LEAP celebrates 20 years of enterprise fairs at the Merrion Centre
LEAP (Leeds Enterprise Advisory Project) is celebrating 20 years of enterprise fairs at the Merrion Centre, reflecting on a journey that now spans decades of inspiring, mentoring and empowering young people in Leeds.
The milestone year of 2026 will feature two LEAP Fairs at the Merrion Centre:
- the Valentine’s LEAP Fair on 7 February 2026, and
- the Christmas LEAP Fair in December 2026, which will proudly be the 40th event delivered by LEAP.
Founded in September 2006 by six volunteers, LEAP was created to give students practical business experience and transferable life skills as they prepared for the next stage of their lives. Today, five of the six founding members remain trustees, including Steve Webber (Chairman), provide ongoing continuity and long-term commitment to the programme’s values.
Over the past 20 years, more than 4,500 students have benefited from LEAP mentoring and programmes at the Merrion Centre, with many discovering new pathways into education, employment and entrepreneurship. One notable example is Rachel Woodford, who appeared on The Apprentice UK 2024. Her entrepreneurial journey began during Merrion’s LEAP in 2012–13, when her group Sweet Things was formed and early business ideas took shape.
In 2023, LEAP broadened its reach further by launching a seven-week Short Programme for Years 9 and 10, focused on the same core enterprise and life skills. Delivered with the support and sponsorship of the Yorkshire Children’s Charity, all profits from the programme are reinvested back into the charity to fund projects for underprivileged children across Leeds and Yorkshire.
At the heart of LEAP is a dedicated network of volunteers, business partners and judges, all of whom give their time, experience and encouragement rather than financial contributions. Their involvement helps students build confidence, learn how to present themselves, and feel empowered to share their ideas with the wider world.
Steve Webber, Chairman of LEAP, said:
“I remember the very first LEAP Fair at the Merrion Centre, so to be approaching our 40th later this year is incredibly meaningful. Over more than 30 years in total, LEAP has helped thousands of young people grow in confidence and ambition. Seeing students realise what they’re capable of is what we have always been about.”
Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre, added:
“The Merrion Centre brings together a truly diverse mix of people from across Leeds, and we believe that town and city centres should play an active role in nurturing future talent. LEAP perfectly reflects our commitment at TCS to supporting young people, entrepreneurship and fresh ideas. It’s inspiring to see students engaging with real audiences in a live retail environment, and we are proud to continue supporting a programme that helps the next generation build confidence, creativity and ambition.”
The Valentine’s LEAP Fair on 7 February 2026 will open this landmark year, leading into the 40th LEAP Fair at Christmas 2026—a celebration of enterprise, education and community collaboration at the heart of Leeds.
For more information about the Valentine’s LEAP Fair, visit:
https://merrioncentre.co.uk/promotions-events/valentines-leap-fair