Leeds Corn Exchange becoming Yorkshire’s startup business hub

Leeds Corn Exchange is nearing full capacity after the opening of a third new shop in the space of six months.

Little Leeds Beer House, a merchant for beer, wine and spirit, which opened its first shop on the balcony level of the centre, shows that the iconic Grade 1* Listed building is becoming the new home for independent start-up retailers in the region.

Furthermore, as the shopping and leisure destination is currently at a 95% occupancy level, the Corn Exchange has established itself as a favourite among young entrepreneurs who have found that the eclectic mix of shops, cafes and eateries is helping them to thrive and grow.

James Phillips, Richard Brownhill and Bryony Brownhill opened Little Leeds Beer House (LLBH), after garnering many years of management experience at some of Leeds’ most successful new city centre venues including Indian street food restaurant, ‘Bundobust’ and American-style brewpub, ‘Tapped’.

LLBH sells an array of craft beers and wines from a several English producers and the owners are planning to host a series of tasting sessions in Leeds Corn Exchange throughout the summer.

James Phillips, co-owner of Little Leeds Beer House said: “The Corn Exchange is such a recognised landmark within the city centre. It’s great to be part of a shopping centre which is full of like-minded retailers and business owners. It’s an exciting time for the retailers within the centre, as a number of the shops are growing. We hope Little Leeds Beer House will be very successful and develop as a business within Leeds Corn Exchange.”

Two other startup businesses have also recently expanded within the Corn Exchange: hummus delicatessen Humpit and specialist vintage film and camera shop, West Yorkshire Cameras.

Humpit, Leeds’ first and only café offering a menu solely focused on home-made hummus and pita, moved to Leeds Corn Exchange in September 2014. After experiencing significant growth in the last several months, the hummus and pita bar, launched by entrepreneur Jonathan Phillips, is now a permanent fixture and is recruiting its ninth member of the team, five of which are full time.

Vintage camera shop West Yorkshire Cameras, run by creative camera enthusiasts Tom Horton and Nick Parker, has found a strong market in Leeds. West Yorkshire Cameras outgrew its previous space in Leeds Corn Exchange and expanded into a larger retail unit as a result of business development. Located on the specialist shopping balcony level of the centre, the business has added a new photography studio to its fully comprehensive repair and cleaning service.

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