Yorkshire has a unique opportunity to drive economic growth by addressing a long-standing challenge: the shortage of small-to-mid-box industrial and logistics (I&L) space. New research highlights that inadequate provision of such facilities has suppressed demand by 38% over the past decade, costing the region up to half a billion pounds annually in lost economic potential.

The latest BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report, produced by Potter Space in partnership with Savills, reveals that if more small-to-mid-box I&L facilities had been available, Yorkshire could have created 16,000 new jobs while strengthening key sectors such as sustainable manufacturing, e-commerce, and technology. However, barriers including land supply constraints and city centre development policies have stifled expansion, leading to untapped opportunities.

Yorkshire’s advantages — its strategic location, strong transport links, and entrepreneurial ecosystem — position it well for industrial growth. Yet, despite being a hub for start-ups, the region has seen high business closure rates, often due to a lack of suitable premises. Addressing this through targeted investment in sub-100k sq ft industrial space could secure long-term business sustainability and regional prosperity.

Local plans play a vital role in enabling this transformation. By prioritising investment in underutilised sites and brownfield land, policymakers can create modern, sustainable I&L spaces aligned with economic development goals. The right planning frameworks would not only support business expansion but also generate supply chain benefits, strengthen local communities, and enhance job creation.

Collaboration between policymakers, developers, and businesses is essential to unlocking Yorkshire’s full economic potential. If industrial land provision is prioritised, the region can retain and attract growing businesses, securing its place as a leader in industrial innovation. Without this, there is a real risk of businesses relocating elsewhere, taking jobs and investment with them.

Yorkshire’s ability to thrive depends on strategic decision-making. Ensuring adequate, affordable, and well-located industrial space through local planning frameworks is not just an economic necessity, it is critical to the future success of the region.

About BIG Things in SMALL Boxes 2024:
In its third iteration of BIG Things in SMALL Boxes, Potter Space takes its most in-depth look into the small to mid-box I&L sector to date. Featuring data, analysis and opinion on the challenges and opportunities facing this underappreciated market, the report is available to download free at www.potterspace.co.uk

About Potter Space:
Potter Space owns, develops, and operates five business parks in Ripon, Droitwich, Knowsley, Selby, and Ely. The business manages more than 1.7m square feet of existing commercial space at close to 100% occupancy and with many long-standing customers. Knowsley, Selby and Ely business parks also have successful rail terminals, fully utilised by Potter Space customers.  Potter Space continues to aim for a minimum BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation on all future buildings, prioritising sustainability, biodiversity, health and wellbeing across all five business parks. Providing customers with a ‘Home for Business’ is the number one priority for Potter Space.