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Star Business Awards: Lord's Forgemasters fury - VIDEO
ONE of the leading spokesmen for British business has called for the coalition government to reinstate an £80 million loan to Sheffield Forgemasters so the firm can become a global leader in the hi-tech power generation supply chain.
Lord Digby Jones, the former Director General of the Confederation of British Industry, who went on to become a minister for international trade and a trade ambassador, was speaking to The Star before addressing guests at the inaugural Star Business Awards.
He described the decision to scrap the loan as "disgraceful" and said it would have been paid back 100 times over the next generation.
Lord Jones dismissed Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg's argument that the loan was an attempt to win votes and the money wasn't there to fund it.
"Yes, it was an electoral stunt, but that is not the point. It was actually the right thing to do," said Lord Jones, adding that if the money wasn't there, the coalition government should have taken it from other sources.
Lord Jones praised Sheffield's achievements in restructuring and regenerating its economy as "a great success story."
It was now up to business in Sheffield and the rest of the UK to lead the way out of recession by creating wealth and jobs, consistently increasing the skills of their workers, investing in new equipment and targeting new markets.
"The private sector has to step up to the plate and that means, in national terms, constantly skilling up employees, investing in new kit and going after new markets," said Lord Jones.
"In Sheffield's terms that means building on absolutely everything that Sheffield has been doing so far. Sheffield is a great success story in terms of regeneration and restructuring."
Around 350 people attended the Star Business Awards gala dinner and presentation – the first awards ceremony ever for businesses across the whole of the city region.
Compere, comedian and impressionist Kevin Connelly, introduced 29 top companies and individuals from across the region who were presented with awards and commendations, acknowledging their achievements, by Lord Jones.
VIDEO: Press the play button to watch our video chat with Lord Jones, Kevin Connelly and Business Person of the Year winner Steve Brailey.
MORE VIDEO: Meet our Star Business Awards 2010 winners - CLICK HERE.
For an in depth report see Star Business Monthly, free with The Star, on Wednesday October 6.
The Star Business Awards 2010: Roll Of Honour
Business Person Award, sponsored by Rensburg Sheppards. Winner: Steve Brailey, of Sheffield International Venues. Highly commended: Louise Oliver of The Taylor Oliver Partnership.
Community Award, sponsored by Philip Wilbourn Associates . Winner: Ekspan. Highly commended: Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre.
Dealmakers Award, sponsored by DLA. Winner: BHP Corporate Finance. Highly commended: Castle Square Corporate Finance.
Digital & It Award, sponsored by P&A. Winner: HR Media. Highly commended: Kier.
Employer Of The Year Award, sponsored by Sheffield College. Winner: Kostal UK. Highly commended: HLM Architects.
Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Cartridge World. Winner: Julia Gash, of Bag It, Don't Bin It. Highly commended: Emma Killilea, of Delicious Alchemy.
Environmental Award, sponsored by Sheffield University. Winner: Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre. Highly commended: Sheffield City College.
Excellence in Manufacturing Award, sponsored by MAS. Winner: Kostal UK. Highly commended: Mechan.
Innovation Award, sponsored by Business Link. Winner: ZOO Digital Group. Highly commended: Bromley Technologies.
International Business Award, sponsored by HSBC. Winner: Gripple. Highly commended: William Beckett Plastics.
New Business Award, sponsored by Westfield. Winner: Plumbing and Drainage Plastics. Highly commended: Friends and Family Photography.
Property Award, sponsored by Nabarro. Winner: JF Finnegan. Highly commended: South Yorkshire Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Team.
Top SME Award, sponsored by Kier. Winner: Bartec Auto ID. Highly commended: Thetford.
Young Business Person Award, sponsored by Hill Dickinson. Winner: Jonathan Burrows of Ask4. Highly commended: Sophie Mei, of Mei International.
Judges' Award, sponsored by The Star. Winner: Business and Education South Yorkshire.
Full details of the awards and the evening's events will appear in the next edition of Star Business Monthly, published on Wednesday October 6.
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