How business gets involved

The challenge facing any business wishing to implement CSR programmes in the community lies in what to do and how to go about it.  Leeds Ahead provides a single, easy point of access to a wide range of regeneration-focused projects and activities. We tailor programmes to meet particular business objectives, having regard to the resources that a business can commit and the budget available.

Tackling the really hard issues demands innovative approaches and innovation is exactly what the private sector excels at. We encourage those we work with to be creative and actively support the development of new and partnership projects between businesses, large and small. 

Types of activity

Our five key strands of activity are listed below.
  • EmployabilityRead More

  • Tackling worklessness is a key strategic priority for the city. The need to address the causes of unemployment and incapacity to work spans the entire age range - from school leavers to those nearing retirement. Within deprived communities, individuals need greater support to access employment opportunities because a number of barriers are faced. Businesses can get involved in a range of programmes from confidence building to offering interview practice and work placements.

  • CommunityRead More

  • A large number of voluntary and community organisations work across the city to provide vital support and services to local people. Leeds Ahead works with these organisations to identify how business can best support their work. This might involve providing free services or training to a local community project, donating some office equipment or bringing business skills to their boards and management committees.

  • EnvironmentRead More

  • Despite being a city that prides itself on green spaces there are many communities across the city for which green space is a rarity. These are areas where few dwellings have their own gardens and land often lies derelict. By supporting programmes such as local In Bloom competitions, neighbourhood cleanups and tree planting, business volunteers can have a visible impact on deprived areas. Not only does this improve the areas for the people living within them, it also helps to improve the prospect of inward investment.

  • EnterpriseRead More

  • One of the key building blocks for a thriving community is the development of local enterprise and all that this brings to an area. Leeds has recently won £20.6m from government to stimulate enterprise in our most deprived communities. Leeds Ahead has the leading role in brokering support to this programme from successful businesses in the city. This might involve mentoring business start-ups or social enterprises or running enterprise days in schools.

  • EducationRead More

  • Educational attainment is a key factor in the ability of individuals to move their lives on and to raise aspirations. Leeds Ahead offers a range of programmes for business involvement in inner city schools to support young people. Increasingly the school curriculum provides opportunities for business to support the development of skills in young people that will make them good employees when they leave school or encourage sector-specific or vocational learning.

Enquiry form

Please fill in the enquiry form below and one of the Leeds Ahead team will contact you.

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