Sheffield delegation showcases an exciting time for our city at UKREiiF

A delegation of key partners from across the city showcased Sheffield to thousands of investors, funders and developers at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), 17 – 19 May.

Led by Invest Sheffield, the team saw representatives from the Olympic Legacy Park, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID), Capital & Centric, Sheffield Property Association, Citu, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Homes England, join forces as ‘Team Sheffield’ to exhibit at the event and highlight the current and new investment opportunities available in Sheffield.

On their exhibition stand and at several panel events and round table discussions, Sheffield speakers talked about the city’s ambitious plans for sustainable growth that benefits its people, and why it’s a smart choice for partnership and investment.

At the team’s talk ‘Setting the Pace for Levelling Up in the North’, Eugene Walker, Sheffield City Council’s Acting Chief Executive, spoke about the transformation of Sheffield’s neighbourhoods, from Kelham Island to the Grey to Green initiative.

He highlighted the city’s diversity of businesses doing unique and valuable work: from the home-grown supplier of the rolling roof at Wimbledon to Green Estate, a social enterprise with a turnover of £2million based in Sheffield’s Manor Park estate. He also expressed his desire to continue expanding the public perception of Sheffield to match this level of ambition and activity.

“We’re excited about where we are,” he said. “The Council’s done a lot itself to generate energy and investment; we’re working in partnership with Government on levelling up; we’ve got great local partners, and the trust and input of our communities. We want Sheffield’s development to be not just about big shiny projects, but about building sustainable communities. That’s what we think levelling up is really about.”

Kate Martin, the Council’s Executive Director for City Futures, summarised why Sheffield is an excellent investment choice right now. “We’ve got a transformational agenda taking place across the city,” she said. “We have strong investors and partnerships with Homes England and local businesses; and now strengthened working with Government.

“We’re the only Core City in the UK that has a government-backed accelerator deal, as announced in the UK Levelling-Up White Paper in February. The new Team Sheffield is a force to be reckoned with, meeting on a weekly basis to drive forward our accelerator programme with local, regional, and national agencies and government bodies. Together with all partners, we’re developing the blueprint for sustainable growth and the accelerator model to drive forward the levelling up agenda in the UK.”

UKREiiF aims to attract inward investment, generate economic growth and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries. For more information visit: www.ukreiif.com

Invest Sheffield is the inward investment team for Sheffield and exists to support businesses to expand, relocate and get connected to the right communities and organisations in the city. From finding spaces for premises to assisting with planning queries, supply chain links, recruitment, and grant support. Find out more here.