Sheffield set to buck the economic trend

MAXIMISING the growth of Sheffield’s digital and new media industries and raising the city’s international trade profile are among the top priorities for Creative Sheffield.

The city development company, which is responsible for Sheffield’s economic growth, has just published its plans for the next 12 months.

Among the key five objectives included in the ‘economic masterplan’ are limiting the impact of the recession, maintaining the redevelopment momentum in the city centre and implementing new governance, delivery structures and work streams.

Shorter term initiatives designed to tackle the recession to date include a bankers’ symposium, which brought the region’s most senior banking professionals together to discuss the current funding crisis, the creation of an HR forum, and more resources to help existing businesses.

Creative Sheffield also has plans to keep the city centre “lively, attractive and trading”.

Projects include an overhaul of the Sevenstone and Moor area and a Wednesday night live initiative.

A portal featuring more than 60 of the city’s retailers – Shop-Sheffield.com – has been launched to help avoid “leakage” to surrounding cities.

Ian Bromley, chief executive of Creative Sheffield, said a great deal of hard work had been carried out over the past 12 months.

“Last year we identified a series of immediate aims for Creative Sheffield and we are now at the point where it it time to review these and move forward,” he added.

“The economic masterplan provides the long-term vision and plan for Sheffield but it is vital that we recognise the global economic situation that we are operating in today.”

One of Creative Sheffield’s key targets last year was to secure the £100m digital region pilot project.

By the end of the three year initiative the network will cover 600,000 homes and 60,000 busineses representing 97% coverage in South Yorkshire.

Last year also saw Sheffield making significant inroads in raising Sheffield’s international trade profile with strong links being forged with China – in particular the city of Chengdu.

Creative Sheffield is funded by Sheffield City Council, regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the Homes and Communities Agency.