xDesign has been described as one of Leeds’ “digital success stories” having committed to a permanent base in the city.
The Edinburgh-based digital development company first moved to Leeds last year, with 4 staff working in a temporary space near the train station, with a promise to create 100 new jobs.
Today that promise has come to fruition, with a new permanent space in the financial quarter.
“In just over a year, we’ve seen xDesign taking an active role in our local digital scene – opening a permanent office; sponsoring the Leeds Digital Festival and Leeds Digital Careers Festival as well as supporting the local economy by creating up to 100 high-skill roles in tech,’ said Leeds City Council Leader, James Lewis.
“It’s been fantastic to see the company go from strength to strength while emphasising the need to also nurture the community it works within. We can’t wait to see what this local digital success story does in the next 12 months.”
Lewis was at the launch of the new office to announce the council’s new partnership with xDesign. They will collaborate on a digital campaign to provide young people in the city with more opportunities to explore tech careers.
“Back in October, we released research that found that although 59% of young people in Leeds are considering a career in tech, two-thirds of them think that tech companies could be doing much more to engage and nurture their digital aspirations,” added Matt Ward, xDesign’s Head of Leeds.
“In order to take action on the data – rather than just offer commentary on a perennial challenge the tech industry faces – we’re going to be running a programme of activities in the new year that will better engage local youngsters in thinking about tech careers. These activities will also provide private sector companies in Leeds with a platform to better connect with young people and help them highlight the opportunities their company can offer.”
