Holbeck Together welcomed representatives from over 30 Leeds-based businesses and key stakeholders to the third official meeting of the Holbeck Together Business Alliance—marking a year of growing collaboration between the charity and the city’s business community.

The Alliance, launched in 2025, continues to bring together organisations committed to reducing inequality, strengthening community resilience, and expanding opportunity in Holbeck—one of Leeds’ most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

The continued growth of the Business Alliance comes at a pivotal time for Holbeck. Partners including Leeds City Council, Holbeck Together, and Leeds Building Society, with contributions from local organisations and community members, are collaborating to deliver ‘Heart of Holbeck’—an ambitious regeneration programme supported by the government. At the core of this initiative is a collective commitment to ensuring that investment results in improved outcomes for local residents, enabling healthier, stronger, and more connected communities within Holbeck.

Today’s meeting reflects the strength and diversity of the Alliance, with contributions from:

  • Elissa Newman, Chief Officer, Holbeck Together
  • The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Patron of Holbeck Together, Leeds South MP and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
  • Morrie Eisenberg, Chief Business Officer, Leeds United FC
  • Tom Wrigglesworth, Senior Corporate and Public Affairs Manager, Leeds Building Society
  • Andrea Hoyland, National Growth Manager, Community Shop

Over the past year, Alliance members have provided a powerful combination of practical support, strategic expertise and financial contribution—helping Holbeck Together to expand its reach and deepen its impact within the community.

Support from businesses has included volunteering at community events, contributing to seasonal campaigns such as Easter eggs drives for local children, providing strategic advice, and helping to strengthen the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

Elissa Newman, Chief Officer of Holbeck Together, said:

“Over the past year, the Business Alliance has become something truly meaningful—not just in the support it provides, but in the relationships and shared commitment it represents. Businesses across Leeds have come alongside us with generosity, insight and a willingness to listen and learn from the community.

“This support is helping us build something more sustainable for the future—reducing reliance on traditional funding and creating new ways to invest in the long-term health and resilience of Holbeck as a community. As we look ahead to significant regeneration investment, these partnerships will be essential in ensuring change is shaped with the community and delivers real, lasting benefit.”

Hilary Benn MP said:

“Holbeck Together demonstrates the vital role that community organisations play in tackling inequality and strengthening local resilience. What is particularly powerful about this Alliance is the way businesses are stepping forward to support this—not just as funders, but as active partners in creating change.

“As we approach a significant period of investment and regeneration as part of the Council’s regeneration plans for the local area, collaboration between the public, private and voluntary sectors will be essential. Initiatives like this show how, by working together, we can ensure that growth is strengthened and that communities like Holbeck see and feel the benefits.”

Morrie Eisenberg, Chief Business Officer at Leeds United Foundation, said:

“Leeds United is proud to be part of this initiative. We have worked alongside Holbeck Together for a number of years now as we feel it’s vital that we play our part in the development of the community on and off the pitch. As a charity Holbeck Together are inspiring to partner with and its powerful to visit their community spaces and see the impact they make every day. This Business Alliance provides a meaningful way for organisations to play a role in that, to contribute and see how much can be achieved when we work collectively towards a shared purpose.”

Tom Wrigglesworth, Senior Corporate and Public Affairs Manager at Leeds Building Society, said:

“Being part of the Holbeck Together Business Alliance over the past year has shown the real value of long‑term, place‑based partnerships. With deep roots in Holbeck, we’re proud not only to work alongside organisations like Holbeck Together, but also to be donating the building that will now help bring this collaboration to life. By sharing space, skills and insight, we’re supporting activity that makes a lasting difference to people’s lives and helps to build stronger, more inclusive communities.”

Holbeck Together is now inviting more Leeds-based businesses to join the Alliance and play a role in shaping the future of Holbeck—through practical support, shared expertise, and long-term partnership.

For more information or to enquire about joining the Alliance, please contact:
Elissa Newman, Chief Officer – e.newman@holbecktogether.org
Claire Holmes, Operations and Community Engagement Manager – claire@holbecktogether.org

 

This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of Holbeck Together

Photo L-R: Tom Wrigglesworth, Leeds Building Society; Morrie Eisenburg, Leeds United Foundation, Anna Franks, MC; Andrea Hoyland, Community Shop; Elissa Newman, Holbeck Together, Hilary Benn MP, John England, Holbeck Together

 

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