Sheffield
The Sheffield City Region (SCR), has a population of 1.75million – the same as the whole of Northern Ireland – a workforce of 770,000 and has seen significant growth and regeneration in recent years.
Since 2000 the SCR has performed better than the national average on a number of major indicators, narrowing the previously widening gap. An additional 64,000 people now work in the city region and 5,600 more VAT-registered companies have been created; FVA has grown faster than the UK average, and 147,000 more people have secured qualifications for the first time.
Sheffield’s economy has diversified and modernised and is now in the best shape it has been in for decades. This success has been greatly aided by private and public sector investment and strong partnerships, with support from Government and European funding.
The economic base of the new city region has broadened and its knowledge sector has expanded within key areas such as research and development, the medical instruments sector and creative and digital industries. A thriving advanced manufacturing sector remains a key part of the economy, boasting significant employment levels and a high GVA contribution. No other UK city region gives its name to a globally recognised brand like “Made in Sheffield”, which is synonymous with high-quality, technologically advanced manufacturing.
As Sheffield continues to grow HSR will be a hugely beneficial part of improving the connectivity of the city and facilitating its rapid development, both to other regional cities, and to London. Sheffield is already a popular city to locate to, given its high environmental quality (the ‘Green City’) and attractive business opportunities. HSR would help further the growth of the city region and the places it is connected to, reducing regional economic disparities and improving business efficiency.
“It is important for Sheffield and South Yorkshire people that we promote HSR, as it will be a hugely beneficial part of improving the connectivity of the city to London and Europe and other areas in the country. It would also facilitate Sheffield’s rapid development and help to create jobs and prosperity. Sheffield is already a popular city, given its high environmental quality and attractive business opportunities. HSR would help further the growth of the city and region, reducing regional economic differences. The HSR is a win-win situation for local people, jobs, business and the environment.”
Councillor Paul Scriven, Leader of Sheffield City Council