The Sheffield City Region is centered around South Yorkshire and parts of Derbyshire.

It comprises of the Local Authorities of Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Doncaster, North East Derbyshire, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Economic Assets:

  • Sheffield City Region (SCR) is located at the strategic heart of the country and as strong transport links making it ideal for businesses to be based there.
  • SCR has an economic output of more than £30 billion a year.
  • A population of over 1.8 million people and a workforce of 700,000 jobs.
  • 52,000 businesses of all sizes are located in the Sheffield City Region.
  • The region as adapted from been dependant on traditional manufacturing industries to one where a broader range of industries from advanced manufacturing, healthcare technologies to creative and digital industries.
  • There are a two Universities and a number of higher education colleges developing skills and  innovation in the Sheffield City Region.

How is the Sheffield City Region Governed?

Sheffield City Region is made up of a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and a Combined Authority (CA). The LEP covers all nine local authority areas within the SCR and it’s purpose is to bring together the elected local leaders to make decisions and create opportunities for economic growth and new jobs. The Sheffield City Region LEP comprises of nineteen members, ten business leaders and the leaders of the nine local authorities and the Mayor of Doncaster.

The role of the Combined Authority is to work closely with the Local Enterprise Partnership to achieve the aims set out by the LEP. The chairperson of the LEA attends CA meetings and represents the LEP Board.

As a condition of the government’s Northern Powerhouse programme, a Sheffield City Region Mayor will be elected in May 2017.The Mayor, who will also chair meetings for Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, will be responsible for transport budgets and strategic planning.

What are the key objectives of the Sheffield City Region?

The overall aim will be to transform the economy of the City Region by providing investment and support to assist businesses and the economy to develop. To achieve this the SCR will focus on five key areas.

Developing the Workforce that Businesses Need

Developing a three year skills plan with strong links between business, training and education providers to create apprenticeships and the skills needed to sustain business growth.

Supporting Business Growth

Creating strong inward investment offers to encourage start up businesses and activate entrepreneurial activity. Giving support to existing businesses in the SCR to ensure they can survive. Stimulate innovation by working with open partnerships.

Providing the Infrastructure to Unlock Growth

Continue to develop the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund (SCRIF) proposal so that it can be rolled out across the City Region and deliver the infrastructure needed to promote growth and change. Improvements to broadband access and speed which will benefit businesses and residents across Sheffield City Region.

Shaping Government Policy for Growth and Jobs

The SCR Authority was set up in April, 2014. Which set out to further devolved decision-making where there is a strong economic case to warrant it. Ensure that SCR takes advantage of national and European funding programmes to the economic benefit of SCR.

Improving Quality of Place

Encouraging investment across the City Region by promoting the best natural and economic assets of the cities, towns and villages that make up SCR. Looking at new ways to increase visitor numbers and boost the economy through tourism. Promote the benefits of living in SCR by making each area an attractive place to live and work in.

The Hull and Humber City Deal will deliver funding for the Humber LEP’s Growth Hub programme, engaging with up to 3,000 businesses and providing intensive support to 500 creating 400 jobs. This has seen £2.5m committed by the government via the Lancaster University RGF4.

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