In spite of the (not so) recent moral panic surrounding the skills shortage in the construction sector, one city is looking to build on the chance to establish itself as one of the worlds most competitive locations for trade and investment.

The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) revealed the ‘Leeds City Region Confidence Yields Growth’ report at MIPIM, in Cannes, France. This report outlined plans and overseas investment opportunities for the Leeds City Region.

The report had a strong focus on improving transport infrastructure in the region, with initiatives such as HS2, York Central Railway Station and new stations at Thorpe Park, Leeds Bradford International Airport Parkway highlighted.

Attention was brought to city centre regeneration, along with with out-of-town investment opportunities – boosting the need for skilled construction workers in the area. One establishment – Leeds College of Building – are combatting the current skills shortage by committing to training up young professionals in the sector.

It is vital that cities such as Leeds are able to keep up with competing regional areas such as Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool. Overseas investment may well be the answer in the short term – but maintaining the right level of skills in the construction industry is crucial for long term development.