Mitchell McCombe, Inclusive Economy Manager for Business Investment at West Yorkshire Combined Authority, shares why Climb isn’t just another event, it’s a strategic platform for regional growth, investment, and connection. From meeting investors and accelerators to supporting young entrepreneurs through the Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, WYCA’s experience at Climb25 was packed with high-value moments. In this Q&A, Mitchell breaks down what makes Climb unique, why they’re returning for 2026, and how the festival continues to unlock real opportunities for West Yorkshire’s business community.
Why is WYCA backing Climb for the third year running?
"Climb is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region as a destination for thriving business and to support West Yorkshire businesses to seek investment from those in the room. It's also a chance to bring the region's investment community together and to build connections and networks across the UK. The Combined Authority is proud to be backing Climb in 2026 for the third year running because we know that events like these matter - whether you're a business looking to scale or showcasing West Yorkshire as a destination for growth."
Who did WYCA connect with at Climb25?
"We met investors, venture capital firms, businesses looking to seek investment, banks who run business accelerator and incubator programmes, social investors and angels. There was a real variety of attendees over the course of two days that led to engaging conversations and brokered potential opportunities to support the region's business community."
What’s the real value of attending Climb?
"Climb is all about building connections and creating opportunities. Being able to meet with the investment community and explore what we can do in our region to increase levels of business investment or seeing businesses we have supported continue to scale and take the next step makes this one of the key events of the year."
What was WYCA’s standout moment from Climb25?
"As part of Climb, the Combined Authority supported several events supporting young people in our region. It was inspiring and rewarding to see the potential of the next generation of entrepreneurs who are bringing new ideas and innovations to the table and helping them make connections with investment professionals"