Richard Caborn to continue as business ambassador to help Sheffield battle back from pandemic

He hopes to command government attention for high value manufacturing, health and wellbeing and further education projects, and ensure Sheffield benefits from the levelling up agenda.

Mr Caborn has been an unpaid business ambassador since 2014.

Coun Johnson will succeed Julie Dore as leader in the new year, when Sheffield City Council will also have a new chief executive, Kate Josephs.

He said: “Richard brings such a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts that are massively beneficial for Sheffield. He continues to be a huge asset for the city.”

Mr Caborn said pulling together had never been more important.

He added: “It has been a privilege to support Julie Dore in some important projects which have come to fruition under Julie’s leadership.

“I’m pleased to be continuing in this role under Bob Johnson. Never has it been more important that we pull together as a city and a region as we look to put Sheffield at the heart of the economic recovery.

“We have major economic drivers in the city that give us the platform to create jobs and opportunities for everyone and put Sheffield at the heart of the UK economy.

“The new leader has set out the importance of the city coming together to deliver on this potential to be and I will be pleased to offer my support.”

Mr Caborn is co-founder of Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre which has forged scores of paying research partnerships with global companies.

He also promotes the Nuclear AMRC which aims to capitalise on emerging plans for small modular nuclear reactors.

And he was instrumental in the development of the Olympic Legacy Park in Attercliffe, which replaced Don Valley Stadium.

Today it is home to Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, a University Technical College, a school and sports facilities which have hosted Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Football Club and Sheffield United Women Football Club.

Additionally, he provided advice in developments such as the Heart of the City and bringing HS2 to the city centre.

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