Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 11, 2025

Purpose:

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.