City Region is set for transformation

The national consultancy says the region, which spans 11 local authorities, has started to make a significant revival, marked by strong growth in 'knowledge intensive sectors', which rely on highly skilled staff.

Chief Executive Will Hutton said: "Ten years ago, the position of Sheffield City Region was summed up in the film The Full Monty - the area was suffering from the decline of steel, mines closures and serious deprivation.

"Fast forward to today and it is on the right track to pull off a significant transformation.

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"In today's very different economy, where what counts is what is in people's heads and how well they communicate with each other rather than in the speed of production lines, Sheffield City Region can point to many promising signs for future success."

He said the Region still has some way to go: a lack of skilled people, poor housing and dependency on a large public sector remain challenges. But since 1998, the region has seen opportunities to build businesses, develop skills and create jobs in advanced manufacturing, higher education, creative and digital industries and financial services.

The Priorities for Sheffield City Region in the Knowledge Economy report was launched by Lee Adams, chief executive of NE Derbyshire District Council.

He told guests the report provided valuable insight into how organisations could work to maximise the knowledge economy and support efforts to increase innovation, build skills, increase employment opportunities and create enterprise, which would improve the quality of life throughout the region.