Fintech company launches northern tech hub in Leeds

Equiniti, a provider of technology and solutions for blue-chip enterprises and the public sector, has opened a brand new fintech hub in Leeds.

The Equiniti Northern Tech Hub has now been officially launched at Lawnswood Business Park.

The 14,000 sq ft building is the new home of Equiniti Credit Services, a loans management and credit technology company currently managing more than £20bn in credit assets.

Equiniti Credit Services has been created from two UK brands in lending technology, Equiniti Pancredit and Nostrum Group.

The launch of the Northern Tech Hub brings workforces previously based in Harrogate and Yeadon together in Leeds for the first time.

More than 150 employees are based at the offices; a number that is expected to grow as the company plans further investment in the area with the creation of new jobs.

Equiniti Credit Services, part of the Equiniti Digital technology division of Equiniti Group, will occupy the two upper floors of the newly-refurbished offices with the ground floor used by core group functions including pensions, HR and project management.

Leeds North West MP, Alex Sobel and Jane Dowson, Lord Mayor of Leeds attended the red-ribbon launch. They were met by Guy Wakeley, Equiniti group chief executive, and Richard Carter, managing director of Equiniti Credit Services.

Richard Carter said: “The Equiniti Northern Tech Hub will enable us to continue innovating in technology-led solutions for lenders, who are constantly looking at ways to enhance the customer experience in digital banking and consumer finance.

“Leeds has emerged as a real technology powerhouse and we’re excited to be at the heart of it, driving forward ideas and expertise in digital financial services.”

He added: “We’re delighted to launch the Equiniti Northern Tech Hub and to have both our local MP and the Lord Mayor of Leeds here to celebrate with us.

“This new building is an important landmark for Equiniti Credit Services and will allow us to take an even bigger role in the continued growth and development of the Northern Powerhouse fintech scene, here in Leeds and across the region.”

Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel commented: “To grow our ability to develop tech innovations, create jobs and grow our economy within my own constituency is an incredible opportunity and I am grateful that Equiniti have chosen this location.

“It brings me great pleasure to see the offer of tech work experience on the doorstep, which will also help attract new firms to Leeds. Equiniti’s reach into fintech, digital media and regtech will grow the Leeds City Region economy which can only benefit everyone.”