strategic location, world-class transport connectivity and established strengths in manufacturing and logistics have helped the district weather economic challenges better than many comparable areas.

However, the Economic Growth Plan is refreshingly honest about the challenges facing the district.

Research underpinning the plan identifies that Wakefield is currently operating within what it describes as a “low-skill, low-GVA equilibrium”, where too much of the economy is concentrated in lower productivity sectors, limiting wage growth and making it harder to attract and retain highly skilled talent.

The plan’s overarching objective is therefore simple but ambitious: to increase local incomes and improve economic wellbeing across the district.

Five Priorities for Growth

To achieve this, Wakefield Council has identified five strategic priorities that build on the district’s existing strengths while creating opportunities for future growth. These include:

Delivering More Housing in Connected Urban Areas

The plan proposes higher-density housing and mixed-use development in well-connected urban centres, helping more people access employment opportunities while supporting local high streets and communities.

Growing Advanced Manufacturing

Manufacturing remains one of Wakefield’s most important sectors, but the focus is now on supporting innovative and future-facing businesses that can compete internationally despite pressures such as rising energy costs.

Creating More Value from Logistics

Wakefield’s location means demand for logistics space remains strong. The plan aims to encourage higher-value activities, support indigenous businesses and attract companies that can bring skilled jobs and leadership functions into the district.

Developing the Creative Economy

From Production Park to The Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the district already possesses significant creative assets. The plan seeks to better connect these strengths to town and city centre regeneration and wider economic growth.

Building a Skilled and Healthy Workforce

Skills, education and workforce wellbeing sit at the heart of the plan. A particular focus will be developing pathways between employers, education providers and learners to ensure businesses can access the talent they need in the future.

The Importance of Partnership

While the Economic Growth Plan sets out a clear direction of travel, delivering meaningful economic growth cannot be achieved by the Council alone.

Success will depend upon businesses, educators, public sector organisations and membership networks working together towards shared goals. This is where organisations such as We Are Wakefield can play an increasingly important role.

As the district’s largest independent business membership organisation, We Are Wakefield already provides the platform, connections and collaborative environment needed to support many of the plan’s ambitions.

Whether it’s helping businesses access new opportunities, facilitating knowledge sharing, supporting workforce development or fostering stronger partnerships between sectors, these activities directly contribute to the conditions needed for sustainable growth.

Turning Strategy into Action

One of the strengths of We Are Wakefield is its ability to bring together organisations that may otherwise never meet.

Through networking events, business engagement activities and specialist forums, businesses gain access to practical support, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities to collaborate on shared challenges.

This is particularly relevant to the growth sectors identified within the Economic Growth Plan.

The expanding We Are Wakefield Manufacturing Forum is already creating a valuable space for manufacturers to exchange ideas, discuss workforce challenges, explore innovation and identify opportunities for collaboration. As advanced manufacturing becomes an increasing area of focus within the district, forums such as these can help businesses translate strategy into action. Similarly, businesses operating within logistics, professional services and creative industries can benefit from stronger connections and greater visibility within the local business community.

Supporting Skills and Talent

The plan places significant emphasis on skills development, echoing recommendations from the Wakefield Futures Commission and proposals such as the Wakefield Futures Centre.

Businesses consistently identify skills as one of their biggest opportunities and challenges. Through its membership network, We Are Wakefield can help strengthen the conversation between employers, education providers and training organisations, ensuring that businesses have a voice in shaping future workforce development.

This collaborative approach will be essential if Wakefield is to bridge skills gaps and create the talent pipeline needed to support higher-value industries.

A Shared Ambition for Wakefield

The Economic Growth Plan is ultimately about creating more opportunities for businesses and residents alike. It is about attracting investment, supporting innovation, increasing productivity and raising living standards across the district.

Achieving these ambitions will require leadership, investment and partnership.

The Council has set out a compelling vision. Businesses now have an opportunity to engage with that vision and help shape how it is delivered. Through organisations such as We Are Wakefield, the district already has the networks, expertise and collaborative spirit needed to support that journey. With regular meetings in place with council leaders, I will be asking HOW we achieve these ambitious goals and how we as an organisation work alongside them to ensure our members come with us on the journey.

As Wakefield looks to the future, one thing is clear: economic growth is not something that happens to a place. It is something that businesses, communities and partners create together.

And together, Wakefield is well positioned to make that vision a reality.

Claire Sutherley DL

Managing Director