News: New business growth board and economic advisory council set to launch in South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is creating a new Business Advisory Board and a Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council to replace the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Led by the Mayor of South Yorkshire, the combined authority brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield together with the private sector-led Local Enterprise Partnership.

Previously covering a wider economic area as the Sheffield City Region (SCR) LEP, a lack of consensus from council leaders denied it the chance to conclude a devolution deal with the Government.

In the March Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that LEPs would be integrated with local authorities by March 2024.

The Business Advisory Board will be made up of private sector representatives from a range of industries, building on the success of the LEP which has informed local economic policy, driven growth, and helped create more than 45,000 jobs since 2010.

Alongside, there will also be a new Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council (MEAC) established which will see the development of a strategic economic council with sector-specific national and international expertise from business, Government, and academic leaders. Their role will be to assist the mayor in setting and delivering a long-term economic plan for South Yorkshire to create jobs and grow productivity.

The MEAC will focus on evidence-based advisory outputs, with an emphasis on building stronger, collaborative offers across the north for transport planning, trade and investment promotion and innovation capabilities.

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South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I am determined to grow South Yorkshire’s economy; to harness our talent and potential, and to create thousands of new jobs in the industries of the future. South Yorkshire has to be a place where everyone has the chance to thrive. But we can only build a bigger, better economy if we work in partnership with our business community, with them playing a full role in shaping our policies and plans.

“The two new advisory boards we are setting up will not only deliver on my commitment to make our formal structures better reflect our business community, but will also bring in world leading academics, businesspeople and leaders to challenge, support, and shout about what we’re doing here in South Yorkshire.

“Our region is turning a corner. We’re more ambitious, more confident and we’re working better together across South Yorkshire. With these two new boards in place, I’ve no doubt that we’re going to build that bigger, better economy we all so desperately want and need.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of the LEP since its inception in 2014. Their hard work has helped to shape our growth agenda, guide our economic policy, and brought significant investment to South Yorkshire. This new chapter is all about building on the legacy of that work so we can continue to improve the lives of people right across our communities.”

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Richard Stubbs, LEP Chair and CEO of Yorkshire & Humber Academic Science Network said: “Across South Yorkshire we have been working for some months now on plans to evolve the great work of the LEP and to build on the positive impact it’s had on our region for the past decade.

“The new Business Advisory Board will allow elected leaders to engage with and convene a wider pool of businesses, harnessing a broad spectrum of expertise to make key decisions on how to grow South Yorkshire’s economy.

“The function of the Mayors Economic Advisory Council will be to shape the long-term vision for South Yorkshire, to use their expertise and look ahead at what it could be like in the next 25 years by harnessing the shared ambition across the business community, academics, and elected leaders.

“The LEP has made a significant contribution to our region’s economic growth and job creation over the past decade, and it has been a true honour to be a board member for several years, and to conclude my time on the LEP as chair, working alongside hard-working representatives from our business community who all give their time voluntarily for the good of our region. We now have an exciting opportunity to build on the years of positive work of the LEP, to collaborate more affectively with the ultimate goal of creating a South Yorkshire that everyone can be proud of, thrive in, and where people want to invest in.”

SYMCA is also moving to a new governance model, with a cabinet-style leadership model, in the Autumn, with the Mayor and Local Authority leaders adopting portfolio responsibilities.

SYMCA website

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News: South Yorkshire's Investment Zone sites revealed

A number of sites have been put forward to the Government for a proposed new Investment Zone which aims to bring business investment and release land for new homes in South Yorkshire.

The majority are in Sheffield with the Gateway East site in Doncaster only to be included if Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) remains an operational airport.

As part of the Government's recently announced Growth Plan, Investment Zones will drive growth and unlock housing across the UK by lowering taxes and liberalising planning frameworks to encourage rapid development and business investment.

However, the future of Investment Zones is up in the air, given the recent installment of another new Prime Minister.

South Yorkshire was one of 38 initial areas keen to establish investment zones in England.

Measures could include 100% business rates relief on newly occupied and expanded premises and full stamp duty land tax relief, with the need for planning applications minimised. Authorities have been promised 100% of the business rates growth above an agreed baseline in designated sites for 25 years and a single local growth settlement.

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The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is to discuss the issue next month and address how Investment Zones can help South Yorkshire leverage greater investment and better enable fairer, sustainable growth.

Discussion points centre on public and private sectors working together, the displacement of jobs and investment from within the region and the impact on the mayoral combined authority's Net Zero ambitions.

The sites submitted to Government:
• Goldthorpe Investment Zone
Mixed Use site of 26.3 hectares intended to create 2,413 gross jobs and 638 new houses
• Northeast Doncaster
Mixed Use site of 502 hectares intended to create 16,000 new jobs and 3,350 residential dwellings
• Doncaster City Centre
Mixed Use site of c.110 hectares with the potential to regenerate Doncaster City Centre through better employment opportunities, new commercial accommodation, residential development and inward investment.
• Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park (AMID)
Commercial site of 32.4 hectares intended to create 5,800 additional jobs
• Sheffield Business Park & University of Sheffield Innovation District (AMID)
Commercial site of 45.6 hectares intended to create 3,124 additional jobs
• River Don District (AMID)
Commercial site of 18.4 hectares intended to create 5,000 additional jobs
• Wider Sheffield-Rotherham Economic Corridor
Mixed Use site with potential to provide better employment opportunities, housing and inward investment to connect with existing nearby clusters in advanced manufacturing, R&D and retail developments.
• Sheffield Station Sheaf Valley
Mixed Use site of 4.94 hectares intended to create 760 new houses, 7,800sqm office space, 11,700 sqm ground floor commercial space and 2,975 sqm ancillary space
• Moorfoot (Sheffield)
Residential site of 8.6 hectares intended to create 2,120 new houses
• Furnace Hill (Sheffield)
Residential site of 5.91 hectares intended to create 846 new houses
• Neepsend (Sheffield)
Residential site of 2.6 hectares intended to create 1,005 new houses

The decision over Gateway East highlights the current situation with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Peel after the investment enterprise announced that it was winding down operations at DSA.

Gateway East was put forward as a location for a Freeport in 2021 but South Yorkshire was not one of the areas selected for a Freeport by the Government.

A report to the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership states: "The MCA submission, on the basis that Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) remains an operational airport, also included the potential for DSA and the adjacent Gateway East site to be considered.

"A response from Government is expected within the coming weeks with details of decisions on each of the sites including which incentives can and will be applied."

The Government indicated that they would expect to see Investment Zone designation and the benefits of that designation to be in place by April 2023.

SYMCA website

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News: Rotherham manufacturing company to create jobs

Rotherham-based AML (Advanced Manufacturing Ltd), a market leader in the machining of complex gas turbine products, has secured a £1.98m investment from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which will see it create 32 new jobs.

The funding will help the company to launch and roll out AML Accelerate, a programme designed to stimulate rapid growth, which will transform the business from a single site with 50 staff and a £5m turnover to over 80 staff and two sites with a £12m turnover.

AML’s Accelerate programme will see the company investing in three new innovative, state-of-the- art advanced manufacturing cells (at a total cost £3.9m), which will enable them to carry out testing of new techniques for clients in its three global target sectors: aero-defence, defence and civil nuclear markets. AML will work closely alongside the AMRC, the two Sheffield universities and the local supply chain to develop cost disruptive, technology-led manufacturing approaches which will expand AML’s manufacturing capacity and capabilities.

In addition, the funding will be put towards significant leasehold improvements at the Catcliffe factory as well as ongoing recruitment, training and staff development costs. The whole project will cost £7.7m, with the remainder being funded by AML and its asset finance company.

Out of the new jobs set to be created, AML is planning that 25 of these will be machinists or engineers with specialisms in highly skilled roles. AML also expects to employ 12 apprentices from the local area and help them to develop and progress in the business with long term careers.

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Dr Gareth Morgan, Managing Director of AML, explains “We are delighted to have secured funding through South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to help us to progress with our exciting growth plans here in South Yorkshire. It means we will be able to create new highly skilled roles locally as part of our grand plan to keep innovating and growing the business on a worldwide basis.”

He adds: “Without the funding we wouldn’t be able to invest in our business to carry out initial trials which are required to secure these larger international contracts. We are very excited about what AML Accelerate means for our staff and for our future.”

The AML Accelerate project is aligned to South Yorkshire’s ambitions to meet net zero targets through the production of nuclear components.

Rachel Clark, Director Trade and Investment said: “This project reflects the aspirations of our Renewal Action Plan which aims to help South Yorkshire to grow and recover from the impact of the global pandemic. AML Accelerate will benefit not only employees of this company, but also the local supply chain, as well as create opportunities for wider digital adoption and upskilling.”

AML invests heavily in the training of its staff, with a budget commitment of typically £50k per year dedicated to this.

Back in 2019, AML benefited from a £100,000 Productivity Grant from the Sheffield City Region, which provided a platform for the company to purchase new machinery and invest in technical development.

The company, which started out as a spinoff of the AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), is a market leader in the machining of complex gas turbine products including shafts and discs, aerofoils and bearings, serving both the aerospace and energy industries. The company specialises in being an early adopter of the latest technology for machining of complex metallic products. Services include the manufacture of complex metallic parts, precision sub-assembly manufacture, bespoke engineering services and R&D projects.

AML website
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News: South Yorkshire hosts Economic Summit

South Yorkshire will host an Economic Summit this week that brings together the brightest thinkers from across the country, the best businesses, entrepreneurs, research institutes and anchor institutions for a day of debate and ideation.

The summit follows the The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership approving their 20-year Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), which sets out local leaders’ blueprint to drive the region’s recovery from COVID and transform South Yorkshire’s economy and society for people, businesses and places.

The SEP paves the way to a stronger, greener and fairer economy as the region looks to unlock its potential and create prosperity and opportunity for all. A Renewal Action Plan has also been published which sets out a road map to help South Yorkshire recover from the pandemic and put the region on the path towards social and economic renewal.

The summit is being held at Kollider / Castle House in Sheffield on March 9.

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A key focus will be the levelling up white paper sets out the UK government's vision to level up and bring prosperity across the UK. A panel of experts will discuss the national mission and what that means for South Yorkshire. The panel includes South Yorkshire Mayor, Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Lucy Nickson, Chair of the South Yorkshire, Local Enterprise Partnership and Andy Haldane, Economist, Head of the Levelling Up Taskforce.

Other sessions are set to focus on Access to Finance, Supporting Clusters and Clustering (chaired by Sharon Kemp, chief executive of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and part of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Leadership Group), Access to Skills and Opportunity, Innovation Ecosystems and a session that showcases the opportunities and potential in South Yorkshire, from clean tech and energy, sustainable manufacturing, arts, culture and heritage and new emerging partnerships.

Lucy Nickson, Interim Chair of the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “South Yorkshire stands at the cusp of something special. We are harnessing our powers and resources to create a dynamic, innovative economy and unlock prosperity and opportunity for all. We have a track record in attracting world-leading firms such as McLaren and Boeing and creating economic clusters in advanced manufacturing and engineering. Now we want to go much further and unleash the next generation of success stories, in aerospace, life sciences, digital and energy. Our summit will explore how we can bring our region together to make that happen and send a confident signal to investors and government that South Yorkshire is open for business and ready to level up.”

Dr Dave Smith, Chief Executive of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, added: “Civic leaders, anchor institutions and businesses in South Yorkshire are working together to develop the infrastructure, the talent and the supply chains which our region needs for economic renewal. We have a credible, funded long-term plan and have made a strong case to government to back our ambitions. Now we are exploring how we take this to the next level, by establishing innovative partnerships and finance models which give investors certainty and attract more private investment into South Yorkshire – which is vital if we are to grow our economy and ensure more people, businesses and places share in prosperity.”

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News: £570m transport funding for South Yorkshire

The Government has backed the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s (SYMCA's) bid for transformative investment in the region’s transport network, with Rotherham projects set to benefit.

Worth £570m. the investment will bring significant improvements to South Yorkshire’s transport system, enabling people to make public transport and walking and cycling their first choice for travel.

In the 2020 Spending Review the Government confirmed Intra City Transport Settlements (ICTS) for eight Mayoral Combined Authorities. Funding totalling £4.2bn will be available starting in 2022-23.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that a bid had been submitted to Government.

It detailed that Government backing for the plans will:

- Improve the buses network – giving buses priority on roads, provide better vehicles, stations and stops. It includes significant investment in electric buses and installing charging infrastructure at stations and on streets and depots across South Yorkshire to move towards a zero-emission fleet
- Deliver better active travel routes, so people can leave their cars at home for short journeys, by building more than 600 miles of new cycle lanes across the region
- Invest in tram, securing the first phase of investment in the renewal of Supertram
- Build and improve stations and platforms at the region’s rail stations
- Ease congestion, build new junctions and repair potholes on South Yorkshire’s roads. The plan includes major improvements to the A635 between Doncaster and Barnsley

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The money will help deliver major improvements to the region’s bus, rail and active travel network and the renewal of Supertram. Rotherham Council leader, Chris Read has also hinted that the funding would benefit Rotherham through £9m towards proposed new train stations at Waverley and on the Sheffield to East Coast main line.

Mayor of South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis, said: "South Yorkshire deserves and needs a world-class transport network. I’ve fought hard to secure the transformative investment we need for South Yorkshire and repeatedly called on ministers to match my ambitions.

“That message has finally been heard by Government. The money we have secured will get South Yorkshire moving and help deliver a public transport revolution – benefitting all parts of our region and making public transport the first choice for travel.

“Passengers in South Yorkshire will benefit from faster bus services, upgraded shelters and stops, better rail stations and a massive expansion in high-quality walking and cycle routes.

“I want a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire and this settlement marks a big step forward on that journey.”

The MCA has previously discussed asking the Government to foot most of the £439m bill to renew the existing Supertram network.

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News: Employees become beneficiaries of an Employee Owned Trust at Airmaster

At the beginning of July, Airmaster based in Rotherham, transitioned to be owned by the employees, establishing an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Airmaster, who work nationwide from their base at Swallownest with big-name clients like Not on the High Street and Morgan Sindall Group, and has a turnover around £9m with 35 staff.

Founder, Richard Pogson and Director, Tony England were looking to realise some of their investment. The directors spent a considerable amount of time evaluating how best to ensure their successful firm continues to thrive and expand, when the time comes for them to exit the Company, and the decision to transform the business was taken. The solution was to create an Employee Ownership Trust. This is where the directors sell a majority share of the business and employees take a controlling interest.

Lisa Pogson, Managing Director said: “Airmaster is a family-feel business with a close-knit team, the ethos of Employee Ownership was already there. We are delighted to become an Employee Ownership Trust and reward the staff for their commitment to the company. We have seen the success of other employee-owned businesses locally; established ones such as Gripple, who I visited as part of a Connect Yorkshire springboard session and Karen Mosley and HLM Architects, who transitioned 6 months before Airmaster.

"We spoke to a number of others that had been through the process, as well as the South Yorkshire Ownership Hub (part of the South Yorkshire LEP) and The Employee Ownership Association, throughout the process, to get the best outcome for our team.”

Gareth Campbell, Contracts Director, added: "We are going through a phase of growth with lots of exciting opportunities; this gives us a great foundation to continue to grow the business whilst giving something back to the team that make that possible.”

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The Board consists of Chairman, Tony England; Managing Director, Lisa Pogson; Contracts Director, Gareth Campbell; supported by a great Senior Management team such as Senior Contracts Manager Ross Blackwood and Finance Manager Andy Benson, looking to grow and evolve, with the rest of the staff, growing the business that has gone from strength to strength for almost 30 years.

Richard and Tony said “We were made aware of the different types of EOT schemes, some of which include a financial commitment from the staff. However, it was important, to us that our employees would benefit from the scheme without incurring any financial burden.”

The Board of Trustees has an independent Chair, corporate finance specialist Margaret Ferris, Founder and former Director, Richard Pogson joins the Board of Trustees alongside Design Engineer, James Dawson who represents the employees on the Board.

Steve Vickers of Hart Shaw accountants and Matt Ainsworth of Knights Solicitors advised the Directors on the deal.

Margaret Ferris, Chair of Trustees said “I’m delighted to be involved with Airmaster, a company I have known for a number of years. The Employee Ownership Trust feels to be a really positive step for the culture of the business and into the next exciting of the company’s development. I look forward to going on this journey with them.”

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News: South Yorkshire's direct call to Government for transport funds

Mayor Dan Jarvis and South Yorkshire leaders have called on Ministers to back their plans for a transformative programme of transport investment in the region.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) has submitted the bids to Government to be considered in the Comprehensive Spending Review on October 27.

Worth more than half a billion pounds, the investment will bring significant improvements to South Yorkshire’s transport system, enabling people to make public transport and walking and cycling their first choice for travel.

In the 2020 Spending Review the Government confirmed Intra City Transport Settlements (ICTS) for eight Mayoral Combined Authorities. Funding totalling £4.2bn will be available starting in 2022-23 with revenue funding available in 21/22 to prepare. The MCA has been earmarked some £5.2m revenue for transport purposes including preparing for ICTS, building longer-term local transport planning and delivery capacity as well as supporting bus reform plans.

South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “South Yorkshire deserves and needs a world-class transport network. I want a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire, and that means making great jobs accessible to everyone, cutting emissions and creating safe spaces for people to walk and cycle.

“We’re investing millions of our own money to make improvements for passengers now, cutting bus and tram fares, and making improvements to stations and interchanges, upgrading bus shelters and installing new electronic screens.

“However, we need the Government to match our ambitions for the region and back our plans to transform our infrastructure and get our region moving.”

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Government backing for the plans will:

- Improve the buses network – giving buses priority on roads, provide better vehicles, stations and stops. It includes significant investment in electric buses and installing charging infrastructure at stations and on streets and depots across South Yorkshire to move towards a zero-emission fleet.
- Deliver better active travel routes, so people can leave their cars at home for short journeys, by building more than 600 miles of new cycle lanes across the region.
- Invest in tram, securing the first phase of investment in the renewal of Supertram.
- Build and improve stations and platforms at the region’s rail stations.
- Ease congestion, build new junctions and repair potholes on South Yorkshire’s roads. The plan includes major improvements to the A635 between Doncaster and Barnsley

Mayor Dan Jarvis added: “World class bus and tram services and walking and cycle routes are at the heart of our plan. Backed in full, this will help people across our region get where they need to be, with frequent, affordable local services and better connections to towns and cities across South Yorkshire.

“This will drive our recovery from the pandemic and open up new development opportunities so South Yorkshire’s economy can thrive, attract more investment and improve productivity.”

Peter Kennan, Co-Chair of the Transport & Environment Board, South Yorkshire LEP, added: “For too long, poor bus, tram and rail connectivity within the region has been holding us back. If backed by government, these plans for investment will boost our economy, our productivity and make the most of the fantastic assets we have here in South Yorkshire.

“The Local Enterprise Partnership brings together the voice of the private sector alongside that of the four councils in the region, and we are fully supportive of the Mayor Dan Jarvis in the areas where funding has been sought. These submissions are rooted in our Strategic Economic Plan for South Yorkshire, and I hope their strength and quality are recognised by ministers.”

The MCA has previously discussed asking the Government to foot most of the £439m bill to renew the existing Supertram network.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority website

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News: Lontra looks to South Yorkshire for 300-job manufacturing facility

Having announced plans at the end of last year to develop a high-value digital services centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Lontra technology company is now looking to establish a new £18m manufacturing facility in nearby Doncaster.

The Lontra Blade Compressor is a step change in compressor technology developed by the Warwickshire firm. It is the first clean-sheet compressor design in over 80 years and can be used across many sectors such as aerospace, automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutical manufacture and water treatment. It is proven to be 21% more efficient than the next competitor, offering incredible energy savings along with big improvements in reliability.

Having already secured £1.58m via the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the Rotherham facility is expected to create 53 jobs in the area by 2024. For the next phase of its ambitious plans, Lontra said it would set up a customer support operation in a new building also at the AMP. This will enable the company to undertake Research and Development activity with customers to support the development of innovative new products.

The Lontra Digital Centre will enable the company to develop its aftersales support services to customers for its compressor products worldwide. The grant is also being put towards the purchase of innovative 6-demonstrator machines which will use advanced artificial intelligence techniques and sensoring systems to enable customers' machines to be controlled and monitored globally. This means Lontra will be able to reduce maintenance costs for its customers, minimise downtime and reduce energy bills.

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Phase 2 would see Lontra build a "smart" factory in the area, which will provide new engineering, research and development and technical support jobs.

An update to the South Yorkshire LEP's Business Recovery and Growth Board shows that the Lontra's factory is set to be in Doncaster, backed again by finance from the LEP and creating 300 jobs.

The minutes, state: "It was envisaged to establish a new manufacturing facility in Doncaster, within existing premises which was close to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The total project cost was almost £18m.

"The outcomes would include 300 new high-quality manufacturing jobs to be created by 2025, which equated to approximately £17,000 against the grant, and would release approximately £11m of private sector match funding.

"The funding request was just over £1.9m on loan, to be fully repaid within 7 years, and £5.16m of grants."

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News: Growth Hub outlines support available

As local businesses have been particularly hard hit by the global pandemic, the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) has responded by securing a further £9m into the Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG).

The boost includes over £9m grant funding available across all sectors, with specific funding to help businesses ease out of the global pandemic.

The additional funding packages of support for South Yorkshire businesses includes:

- £4m to help growing businesses thrive
- £1m to boost existing business productivity
- £1.5m to support outdoor hospitality equipment – for venues such as pubs, restaurants, and hotels
- £0.8m towards digital innovation
- £2m Restart funding for the Culture and Visitor sector

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “There is a wide range of support available to South Yorkshire businesses from funding for venues to be able to serve customers outdoors through to major grants for capital equipment and to enable businesses to invest in digital innovation. It remains a hugely challenging time for South Yorkshire businesses and the grant funding plus the support that businesses can get through business support advisors based at each local authority, is very much needed.”

The ARG complements the Renewal Action Plan (RAP), developed by the Mayoral Combined Authority, which is led by Mayor Dan Jarvis and the Local Enterprise Partnership. The RAP has been developed in response to the impacts of COVID-19 and sets out a roadmap for how South Yorkshire can put itself on the path to recovering from the massive economic disruption the pandemic has caused.

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In response to demand from businesses, Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority has worked hard to secure a further financial boost to the schemes where there was most demand. As a result, South Yorkshire businesses who have continually been engaging with the authorities can now take advantage of a top up to the Capital Investment Scheme, which provides up to £100,000 with a maximum 50% intervention rate for new plant or equipment.

The call has gone out to businesses who have projects which can start immediately and be completed within six months. Large software implementation projects will also be considered but eligibility rules apply.

The Outdoor Hospitality Equipment Scheme is another new grant, which is available for this region’s business to invest in capital works and equipment to allow them to adapt to increase capacity for outdoor hospitality. This is part of meeting the Government’s roadmap to reopening and to increase outdoor hospitality options going forward. Businesses can claim up to £3K support for adaptations (for example, outdoor seating, decking, structures). Support is limited to one grant per premises.

A new Digital Innovation Grant is also available to provide support for businesses on introducing or enhancing digitisation. 100% grant funding is available up to a value of £10k.

Projects need to show clear added value, be part of a clear growth strategy and be targeted at growing the business through the adoption of digitisation.

The Business Productivity Scheme has also been reintroduced with funding from the Additional Resources Grant to meet demand from across South Yorkshire. Grants are for a maximum of £25,000 (includes 50% match funding).

The aim of this scheme is to support businesses in South Yorkshire to improve their productivity through the provision of a capital or revenue grant and to improve how they measure and report productivity gains. Whilst the project is initially looking to safeguard businesses and jobs, priority will be given to applicants that can best demonstrate how the investments will have a positive impact on productivity and the creation of potential new employment opportunities in South Yorkshire.

Grant awards will be 50% of eligible costs therefore the minimum size of the total project cost will be £5k, the maximum will be £24,999.

To further enhance the support available to businesses, Sheffield City Region has recently expanded its team of expert advisors by appointing a number of new Business Support Advisors who are based in each council. All these advisors have many years of industry experience; from manufacturing and service sector through to finance and international operations, and offer an independent, impartial perspective, which can make all the difference.

Businesses are advised to get in touch with the Gateway team in the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub to be guided through the range of support available to them.

Growth Hub website

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News: Mixed reaction to Freeport bid

An ambitious bid for a new Freeport to make South Yorkshire the largest advanced manufacturing hub in Europe, putting the area at the heart of world-class innovation, has been launched.

Freeports are secure zones where business can be carried out inside a country's land border, but where different customs rules and other favourable arrangements apply, such as suspension of duties, simplified procedures and tax exemptions. The Government outlined plans to open up to ten in the UK.

The Freeport, backed by key industry figures and politicians, centres around Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the iPort logistics hub, also in Doncaster.

New modelling suggests a Freeport in South Yorkshire would create 28,700 new jobs, add £169m to the local economy every year and boost exports by £410m.

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James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “Establishing a freeport will build on our longstanding reputation for innovation and boost trade with our international partners.

“Our long-term Strategic Economic Plan sets out the road map to a stronger and more inclusive economy. A freeport would support these ambitions in creating more high-skilled jobs and training opportunities, attract further investment to our region and connect South Yorkshire the world.

“Our region is already home to world-leading research and innovation centres. A freeport would help our universities and businesses further explore opportunities in the areas South Yorkshire already has huge strength in, including aerospace and advanced manufacturing.”

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University and board member of the LEP, raised issues over displacement at the recent meeting, adding that Freeports were the wrong way to stimulate economic growth and that far better approaches could be taken for economic development.

Backing the bid, Jon Ferriman, Managing Director of Liberty Steel UK, which has significant, growing operations in Rotherham, said: “The Freeport will allow us to grow our exports, supercharge innovation and build the businesses of the future. Our existing advanced manufacturing base of course already includes names like Sheffield Forgemasters, Liberty Steel and Boeing, but we have the potential to go so much further. We are determined more well paying jobs in advanced manufacturing come to South Yorkshire and the Freeport is the way to do it.”

At the LEP meeting, Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, queried the advantages of the potential different elements of having a South Yorkshire Freeport. Minutes show that "He was unsure whether it was pragmatic to submit a bid, due to the challenge for the SCR to establish the economic growth that was required. He did not wish to support the recommendations outlined within the report, although he appreciated that businesses were in favour of a South Yorkshire Freeport. He urged the Board to be cautious."

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News: Re-Start to Growth reminder

Businesses in Rotherham are being reminded that help and guidance is available through the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub to meet the challenges brought about by this latest Coronavirus lockdown.

The Re-Start to Growth initiative was introduced to help businesses affected by the Coronavirus lockdown, by giving them access to experienced and skilled advisors to help assess, plan and restart through an agreed programme of intensive support.

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, explains: ”The latest lockdown is another major blow to businesses that have been struggling through local and national restrictions for months. The Growth Hub is here to provide essential advice to these businesses, helping them navigate the support available and find solutions to the key challenges they are facing.”

The Mayoral Combined Authority, Mayor Dan Jarvis and the Local Enterprise Partnership recently launched its ambitious £1.7bn Renewal Action Plan (RAP) clearly demonstrating how the Sheffield City Region is investing in and supporting the local economy. The Renewal Action Plan is designed to support businesses to adapt, survive and thrive in the new environment and to create a more productive and innovative economy.

At the moment, the Growth Hub is supporting and guiding hospitality, leisure and non-essential retail businesses that are affected by the national lockdown. These businesses, including travel agents, caterers to events or celebrations, or companies supplying equipment or services to gym and leisure centres, are eligible to receive a one-off payment grant, based on their rateable or rental values, to help them whilst restrictions are in place.

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Many businesses are also taking advantage of Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s Re-Start to Growth initiative, which gives businesses access to experienced and skilled experts to help assess, plan and restart their business through an agreed programme of intensive support.

This free initiative comprises two full days with an experienced growth specialist, who can offer business leaders help and guidance in the following areas:

- Strategic planning & Leadership support
- Sales and Marketing
- Operations
- Financial advice
- Skills, including Digital and IT

In addition to Re-Start to Growth, Peer Networks are being introduced in South Yorkshire with SME business leaders invited to work with others to address challenges and grow their businesses.

The programme, which is being delivered by the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, will enable business leaders to build trusted connections to support them now and in the future, with a view to improving their long term personal and business performance. Many businesses impacted by the coronavirus lockdown are looking to use this time to network with other like-minded businesses, gain an important external perspective on their business challenges, as well as gaining knowledge of digital technology to help achieve growth in the future.

James Muir adds: “Peer Networks are a great way for local SME business leaders to work collaboratively with others to find solutions to common business problems in a non-competitive environment. In these unprecedented times, we believe this will enhance and strengthen the local business community so we can build back better for a stronger post-COVID recovery.”

To further enhance the support available to businesses, Sheffield City Region has recently expanded its team of expert advisers by appointing seven new Business Growth Specialists. Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s advisors all have many years of industry experience; from manufacturing and service sector through to finance and international operations, and offer an independent, impartial perspective, which can make all the difference.

James Muir explains: “It is a critical time for many businesses in our region. What they are experiencing is totally unprecedented, which means it is important that we have a strong team of advisers in place to be able to guide South Yorkshire companies through the local and national growth schemes that are available to them.

“We are planning to recruit even more specialists and advisors in the coming months, in line with the Renewal Action Plan as it will help this region’s businesses to return to growth and prosperity – making our economy and society stronger, greener and fairer.”

Sheffield City Region Growth Hub website

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News: South Yorkshire bus review findings announced

Insufficient funding, lack of leadership and a lack of accountability are the three root causes in the decline in bus passenger numbers in South Yorkshire, the Independent Bus Commission has found.

The commission, chaired by Clive Betts MP, shared their findings and recommendations with Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, who commissioned the review last year.

The Bus Review Report, which was concluded before the Coronavirus pandemic, took into consideration the experiences and feedback from 5,900 members of the public, bus users, community groups, businesses and interest groups, of the impact poor and unreliable bus services have had on their lives. This evidence, as well as evidence from bus operators, local authorities, the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and others, has contributed towards the findings and a number of recommendations aimed at providing passengers with a bus service that meets their needs.

Rotherham had the highest percentage of survey respondents that were very dissatisfied with bus reliability (35%). Poor connectivity to the key asset of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is also highlighted.

On funding, evidence from Campaign for Better Transport estimated that funding for bus services in England has fallen by more than £162m (43%) since 2009/10. These figures are similar in South Yorkshire, where SYPTE's budget has declined by 40% over the last decade.

The report found a lack of leadership by bus operators, SYPTE, local authorities and the Sheffield City Region Executive team. The review found that there were too many layers of leadership without the leverage and power to be able to deliver real change, and the opportunity for single leadership in the Mayor had been impeded by the lack of a devolution deal agreed with Government.

Regarding accountability, the review found that having an arms-length organisation, such as SYPTE, has not allowed local authorities the opportunity to make decisions about bus services – but has allowed them to shy away from responsibility.

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The review recommended that a simpler ticketing system and the exploration of innovative fare structures were investigated. The review highlighted concerns about SYPTE's leadership of the bus partnership and their approach to holding operators to account.

Over the last decade this has all resulted in poor frequency, poor reliability and poor quality and accessibility of services across South Yorkshire.

The review also found that there was poor connectivity between bus services and other modes of transport. One example, which was presented to the commission, meant that a four-mile journey required three changes, and the hourly bus service arrived after the hourly train service had departed.

Commissioners heard from passengers and representative groups about how bus service changes had impacted their lives, in some cases experiencing life-changing consequences. User groups highlighted the distress and confusion that service changes cause passengers, particularly disabled passengers.

Evidence also showed that passengers were having to endure bus service changes on a more regular basis than the timescales detailed in the bus partnership. Examples were also cited of bus routes being discontinued or re-routed without sufficient communication and lack of meaningful consultation.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our bus system is vitally important for our economy and environment, and for too long it has been neglected. Passengers have suffered. Following the findings of the review and its recommendations, we owe it to them to provide a first-class bus service and one they can rely on.

"In difficult circumstances, with yearly cuts to budgets, we have lost sight of what a good bus service looks like and it's time that we regain this perspective. This is not going to be an easy task, especially in the current climate of a health and economic crisis. But we do now have a golden opportunity to build back better – providing a bus system that properly serves passengers, the economy and the environment."

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News: Rotherham to host Convention of the North

... and possibly the new Prime Minister.

The Sheffield City Region (SCR) is set to host the biggest ever Convention of the North with NP11 in Rotherham next month.

The venue for the Convention of the North and the NP11 Summit will be Magna Science Adventure Centre and will bring together the North's political, business, community and academic leaders, along with young people’s groups around a common agenda for the future of the North.

The largest ever event of its kind, it will be a working convention to debate policy through bringing together political, business, community and academic leaders from across the North of England, co-hosted by the NP11 group of all 11 Northern Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) chairs, representing 16 million people, supported by Government and along with representatives of young people's groups.

Speakers and a detailed agenda will be released over the coming weeks.

Together they will make a powerful, unified case to the new Prime Minister and Government for tangible investment in the Northern Powerhouse, putting it at the top of the economic agenda, so that it can fulfil its potentially transformational role in the future of the UK.

When the new Prime Minister was announced last month, Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the NP11 and of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) said: "The North needs clear commitments from the new Prime Minister to give certainty on Brexit, to invest in key infrastructure including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail and to further devolve powers and funding away from Whitehall.

"I hope the Prime Minister will strongly consider attending the Northern Powerhouse conference NP11 is jointly hosting with Convention of the North in September so together we can renew momentum behind this essential agenda."

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Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "I'm delighted that the Sheffield City Region is hosting this significant event, and I look forward to welcoming delegates to South Yorkshire on 13 September.

"Our country stands at a time of great change, which presents both challenges and opportunities. By working together across the North, maximising collaboration between the public and private sectors and bridging the political divide, we can make the North's case on a national and international level, power our economy and narrow the inequality gap that persists within the UK."

Marsh added: "This Summit is very timely in bringing together private and public sector partners from across all of the North, alongside Government decision makers, to further our ambitions for extraordinary inclusive growth that will benefit all in society.

"Building a thriving and well-connected Northern Powerhouse is key to ensuring that we create a productive and successful post-Brexit Britain. Ambitions to turbo-charge the North will only be achieved through effective collaboration and strong consensus across all of our great Northern towns, cities and rural communities."

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, issued the following statement in support: "The world-class Magna venue in the heart of Yorkshire is a fitting place to host this landmark event.

"This summit in Rotherham will bring together the most diverse range of Northern Powerhouse thinkers, leaders and community champions ever seen to set the agenda for a thriving and prosperous Northern Powerhouse."

James Plant, a Member of Greater Manchester's Youth Combined Authority (GMYCA), said: "It's great that young people will be represented at this year's Convention of the North. Young people are the future of our region – we will be living and working in the North and shaping its present and its future. It's therefore only right that we have a seat at the table when that future is being discussed. I'm looking forward to working with other young people from across our region to build a North of England that we can all be proud of."

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News: Companies continue to invest in the SCR

More than 3,000 new jobs were created in the Sheffield city region (SCR) last year through domestic and foreign investment.

Approximately two thirds of those jobs have been created through 130 domestic investment projects, while a total of 1,010 new jobs have been created through 40 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects.

The 2018/19 figures are broadly similar to the previous financial year, when 3,857 new jobs were created across 152 different projects.

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "It's good to see continued job creation and inward investment here in the Sheffield city region.

"With high-profile investments from companies such as McLaren and Boeing in recent years, increasing opportunities for cutting-edge collaborations between our world-leading universities and businesses, and an ambitious plan to improve our transport network, our region is an increasingly attractive place to live, work and invest.

"These new figures also indicate that we have held up well against the national picture, which has seen a 14% decrease in FDI projects, primarily due to uncertainty over Brexit.

"But while we're doing well, we can and should be doing better. To grow our economy on the scale that is required, we need a commitment from the new Prime Minister to devolve more powers, responsibilities and funding to regional decision-makers.

"Only then will we have the power to ensure investment is made where we know it will make the greatest impact."

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Beckie Hart, director at CBI Yorkshire and Humber, added: "These figures show that the Sheffield city region remains extremely attractive to investors, and are testament to the strength of the region's offer to investors. We are a hub for technology, research and innovation.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mayor Jarvis as he drives forward his economic vision to help unlock more jobs, investment and prosperity for the region as a whole."

Of the FDI investment last year, 40 projects have together created 1,010 jobs. Recent foreign investment into Rotherham includes Luxembourg-based United Caps announcing plans to invest some €20m in a new production facility in Dinnington. Rotherham-based Glassolutions Installation business of the Saint-Gobain Group was acquired by CoBe Capital, a global private investment firm.

Recommended reading: What makes plastic caps manufacturers essential for modern industries?

Of the domestic investment, 66 of the total 130 new projects are in Doncaster, with 42 in Barnsley, 10 in Sheffield and four in Rotherham. A total of 2,300 new jobs have been created through those projects, 776 of which are in Doncaster and 774 in Sheffield.

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News: SCR seeks £200m for transport schemes

The Sheffield city region (SCR) is seeking between £170m and £210m from the Government to improve transport links and boost productivity and the economy.

Board members of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will hear next week an update on the transport strategy for the city region which focuses on getting residents and businesses connected to economic opportunity, creating a cleaner and greener SCR, and a safe and reliable transport network.

A series of implementation plans setting out "how" the goals and policies can be realised and Government cash is set to be key.

A £1.7 billion Transforming Cities Fund was announced in the Autumn Budget 2017. The majority of the fund, to improve local transport connections, was divvied up to regions which had elected mayors, for them to control and spend as they see fit. As the SCR did not have an elected mayor at the time, the combined authority has had to bid into the remaining funds to get the cash to back its new transport strategy.

Following a recent transport conference at the New York Stadium in Rotherham, the latest update shows that, having secured £4.2m earlier this year, a draft business case in being submitted next month and focuses on three key transit corridors – the Don Valley, Dearne Valley and Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) corridors.

The bid "would unlock major improvements in transport networks across our region, with a focus on active travel and public transport at its core."

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The paper states: "SCR is seeking between £170m and £210m for a range of schemes across each corridor:

- Public Transport – a series of infrastructure improvements aimed at improving the performance of the public transport network, principally journey time, punctuality and reliability
- Active Travel – drawing on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and the recent appointment of an Active Travel Commissioner to start developing a network of active travel routes
- Rail – enhancing accessibility to/from and at rail stations within the SCR and interventions that support connectivity to HS2/ Northern Powerhouse Rail"

On Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) - a rapid, reliable and resilient rail network between the North's six biggest cities and other economic centres - interest is in the Sheffield to Leeds route via the Northern Loop, "which will include a potential new parkway station in Rotherham and Dearne Valley."

The need to accommodate additional HS2 and NPR services at Sheffield Midland Station means that some local services may need to be moved onto alternative networks, requiring an extension of the tram train system (underpinned by renewal of the existing tram system) beyond Rotherham into the Dearne Valley and Doncaster (and potentially to Doncaster Sheffield Airport).

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, discussed the three objectives for his transport vision at the recent conference. He explained: "One. Residents should be able to walk, cycle, drive or use public transport from their home to their nearest town centre in no more than 15 minutes.

"Two. By using public or private transport, people should be able to travel between the region’s major town and city centres of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield in no more than 30 minutes.

"Three. Journey times to at least four major cities in the North, including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Hull, will take no more than 75 minutes.

"Stripping everything else away, it will be these three things that drive our investment decisions from here on in."

Meanwhile, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has given direction for Sheffield and Rotherham to press ahead with proposals for a Class C Charging Clean Air Zone and additional complementary measures to address air quality.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2018 on plans for Rotherham that include reducing speed limits on the Parkway and banning HGVs on the A629 between the town centre and junction 35 of the M1.

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News: Skills Bank back open for business

A new look Skills Bank has been launched as part of a strategic aim to increase the number of high productivity jobs in the Sheffield city region (SCR).

The Skills Bank was designed to give employers greater purchasing power and control in how Government funded training is accessed. The aim is to create a demand-led skills system and encourage companies to co-invest in skills support for their own employees.

After a new procurement exercise, Skills Bank is now delivered by Calderdale College. The business led programme developed by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) uses devolved government funding, matching private sector investment with public funding.

Part of the SCR Growth Hub offer to businesses, funding is available to businesses that make a strong case for how the investment will deliver growth. The service aims to cut through red tape to enable firms to access bespoke, tailor made training.

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Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "We're a region that has some fantastic businesses and world class training facilities, including our Further Education Colleges, the National College for High Speed Rail and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre. The Sheffield City Region Skills Bank is another important part of our work to build a skills system that delivers for businesses, communities and the economy.

"Skills Bank is an example of an innovative locally designed solution and shows the benefits of devolving resources to local areas."

Recommended reading: The Crucial Role of Line Managers in Boosting Employee Productivity

James Muir, chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP, added: "Businesses tell us that publicly funded training for businesses can be hard to access and that the system is complicated. Skills Bank and our advisors can help businesses cut through this. This is good for the region, good for the profitability of businesses and helps grow the skills of our workforce.

"So long as a business can show that it helps boost productivity and grow our economy it should be a straightforward transaction. It's win-win. I'm absolutely delighted that it has gone live."

Ebrahim Dockrat, director of commercial services and partnerships at Calderdale College, said: "Skills Bank is a fantastic initiative for Sheffield City Region and we are thrilled to be in a position where we can support local businesses.

"Our focus will be on helping employers develop the skills they need to grow their business and we bring a huge amount of expertise from our many years of working closely with the Education and Skills Funding Agency on major funded training programmes."

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Skills Bank back to boost SCR businesses

The Skills Bank is returning to the Sheffield city region (SCR) to enable more businesses to tap into funding to upskill their workforce and grow their company.

The Skills Bank was designed to give employers greater purchasing power and control in how Government funded training is accessed. The aim is to create a demand-led skills system and encourage companies to co-invest in skills support for their own employees. It stems from a strategic aim to increase the number of high productivity jobs in the SCR.

Rothbiz reported last year that contracting was underway after the first phase of the scheme came to an end in March 2018.

Calderdale College has been named as the managing agent following the award of the £5.4m contract via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Multinational professional services company, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) were the managing agent for the first phase.

The college will work closely with SCR's Growth Hub team to manage the funding and support local organisations to access bespoke training that responds directly to their needs and supports growth in their organisation.

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James Muir, chair of the SCR LEP, said: "Sheffield city region has an economy of more than £33bn, which has already grown by £1.34 billion between 2013 and 2015.

"Our target as a LEP is to further grow our region's economy by 10% (£3.1 billion) before 2024 – and we are well on track to achieve these ambitions.

"Skills Bank is absolutely key to growing our region's businesses, particularly SMEs. I’m therefore delighted to see that Calderdale College has been appointed, and that the next phase of Skills Bank is soon to launch.

"As well as enabling people to advance their careers, upskilling workers means increased productivity and ultimately more jobs and economic growth for the region as a whole – securing our position as a highly attractive place to start up, locate and invest."

Ebrahim Dockrat, director of commercial services and partnerships at Calderdale College, added: "Skills Bank is a huge initiative for Sheffield city region and we are thrilled to be appointed as the managing agent.

"At Calderdale College, our focus is on helping employers develop the skills they need to grow their business and this programme will do exactly that. We bring a huge amount of expertise from our many years of working closely with the Education and Skills Funding Agency on major funded training programmes. I'm pleased that we can add Skills Bank to our portfolio and look forward to the next phase."

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Brexit tool for local businesses

An online Brexit planning tool has been launched to enable business owners in the Sheffield city region (SCR) to carry out a self-assessment and understand the potential ongoing impacts of Britain leaving the EU.

Rothbiz reported last month that economic growth in the SCR is set to be impacted by Brexit, from problems with exporting for the manufacturing sector to reduced levels of inward investment.

Through the SCR Growth Hub, the gateway for businesses to access specialist support, the online tool covers business strategy and operations, people and skills, export, sales and marketing, finance and innovation.

The tool asks a series of questions and rank the preparedness of the business based on the responses provided.

The planning tool will then provide advice on strengths and weaknesses across the six areas and take a view on potential vulnerabilities, both pre and post Brexit.

Businesses will be provided with a personalised report which will make suggestions on resources that are available, and recommend actions businesses could take to mitigate the potential impact.

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James Muir, chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "The LEP board discussed the importance of encouraging and supporting businesses across the region to prepare themselves and understand the potential ongoing impacts of Brexit on their businesses.

"This online Brexit planning tool is a great way for all businesses, big or small to understand what they need to be thinking about regarding Brexit.

"This will be one of the region's biggest challenges in the coming months and as LEP Chair I will be working with the other board members to ensure that businesses are prepared and that they continue to grow and thrive even after the UK exits the European Union.”

The Rise of Performance Marketing in South Yorkshire

David Grimes, head of the SCR Growth Hub, added: "Nobody can possibly know what the full impact of exiting the European Union will be for every business across the Sheffield City Region, and indeed across the country.

"But here at the SCR Growth Hub, we're ready and waiting with expert advice to support businesses and to help them understand, as much as possible, how to address their potential challenges.

"One common theme we've seen emerging from businesses is that they are waiting to see what happens with Brexit before thinking about how it might affect them and what action to take.

"We're therefore encouraging people to start considering the impacts on their business at a much earlier stage than they may be anticipating – and this Brexit planning tool is an ideal step in that process."

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Economic survey as Brexit deadline looms

Businesses across the region are facing "challenging times" amidst growing concerns over Brexit which is impacting upon growth and confidence, according to the latest figures released by the Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) Quarterly Economic Review (QER).

The results of the final quarter of the year (Q4) were unveiled by David Littlewood, professor of Strategic Management at the University of Sheffield's Management School at a special event which was hosted by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham.

It comes after the SCR LEP board discussed potential impacts of Brexit, from problems with exporting for the manufacturing sector to reduced levels of inward investment.

According to the latest statistics, whilst Brexit and its impact upon exchange rates were cited by SMEs as being the biggest challenges they faced, over the past quarter, the region's manufacturers have been particularly hard hit. Growing numbers of manufacturers cited increases in the cost of raw materials and a declining export market has resulted in a more difficult trading period.

However, during the same period, the region's service industry performed better, with many SMEs recording improved levels of and plans to increase their workforce, however some also noted difficulties in recruiting suitable members of staff.

With Brexit firmly in the spotlight during the event, the survey asked business owners how informed they felt about the implications of the UK leaving the European Union, with the vast majority of those surveyed indicating they are unsure how Brexit will impaction upon their work. Just 22% of businesses operating in the service industry and 44% of manufacturers said they had made special provisions for dealing with Brexit.

Attended by more than 100 businesses operating throughout the region, the event also featured a special presentation by Jenny Lawson of Enterprise Europe Network who provided a briefing and update on Brexit, before joining a panel discussion featuring William Beckett, chair of the International Trade Forum, Neil MacDonald, chair of SCR Business Growth Board and Jayne Mezulis, Export & Import Consultancy Services by EICS.

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Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said: "The latest survey results show that as we edge closer towards the planned leaving date, there are signs that areas of the local economy are already beginning to feel the impact of the continued political instability surrounding Brexit. The local manufacturing industry in particular has faced clear difficulties over the past twelve months, as they face the double whammy of reduced profitability in the export market and rising raw material costs.

"It is clear from this morning's discussions that business owners are facing challenging times. They are concerned about the continued political instability being caused by Brexit and we urge parliament to act decisively to get a comprehensive deal done. We need clarity rather than political posturing if they are to get answers to the practical questions that still remain and given the present timeframe there remains a high degree of uncertainty for businesses."

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, added: "Preparing the Sheffield City Region for Brexit is a priority for me. It's key to everything that we do, from creating good jobs to attracting investment, growing an inclusive economy and building infrastructure for the 21st century.

"We are working hard to ensure that businesses across the region are prepared for the implications and informed about Brexit. At the end of this month (January) the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub is publishing their Brexit tool, that will enable businesses across the region to carry out a self-assessment which will advise them about their strengths and weaknesses in six areas, including innovation and skills. The tool will also direct then to resources and expert help so they can prepare.

"Whatever happens over the coming weeks, months and years, I'm determined to ensure our region's economic growth continues and that we are both insulated against the challenges and best positioned to exploit the opportunities."

The Quarterly Economic Review, is published by the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, Sheffield Chamber, Doncaster Chamber and the East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with the Sheffield City Region and the University of Sheffield Management School provides an opportunity for business owners to share how their business has performed over the past quarter.

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News: New man in the driving seat at SCR LEP

James Muir, former head of group national sales at Volkswagen, and chair of trustees at the Astrea Academy Trust, has been named as the new chair of the Sheffield city region (SCR) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board.

LEPs are the Government's model to promote economic development. They provide the strategic leadership required to set out local economic priorities, and better reflect the natural economic geography of the areas they serve.

The board is private sector led and Muir replaces outgoing chair Sir Nigel Knowles, the global co-chairman of DLA Piper.

James graduated from Manchester University with a degree in German, followed by a postgraduate diploma in marketing and languages.

In 1983 he joined a manufacturer of tableware, spending his first year working full time in the factory, after which he was posted to set up the company's sales and distribution subsidiary in the German market.

Three years later he joined Ford Motor Company and held various sales and marketing positions, including sales director of Ford Switzerland, and regional director for the North of England.

In 2001 he was appointed managing director responsible for establishing Mazda's own company in the UK; in 2003 he was promoted to Mazda's European headquarters near Cologne, first as vice-president of sales & marketing and then as president and CEO of Mazda Europe where he led the company's turnaround from loss-maker to Mazda Corporation's most profitable business unit in the world.

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In 2009 James joined Volkswagen Group as president & CEO of SEAT based in Barcelona and tasked with revitalising its ailing brand. Over the following four years he led the complete restructuring of the company including the development of a new brand and product strategy.

Since mid-2013 James was based in Wolfsburg, Germany, responsible for running the VW Group's owned national sales companies across more than 20 countries world-wide, accounting for more than 4 million vehicle sales with over €80 billion of turnover.

In December 2018 James retired from VW Group. He is the Chair of the Astrea Academy Trust Board, one of England's largest multi academy trusts managing 28 primary and secondary schools located across South Yorkshire and North Cambridgeshire.

Muir said: "I'm very excited to have been appointed to this important role, and to build on the strong legacy that Sir Nigel has left behind.

"Using my business acumen and experience of spearheading businesses across more than 25 markets around the world, I believe I can support our local companies to develop and expand their potential across the globe.

"As a resident of Sheffield, with strong connections to the wider region, I want to do my utmost to create a vibrant economic powerhouse at the forefront of technological change."

The SCR was given the green light to establish one of the UK's first LEPs in 2010. Knowles, who replaced initial chair, James Newman, is now set to take on a bespoke role as special advisor to the mayor, Dan Jarvis, on International Trade and Investment.

James is set to chair his first meeting of the LEP next week. Devolution, overlapping boundaries and meeting the Government's mission for LEPs to address productivity will be high on the "to do" list.

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