Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, made history as the first person to sign the Unity Enterprise (UE) 25th anniversary guest book during her visit to the Leeds Media Centre on January 23, 2025. The occasion marked a significant moment in UE’s year-long celebration of its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship in some of the city’s most underrepresented communities.
Founded in 2000, UE is a not-for-profit subsidiary of Unity Homes and Enterprise, a BME housing association dedicated to providing affordable homes to tenants in Leeds and Kirklees. Over the years, UE has played a crucial role in boosting local enterprise by offering affordable business spaces and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.
To mark its 25th anniversary, UE has planned a series of events throughout the year, including business breakfasts, workshops, roundtables, and social gatherings, all focused on entrepreneurship and fostering growth in the local business community.
Councillor Marshall Katung was invited by Sharon Jandu OBE, chair of UE, to tour the newly redeveloped Leeds Media Centre. The centre recently underwent a £1.8 million transformation, thanks to funding from Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund. The redevelopment includes 12 new business units, a state-of-the-art enterprise hub, and a podcast studio. The Leeds Media Centre is one of three business centres operated by UE, providing affordable business units for over 80 diverse companies, employing more than 1,200 people across the city.
During her visit, Councillor Marshall Katung expressed her admiration for UE’s work. “It was a delight to see all that’s been done at the centre and to meet the business tenants, board members, and staff,” she said. “UE does fantastic work in helping new enterprises become sustainable and supporting entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed. Sharon is truly an inspirational figure, and I have no doubt that this 25th anniversary year will be a tremendous success.”
Sharon Jandu, who has long been a champion for entrepreneurship within deprived communities, expressed her pride in the ongoing work of UE. “Abigail is a trailblazer, being the first African elected to Leeds City Council and the first African Lord Mayor of the city,” Jandu said. “She is the perfect person to sign our guest book, which will serve as a permanent reminder of all the incredible people who contribute to UE’s success.”
Adrian Green, UE manager, also praised Councillor Marshall Katung’s involvement, highlighting her significance to the city. “As the first citizen of Leeds, it is wonderful to see her name as the first entry in our guest book,” he said. “Leeds City Council has been incredibly supportive of our initiatives over the years, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to further develop business skills and create more job opportunities.”
UE’s work is a vital part of Leeds’ growing entrepreneurial landscape, and with its 25th anniversary, the organisation is poised to reach even greater heights, benefiting both local communities and the city’s economy.
