Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak visited Nexus recently to sign the new West Yorkshire Devolution Deal with council leaders from across the region.
The innovation hub was chosen for the signing of the historic deal, which will see West Yorkshire have a directly elected Mayor from May 2021 and provide £1.1 billion of investment for the area over 30 years.
Vice-Chancellor, Sir Alan Langlands, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Professor Lisa Roberts, met Mr Sunak and explained how Nexus is supporting collaborative partnerships between entrepreneurs, businesses and world-leading research expertise – creating jobs and opportunities for people right across the region.
Professor Roberts said: “For the Chancellor of the Exchequer to choose the University of Leeds to sign this deal is testament to our position as a research-intensive University and a committed regional partner.
“Nexus was the perfect setting for today’s occasion, as a place that brings together academic researchers and businesses to solve problems that deliver business growth and societal impact.
“The Budget rightly recognised the important role the UK’s universities play in innovation, attracting business investment and driving economic growth, and at Leeds we applaud the new investment in R&D that will maintain the University and the UK as international research leaders. Our strengths and investments in healthtech, climate science and high-speed rail are perfectly aligned with the Government’s priorities.”
The Chancellor was joined by Simon Clarke, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and council leaders from across West Yorkshire.
