The Merrion Centre in Leeds is celebrating a two-decade partnership with the Leeds Enterprise Advisory Project (LEAP), a collaboration that has mentored more than 4,500 students in the North’s retail heart.

The milestone year of 2026 will be bookended by two major events: the Valentine’s LEAP Fair on 7 February and the landmark 40th LEAP Fair in December. Since its founding in 2006, the programme has transformed from a volunteer-led pilot into a cornerstone of the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

From School Groups to 'The Apprentice'

The long-term impact of the Merrion Centre fairs is evidenced by the success of its alumni. Rachel Woolford, winner of The Apprentice 2024 and business partner to Lord Sugar, began her journey at a LEAP Fair in 2012. Her school-age venture, "Sweet Things," provided the initial foundation for the fitness empire she leads today.

LEAP Chairman Steve Webber, one of the original six founders who remains a trustee, commented: “I remember the very first LEAP Fair at the Merrion Centre, so to be approaching our 40th later this year is incredibly meaningful. Seeing students realise what they’re capable of is what we have always been about.”

A "Live" Retail Laboratory

Unlike traditional classroom business studies, LEAP places students in a live commercial environment. The Merrion Centre, owned by Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), provides the physical space where students must pitch to real customers and face judging panels composed of local business leaders.

Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of TCS, highlighted the importance of city centres in nurturing future talent: “It’s inspiring to see students engaging with real audiences in a live retail environment. LEAP perfectly reflects our commitment at TCS to supporting young people, entrepreneurship and fresh ideas.”

The upcoming February fair is expected to feature dozens of student-led companies competing for regional awards, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration of Northern enterprise. For more information about the Valentine’s LEAP Fair, visit: https://merrioncentre.co.uk/promotions-events/valentines-leap-fair