Following our 150th anniversary year, it has been extremely pleasing to be able to report both a strong financial position and also the highest membership figures in the Chamber’s history.

Membership has now topped 2,000, which represents 22 per cent of businesses in our city region registered for VAT. These businesses account for no fewer than 96,000 employees. Our membership has now risen by 35 per cent over two years, due largely to a dramatic increase in a range of SME members, new start -up enterprises joining us and the excellent work of the BME Forum which has resulted in new members from black and minority ethnic areas.

It all emphatically underlines our justifiable claim to be the voice of business for Sheffield. The Chamber will continue to add services to its portfolio in an attempt to provide the kind of added value every discerning company looks for before committing itself to any outside organisations. Over the last twelv months, we have been introducing enhanced service packages aimed at improving aspects of business performance such as efficiency, skills and cost savings.

City wide, we have pledged to help transform the city’s economy, play a significant part in business development and assist community/neighbourhood renewal. Regionally, we support the philosophy that “strong cities mean strong regions” and will continue to play a key role in economic improvement programmes such as the Northern Way. In short, the Chamber will strive to effect improvements wherever we have an opportunity to do so.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous support from our patrons, sponsors and rapidly growing number of members.

I wish you all a prosperous 2008.

Nigel Tomlinson
Chief Executive

“Our mission is to maximise the business success
and prosperity of our members.”