AN AMBITIOUS programme to transform Sheffield's economy, creating 30,000 jobs, raising average pay by £2,500, and giving the local economy a £1 billion boost is being unveiled at the London Stock Exchange today.
Sheffield is to be 'rebranded' with a fresh image to help sell its goods and services to the world and Sheffielders will see huge changes in the way they work and play including:
An early evening entertainment and leisure economy to attract people to the city between 5pm and 8pm.
- A business district around The Moor.
- A world class Sheffield business school to help small and medium companies.
- An initiative to help local businesses use other local suppliers.
- A Sheffield investment fund to identify and prepare sites for development.
The Sheffield Economic Masterplan is the brainchild of city development company Creative Sheffield, and has won overwhelming backing from city politicians, business and community leaders.
What do you think of the Sheffield masterplan? Add your comment below.Now the 12-year programme, which has taken 16 months to complete, is being launched in front of an audience of leading national decision makers, whose support could make the difference between success and failure.
"The Economic Masterplan puts Sheffield in charge of its own destiny," Creative Sheffield's chief executive, Ian Bromley, told The Star today.
STAR OPINION: Lady luck is looking our way.Mr Bromley, who spearheaded the development of the plan, said: "There has been massive change in the city, which has a record of incredible performance over the last five to 10 years."
Speakers at the Stock Exchange launch will include Blades chairman Kevin McCabe, who has gained respect in the City of London as a successful property developer.
Creative Sheffield marketing guru Brendan Moffett says Mr McCabe's attendance, and the efforts made by leading Sheffield business figures to ensure their contacts among top UK decision makers attend the launch, is a sign of the commitment to the Masterplan.
"The focus of our marketing effort is unashamedly on London and the South East," said Mr Moffett, hence the decision to launch at the Stock Exchange.
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