Made in Yorkshire returns at Trinity Leeds and White Rose to inspire the next generation of retail talent

Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre have once again hosted their industry-led challenge, ‘Made in Yorkshire’, welcoming three local schools to compete in a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style pitch.

Made in Yorkshire is a cross-school competition that challenges students to design an innovative community space for the city, before competing in a live pitch to present their concepts. Built around the theme ‘reimagining their local retail space’, the initiative tasked Leeds students to explore the future of retail – encouraging them to think creatively about how retail destinations can better serve their communities and deliver a lasting impact.

The programme launched earlier this year with a series of immersive workshops at Trinity Leeds with the final pitch at White Rose Shopping Centre this month, where the top-scoring idea was selected by the judging panel.

Year 10 students from Bruntcliffe Academy, Dixons Unity Academy and Oulton Academy participated in hands-on sessions designed to mirror real-world industry processes, which explored creative placemaking, community and customer insights and environmental sustainability – equipping students with the tools to develop a retail concept that serves their local community.

In the final at White Rose, teams presented proposals that demonstrated their understanding of brand development, audience engagement and long-term sustainability. Concepts were brought to life through engaging mood boards and customer research plans, taking into consideration environmental factors and commitments.

Made in Yorkshire highlights the powerful role young people can play in shaping the future of physical retail. As shopping destinations continue to evolve into experience-led landmarks, the competition reinforces how the next generation is key to helping create spaces that strengthen community ties and deliver lasting positive impact.

The school engagement initiative is delivered by Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre, their parent company Landsec – as part of its social impact programme, Landsec Futures – and Ahead Partnership.

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre, said: “The Made in Yorkshire project offers young students the chance to develop their creativity and come up with fresh and exciting ideas within the retail sector. The future generation present new perspectives and valuable insights into retail experiences that reflect their needs and resonates with their audience.

“We’re proud to continue to strengthen our relationship with Ahead Partnership, empowering over 10,000 young people through our partnership. Now in its third year, the Yorkshire competition gives students a space to produce an original concept, develop it into a design and then pitch it to professionals, enhancing their confidence and providing them with skills and knowledge to help boost them in their future endeavours.”

Andy Clarke, Head of Partnerships at Ahead Partnership, said: “Nothings brings careers and skills education to life quite like stepping into real workplaces and meeting role models face to face. The Made In Yorkshire Challenge demonstrates the power of immersive, interactive experiences to ignite curiosity, broaden horizons and inspire young people to explore career paths they may never have considered.

“Our long-standing partnership with Trinity Leeds, White Rose Shopping Centre and their parent company, Landsec, has enabled us to connect thousands of young people with role models across retail, the built environment and beyond. Together, we’re showing how employers can play a vital role in supporting young people to gain the insights, skills and confidence to thrive in their future careers while building pride in place and awareness of the careers that lie behind young people’s favourite destinations.”

The winning team from this year’s event was Talk Trinity from Dixon’s Unity Academy with their unique proposal to create a mental health and wellbeing hub. Talk Trinity will now go on to the national semi-finals ahead of the grand final in London later this year.

For more information, please visit https://www.trinityleeds.com/en and https://www.white-rose.co.uk/en