New study shows West Yorkshire city Leeds is a popular option with graduates starting careers.
A study conducted by graduate-jobs.com shows the number of graduates looking to work in Leeds has risen by 17% in the past five years.
The independent job board analysed data provided by users over a ten year period and discovered the West Yorkshire city is now competing on par with larger UK hubs such as Birmingham and Manchester for graduate talent.
"Leeds is currently a city benefitting from massive expansion and regeneration in an already bustling city centre," says graduate Chris Stewaney. "New developments such as the Trinity centre and Victoria Quarter offer a wealth of opportunities and jobs."
Chris believes this focus on regeneration may be the cause for Leeds' rise in popularity amongst graduates. Between the years 2006 to 2011 just 32% of registered users on graduate-jobs.com stated an interest in working in Leeds. Five years later, 49% of users now say they would be happy to work in the city.
Chris, who studied Law at Northumbria University before joining the Leeds office of an international law firm in 2015, says the city has something to offer university leavers coming from a range of degree backgrounds.
"[Leeds] has strong banking, legal and accounting sectors that intertwine and create a fantastic business platform for a range of companies. Similarly, the city has plenty to offer the more creative types, with many design and media outlets working out of here."
"The city is also home to many big companies based in the north such as Asda, William Hill and Capita, which offer a range of opportunities for graduates," he says.
"This is in addition to the raft of companies that have offices here as part of their UK and international practice."
Leeds City Region Partnership, the organisation behind Invest in Leeds, claims 31% of the workforce in Leeds is educated to at least degree level. Chris believes graduates across the UK are able to enjoy a better quality of life now opportunities are not solely based in London and the South East - and that includes graduates drawn to Leeds.
"The city's universities are on the up and the business infrastructure goes from strength to strength," he says.
"The availability of big companies, big salaries and affordable house prices sets it apart from some of the UK's neighbouring cities. Career opportunities are plentiful, without having to subject oneself to the long hours or painful commute associated with other cities."
Chris points to the lack of affordable living in London as another reason people are turning to the capital's northern counterpart.
"Leeds is a fantastic city with plenty on offer for graduates and non-graduates alike," he says.
"The city boasts everything from great shopping and restaurants to parks and green spaces. In addition, it is only a couple of miles from beautiful countryside when a break from city life is required."
Chris recommends graduates consider moving to West Yorkshire - and says if they do, they should take a closer look at the rejuvenated Leeds.
"Research the businesses and uncover what makes the city tick. Target your applications to those companies that have a big presence in Leeds and show your love and knowledge of the place. "