State of Sheffield 2012 Report Sheffield Chamber Comment

31st January 2012

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, commenting on the State of Sheffield Report 2012: The report is a mixture of good news and challenges.

We have seen key sectors including traditional ones like manufacturing re-invent themselves, complimented by new ones such as digital, sport and healthcare. This is definitely the good news in the report and something we are working hard to support. But the report indicates we aren't developing these fast enough to either support the victims of the demise of the older sectors or to tackle the underlying issues the city has had for some time. Joblessness, deprivation in some areas, low productivity and educational attainment remain big issues and challenges that we in the business sector must play a large part in tackling. It's not the job of government to run our businesses. Their responsibility is to create the supportive environment and a level playing field in which we can thrive. Educational attainment and aspirations, plus the reduction in red tape must be a target for government. We, the business sector, need to be ambitious enough to drive forward and deliver the economic growth necessary to balance the books and reduce unemployment. To read the State of Sheffield Report 2012 visit http://bit.ly/wQ7XAo