Former sports minister to become Sheffield business envoy

FORMER sports minister Richard Caborn has been appointed by the leader of Sheffield City Council to promote the city to investors and employers.

He has been tasked, as an envoy, with using his worldwide network of contacts to add impetus to Sheffield’s record of harnessing manufacturing technology to job creation and prosperity.

“He will support us in promoting Sheffield externally, contribute to bringing forward the right ideas and policies, and will use his influence in key areas,” Council leader Julie Dore said.

“Richard has always been a great asset for the city and has fought hard for Sheffield, so it made sense to ask him to continue to use his experience and track record in this critical period of the city’s development.”

Dore recruited him as an unpaid envoy to give impetus to the team already working to create jobs and increase investment in manufacturing industry.   

Caborn, whose background is in engineering, serving his apprenticeship at Firth Browns,was part of the team that has seen the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre grow from a humble shed 13 years ago on the Parkway to an industrial complex bristling with innovative technologies.

He is a central figure in the development of Don Valley as an Olympic Legacy Park and will draw on close contacts with both Sheffield universities and private sector manufacturers.

“We’ve taken significant strides in turning exciting technological ideas into apprenticeships, jobs and prosperity,” Caborn said.  “This project will give to a wider audience the story of the city’s resurgence and its potential for the future.
“I take great pride in representing Sheffield and will use my knowledge and experience to support the city in retaining its place as one of the top UK cities.”