Mastek's Leeds Expansion Fuels Northern England's AI Ambitions

LEEDS, England – February 11, 2026 – Global digital engineering and AI firm Mastek has significantly expanded its presence in Leeds, a move that signals a deep commitment to the UK's northern tech economy and reinforces the city's burgeoning reputation as a hub for artificial intelligence.

The official opening of the expanded office, a 100-seat facility with capacity for future growth, was led by Abhishek Singhh, President of UKI & EU at Mastek, and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin. The investment is a direct response to accelerating demand from UK clients for sophisticated cloud, data, and AI-driven solutions, positioning Leeds as a cornerstone of the company's UK operations and a key center for innovation.

A Strategic Bet on the North

Mastek's expansion is more than just a corporate milestone; it's a significant endorsement of West Yorkshire's economic strategy and a tangible contribution to the UK's 'Levelling Up' agenda. The move injects new vitality into a regional tech scene that is already experiencing explosive growth. Recent data reveals that Leeds' digital tech sector is expanding 125% faster than the national average, with a remarkable 46% increase in technology-focused roles between 2021 and 2024.

Speaking at the opening, Mayor Tracy Brabin hailed the investment as a direct outcome of strategic international partnerships. “This expansion is a testament to the strength of the partnership we built during our trade mission to India, and a massive vote of confidence in our Local Growth Plan,” she stated. “By anchoring its AI and cloud innovation hub right here in Leeds, Mastek is not only creating high-quality jobs, but is actively helping us deliver on our Digital Cluster Action Plan.”

This sentiment was echoed by Abhishek Singhh, who emphasized the company’s long-standing ties to the region. “Mastek has a rich heritage and a long-standing presence in the UK and Leeds has always been at the heart of that journey,” he commented. “This expansion strengthens our footprint in the North of England and allows us to deepen our engagement with local clients and communities. Leeds is a natural home for Mastek’s growth.”

Powering Public Sector Transformation

The expansion is strategically timed to capitalize on the soaring demand for digital transformation, particularly within the UK's public sector. Mastek has carved out a niche as a trusted partner for government agencies, with approximately 70% of its UK revenue derived from mission-critical public sector projects. The firm plays a key role in building and maintaining critical national infrastructure, a responsibility that demands highly specialized and security-cleared talent.

With its 'Lead with AI' approach, Mastek aims to embed intelligence across its solutions to help organizations accelerate their digital journeys. The Leeds hub will be instrumental in delivering these advanced services, serving as a center of excellence for developing and deploying ethical, scalable, and domain-specific AI. This focus aligns with the UK Government's Digital Strategy, which prioritizes the adoption of modern technology to improve public services and efficiency. The growth in demand from what Singhh describes as the "security cleared landscape" underscores the critical nature of the work the expanded Leeds team will undertake.

Aligning with Regional Ambitions

Mastek's investment is deeply interwoven with West Yorkshire's ambitious economic vision. Mayor Brabin's reference to the region's Digital Cluster Action Plan is significant; it is one of six key strategies designed to unlock multi-billion-pound business opportunities and create tens of thousands of skilled jobs. The plan identifies digital and technology as a premier sector for growth, with a particular focus on nurturing expertise in AI and data analytics.

Furthermore, the expansion supports the goals of the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, which aims to generate over 2,500 new jobs and attract £220 million in investment over the next five years. By establishing a larger innovation hub in Leeds, Mastek not only contributes directly to these job creation targets but also enhances the region's appeal for further inward investment, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and opportunity.

“This is exactly the kind of investment that nurtures our local talent and builds a stronger, better-connected West Yorkshire,” Mayor Brabin added, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between corporate investment and regional prosperity.

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

While Leeds' tech job market is booming, the region, like the rest of the UK, faces a persistent digital skills gap estimated to cost the national economy billions annually. Mastek is positioning its expansion as part of the solution to this challenge, committing to cultivating a sustainable talent pipeline.

The company has pledged to work closely with regional partners, universities like the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, and local organizations to develop future-ready digital and AI skills. This commitment is not new; Mastek already operates a Digital Learning Centre in Leeds as part of its Graduate Development Programme, which is designed to nurture emerging talent and provide pathways into the tech sector for a new generation of professionals.

By investing in local skills development alongside physical infrastructure, Mastek is helping to ensure that the opportunities created by the AI revolution are accessible to the local workforce. This long-term approach aims to build a self-sustaining ecosystem where academic institutions produce skilled graduates who can then find high-quality employment with innovative companies like Mastek, ultimately solidifying Leeds' status as a premier UK technology hub.