Sheffield Property Committee Chair steps down

28th April 2015

The chair of the Sheffield Property and Regeneration Committee (SPARC) has announced he is stepping down from the post.

Alastair Reid, partner at commercial law firm Hill Dickinson, has been chair of the group for more than eight years. SPARC, which is part of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, focuses on property and regeneration within the Sheffield City Region and offers Chamber members the chance to be consulted, informed and have some influence on initiatives and policies that affect the property industry. The committee is made up of a panel of experts from some of the leading property and development companies in the region, all of whom are Sheffield Chamber members. Alastair, who was involved in the group for over 10 years before becoming chair, said: -When I took on the role of SPARC chair eight years ago, I was committed to building on the good work of the past and retaining and indeed increasing SPARC's influence and within the Sheffield City and the City Region's property sector. -We have built on our relationship with Sheffield City Council, as well as key developers, planners and other interested parties on the development and regeneration of Sheffield and ensured that the Chamber's views could be put forward and carry weight. -However, due to spending more and more time away from Sheffield in my professional capacity, I feel unable to devote the time needed to the role. I therefore feel now is the right time for me to step aside and allow new blood to take the reins, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the committee. Tim Bottrill, director at Fernie Greaves in Sheffield and current vice chair of SPARC, will take over as chair with immediate effect. Alastair added: -I'm proud to have led SPARC during an increasingly difficult period for the property sector. This has brought incredibly frustrating times, having seen initiatives put on hold because of the recession. But as we began to come out of the other side, the group has continued to retain its strength, expertise and influence. -SPARC will still have my full support. I will continue to be involved as a member and remain committed to the regeneration of the Sheffield City Region as a whole. Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: -I would personally like to thank Alastair for his commitment as chair of SPARC over the last eight years and I completely respect his decision to stand down. -He has contributed significantly to the growth of the committee, ensuring that its views are not only heard but taken on board. We will now look forward to building on this success and further increase the committees influence in the Sheffield City Region.