The UK’s festival of business growth returns to the Royal Armouries on 1–2 July. Here’s why Leeds founders, investors, and leaders should be there.

Climb26 Leeds lands at the Royal Armouries on 1–2 July 2026, bringing two days of talks, workshops, and networking to Leeds Dock. Now in its third year, ClimbUK has established itself as one of the most ambitious growth festivals in the UK — and with backing from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and a growing international following, the 2026 edition is set to be its biggest yet. For Leeds founders, investors, and scale-ups, this is one of the most useful dates in the summer calendar.

Climb26 is built for people who are serious about growing a business. The format combines expert talks — from entrepreneurs, investors, elite athletes, musicians, and public figures — with structured networking and interactive workshops. Past attendees have left with new investor introductions, Innovate UK grant connections, and NatWest support. The event draws founders at every stage: from first-time entrepreneurs to operators scaling established companies, with investors and policymakers in the same rooms.

This year’s festival puts wellbeing and mental health at its core alongside growth and investment themes — a signal of how the conversation around building sustainable businesses has shifted. There will also be a dedicated Impact Zone for CICs and charities, live music, and social events across both days. For context on the investment climate Leeds founders are operating in, see our recent insight on private capital and regional growth.

Why Climb26 Leeds matters for the local business community

Leeds is in a strong position heading into summer 2026. A £230m West Yorkshire investment package has been approved, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s £1bn budget is actively targeting business growth, skills, and connectivity. Climb26 arrives at exactly the right moment — a gathering that connects the ambition of Leeds’ founder community with the investors and infrastructure that can help it scale.

The event draws a deliberately broad mix: tech and fintech founders alongside those in healthcare, sustainability, creative industries, and social enterprise. That cross-sector approach is intentional. ClimbUK founder Gordon Bateman has spoken about his mission to get venture capital more active in regional ecosystems — and to connect international investors with northern businesses that too often go unnoticed in a London-centric funding landscape.

For Leeds businesses, the practical value is clear. Previous Climb attendees have reported direct outcomes: grant applications unlocked, investor introductions made, and partnerships formed on the day. The curated networking — structured so that conversations happen naturally rather than awkwardly — is consistently the element attendees highlight most.

Leeds: the right city at the right time

Climb26 isn’t the only major event choosing Leeds in 2026. UKREiiF brought 16,000 investment and development professionals to the Royal Armouries in May. Leeds Digital Festival runs its main two-week programme in September. The city is becoming a consistent destination for national and international business events — and Climb26 fits that pattern, drawing US government representatives and global investors into the same rooms as Yorkshire founders.

For tickets and the latest programme details, visit climb-uk.com. Speakers and full session details will be confirmed in the coming weeks — Leeds Today will update this article when the programme is live.

Why this matters for Leeds

Climb26 brings together founders, investors, and business leaders at the Royal Armouries on 1–2 July in what is shaping up to be the most significant gathering for the Leeds founder community in 2026. With backing from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and a track record of producing real outcomes — investor introductions, grant connections, and genuine partnerships — this is more than a conference. For Leeds businesses looking to raise, scale, or simply connect with the people driving growth in the region, Climb26 is the event to prioritise this summer.