Council grant to bring in employer and stimulate investment
Sheffield City Council has outlined how its grant offer of £500,000 helped secure a £20m investment in the city by listed business Clipper Logistics.
The company established a new logistics centre in Sheffield in July 2018.
The grant forms part of a package of financial support including funding approved by Sheffield City Region’s Business Investment Fund.
A council spokesman said: “Clipper’s decision to choose Sheffield over a number of competing locations is a major achievement for the city and reflects Sheffield’s position as an attractive location for investment.
“In securing a major new contract with online fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing, Clipper Logistics chose their new warehouse on Shepcote Lane in 2018, creating over 1,500 jobs for the city.
“With a strong emphasis on employing local people, the recruitment process also focused on creating an inclusive workforce. The company welcomed applications from people with disabilities and encouraged people furthest from the job market to apply.”
Alongside the grant for Clipper Logistics, the council has also provisionally agreed a contribution of up to £309,000 for Skyline Sheffield, a New Zealand based extreme activity company, which has the potential to create up to 90 jobs at Parkwood Springs.
Skyline is expected to form part of a revamped Parkwood leisure complex, with more details to be announced later in the year.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “Securing Clipper Logistics is brilliant news for Sheffield; reflecting our city’s potential as a hub for business investment and our ambition of continued growth.
“Clipper have been a great addition to the local economy and has provided significant opportunities for local residents. The company have also used local suppliers, where possible, to establish the new facility.
“Sheffield has become a destination for inward investment in recent years, with global companies such as McLaren Automotive, Boeing and many other smaller businesses choosing to base themselves in the region.
“This is partly because we have a unique and distinctive offer as The Outdoor City, which gives us the edge in terms of quality of life and is something that Skyline will complement perfectly. I’m looking forward to working with them further to bring another exciting new venture to our vibrant city.”
Chris Lewis, development director at Extreme, the company bringing forward the Parkwood Springs development, said: “Attracting Skyline is a real coup for Sheffield. They have a proven track record around the world and will be a game-changer for Parkwood. We’re delighted to have them on board.”
