Sheffield economic summit set to begin
AN event to showcase what Sheffield has to offer business now and in the future will begin today with a number of high profile speakers including Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.
The second RE:Inventing the City summit will feature speakers from across the world who will address around 500 delegates at Sheffield city hall.
Topics under discussion will include what has been achieved in some of the world’s best known cities and what needs to be done to keep momentum going in Sheffield.
Nigel Tomlinson, chief executive of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, one of the organising partners, said: “Sheffield has made terrific progress in recent years. This will be an opportunity to learn what more needs to be achieved. With the current economic climate, the summit could not be more timely.”
It has already secured the services of Greg Clark, a leading international facilitator on making cities and regions work, while guests will receive a closing afternoon keynote speech from Government Minister Yvette Cooper.
The morning keynote speech will be given by the new leader of Sheffield City Council, Coun Paul Scriven. Robert Biotvogel from the Royal Bank of Scotland will lead RE:Investment: Capital Markets and the Business Environment.
He is followed by a trio of international speakers who will head up RE:Vitalisation the new urban economy: what are the niches?
Innovation Philadelphia’s Kelly Lee and Melbourne City Council’s Scott Chapman will outline the achievements of their cities while Creative Sheffield’s Gene De Prez – from North America – will focus on Sheffield’s potential in the new urban economy.
National and regional speakers dominate the last session – RE: Building: A new economy in South Yorkshire. Delegates will hear from Lib Democrat leader Nick Clegg, Yorkshire Forward’s Simon Hill and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Yvette Cooper.
