40 jobs to be created as The Great Escape launches in Leeds

The Great Escape, a live escape game centre first launched in Sheffield, opens in Leeds on Saturday 1st October

Founded back in January 2015 by two entrepreneurs, former primary teacher Hannah Duraid and business partner Peter Lacole, The Great Escape involves a group of people tackling a physical adventure game where they are ‘locked’ in a room and have to find and solve clues and puzzles to escape within the set time limit.

The business brought in 27,000 visitors and attracted 15,000 facebook fans in its first year of trading.

Following this success, Hannah and Peter decided to launch a sister branch in the commercial centre of Leeds where 16 jobs have been created, but will rise up to 40 as more rooms are added.

Hannah chose to house the Leeds branch at Atlas House on King Street in the city centre, which is a 6,000 sq ft of former office space where the team aim to attract 50,000 visitors a year.

Hannah, Great Escape’s managing director, said: “This week sees the soft launch of our three amazing new games unique to the industry, which will bring the next level of immersive experience to Yorkshire.

“Created through hyper-realistic theming, these games take the puzzle room concept to a Hollywood level.

“Having studied games all over the UK, we believe we have created one of the most technologically advanced escape games in the country. The room hosts amongst our 16 fantastic new staff are excited to share their passion for these games with our customers.”

Aaron Giles, the business’ marketing manager, added: “King Arthur’s Secret is a fun filled journey back in time, where players must unravel the secrets hidden deep inside King Arthur’s Castle.

“Expect magic, mystery and lots of surprises. Underworld takes you on an adventure where you must unearth the truth on a conspiracy spanning over 1,000 years. This one is a fast paced action thriller for those adrenaline junkies out there.

“Expect torments, traps and trickery in The Devil’s Playground, where you play the devil at his own game… a truly chilling game for those who dare.”

The Great Escape bar and corporate room will launch on 20 October, with nine more games still to be unveiled.

Hannah and Peter was able to launch the first branch after receiving support from the Enterprise Team at Sheffield Hallam University, where Hannah studied. The Sheffield business has now been voted No.1 for Fun and Games on TripAdvisor, and employs 20.

Hannah concluded: “We have come through our first year in profit, which is being ploughed back into the business, and our aim now is to expand.

“Leeds was the obvious choice as it already has two escape games and understands the concept, plus we are in the Leeds Entrepreneurial Spark hatchery- part of the globally-run free growth accelerator programme.”