When you think of Cities in Yorkshire, Wakefield may not be the first one to come to mind. It is, however, a big focus of our region for a few reasons:

• It is the home of Pratap Partnership and Pratap Executive. We are proud to be based in the beautiful, historic grounds of Nostell Priory.
• On a personal level, it’s the city in which I was educated and a large part of my network have built successful careers and businesses in the area.
• As I focus on business development and origination in the region, the value of personal relationships has been clear in shaping thoughtful dialogue with local shareholders and leadership teams.

Wakefield has long been recognised as a town with roots in trade, manufacturing and community - but today it’s evolving. As we look across its business market, there’s growing evidence that Wakefield is quietly transforming into a diverse and opportunity-rich location for companies, investors and talent alike.

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A Broadening Economic Base

Traditionally associated with manufacturing and market-town commerce, Wakefield is now seeing growth across a wider spectrum of sectors. Logistics and distribution remain important (thanks to strong transport links and warehousing infrastructure), but services - especially professional services, admin support and back-office operations — are on the rise. At the same time, other sectors such as digital services, light manufacturing, and SMEs with a regional or national reach are gaining traction. This diversification gives Wakefield resilience, reducing dependence on any single industry.

Talent, Skills and Accessibility

Wakefield benefits from a strategic location: proximity to major northern cities and connections to transport routes mean it offers easy access for both labour and logistics. For companies, this means a practical base for operations - often with lower overheads compared with big cities. And though the town might not boast the same density of large universities as some larger urban centres, its position within a wider regional economy provides access to a broad labour pool and people commuting from across the region.

Opportunity for SMEs and Growing Firms

For small and medium-sized enterprises, Wakefield offers a compelling combination of affordability, location, and access to markets - both local and national. Its infrastructure supports distribution, operations and service-based business models, making it an attractive option for firms aiming to scale, manage overheads, and tap into regional networks. For growing businesses, the town delivers a balance of operational practicality and strategic potential.

Challenges - And Foundations for Growth

No transformation happens overnight. Wakefield must contend with some structural challenges: competing with larger cities for talent; ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with demand; and continuing to raise the town’s profile among investors and potential high-growth firms. However, with the right mix of investment, ambition, and leadership, particularly among local SMEs, the foundations are solid.

Why Wakefield Should Be on Business Leaders’ Radar

Wakefield combines practicality with potential. It offers: a stable base with good transport and location advantages; attractive operating costs compared with city centres; and an economy increasingly characterised by diverse, service- and SME-driven growth. For businesses seeking a strategically placed yet grounded home, Wakefield offers more than just what it used to, it offers what’s ahead.

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If you’d like to explore potential opportunities in Wakefield, or want support with recruiting leadership or finance talent to capitalise on this kind of regional potential, I’d be happy to discuss further.

‍Amanda O'Neill

Amanda@pratappartnership.com

07874 855 669