Content

10.1

The Head of Business Sheffield presented a
report which provided Members of the Economic Development, Skills
and Culture Policy Committee with a comprehensive update on the
business support delivered by Business Sheffield during 2023-25 and
the intended delivery in 2025/26.

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic
Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee:
 

a)   
Note the scale and impact of Business Sheffield’s activity
during 2023–2025, including the number of businesses
supported, jobs created and safeguarded, and private sector
investment leveraged, and recognise the contribution of this work
to Sheffield’s overall economic growth and resilience.

b)   
Agree for officers to build on the outcomes achieved through the
2023–2025 Business Sheffield programmes by developing
proposals for the next phase of business support activity, ensuring
continued alignment with the Council’s Growth Plan priorities
and in line with regional priorities and partners.

 

 

10.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

10.3.1

The recommendations are made to recognise the
significant impact of Business Sheffield’s support programmes
during 2023–26, to ensure the continued delivery and
development of targeted business support aligned with the
Council’s Growth Plan, and to secure ongoing investment that
will drive economic growth, job creation, and resilience for
Sheffield’s business community.

 

 

10.4

Alternatives
Considered and Rejected

 

 

10.4.1

Option 1: Discontinue Business
Sheffield’s targeted support programmes This option was
rejected as it would significantly reduce the city’s ability
to deliver inclusive economic growth and resilience. Business
Sheffield’s programmes have demonstrated strong impact in
supporting SMEs, creating jobs, and leveraging private sector
investment. Ending these initiatives would risk reversing progress
made under the Council’s Growth Plan and undermine regional
priorities for productivity, innovation, and sustainability.

 

 

10.4.2

Option 2: Deliver business support solely
through regional programmes without a local offer This option
was considered but discounted due to the importance of locally
tailored support. While regional programmes provide valuable
resources, they cannot fully address Sheffield-specific priorities
such as high street revitalisation, diverse business engagement,
and sector-focused interventions (e.g. tech scale-up and low-carbon
transition). Maintaining a local offer ensures alignment with city
strategies and responsiveness to community needs.

 

 

10.4.3

Option 3: Reduce the scope of Business
Sheffield’s activity to core advisory services only This
option was rejected because limiting delivery to advisory services
would remove access to grants and specialist programmes that drive
measurable outcomes, including productivity improvements, digital
adoption, and carbon reduction. Evidence from recent performance
data shows that integrated support combining advice and financial
assistance achieves greater impact for businesses and the wider
economy.