By Mya Driver, Marketing Executive, UKREiiF

Since its inception in 2022, UKREiiF has generated an impressive £38.5 million in economic impact, benefiting Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region. Each year, we collaborate with ARUP on an independent report that details UKREiiF’s economic contributions to the city and region. This report provides valuable insights into the factors driving this impact, including expenditures by organisers and visitors, spending on fringe events, and recurring visitor spending on accommodation, food and drink, shopping, local travel, evening events and entertainment, and sightseeing and tours.

2022

Following our inaugural event in May 2022, we proudly reported an economic benefit of £5.5 million to the city of Leeds. The event attracted around 4,000 attendees, with 86% of delegates traveling from various parts of the UK, including London, Cornwall, Belfast, Fife, and Cambridge. Hotel occupancy reached an impressive 95%, and the city hosted over 50 fringe events, significantly boosting the food and beverage sector. Local suppliers were heavily involved, with over 100 staff on-site, including our dedicated UKREiiF team.

2023

In our second year, UKREiiF more than doubled its economic impact on the city, bringing over 7,500 people from across the UK and internationally to Leeds for the week. The local economy received a £12.1 million boost, with 75% of delegates enjoying at least one overnight stay in the region and 38% staying for at least two nights, resulting in 11,663 bed nights in local hotels. Spending on food and drink, accommodation, shopping, and entertainment totalled £4.5 million, with an additional £7.1 million in direct economic impact. This brings the total economic impact over both years to £17.6 million.

2024

Our latest UKREiiF event in May 2024 saw a significant increase in attendance, with 13,000 attendees compared to 4,000 just two years ago. Of these delegates, 41% stayed in Leeds for two nights, and 25% extended their stay to three nights, up from 22% in 2023. Additionally, 33% of attendees reported visiting Leeds more frequently between events, attributing their increased visits to the impact of UKREiiF.

It’s evident we’ve made a substantial impact on the city, as highlighted by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, who said: “Thousands of business and political leaders have flocked to West Yorkshire for this event over the past three years – and they’re returning because they recognise that our region’s best days lie ahead of us.

It’s great to see how UKREiiF is supporting growth in our local economy, as we work to build a stronger, brighter region where opportunity thrives.”

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council added: The great thing about UKREiiF for me is it brings thousands of people to Leeds who get to see a lot of the changes that have happened over the past five to ten years, and of course the £21 million its brought to the city this year means it’s an event that has put Leeds on the map. Its great to see the city doing so well out of UKREiiF!”

We can’t wait to see what next year has in store for the city and surrounding areas. If you’d like to find out more about UKREiiF, visit here: www.ukreiif.com

By Mya Driver, Marketing Executive, UKREiiF