There has been a dramatic restructuring of the local economy over the last 20 years with the decline of coal mining and other traditional industries. The economy has successfully diversified, however, with distribution and service industries being major employment sectors.

Wakefield is centrally located at the heart of the UK’s communications network. Its strategic position at the intersection of the M1 and M62 motorways provides excellent access to all parts of the UK by road, rail, air or sea.

Major road improvements have further enhanced the District’s accessibility by road and a recent business confidence survey showed that over 74% of companies participating in the survey have benefited from the new A1/M1 link road.

Wakefield’s key location in the north is further reinforced by the Wakefield Europort development, situated at junction 31 of the M62 motorway. It is potentially the largest and most strategic distribution and manufacturing location in the region, providing a direct rail link for freight to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.