South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, and the Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council (MEAC) today (25^th September) unveiled the Vision for the South Yorkshire Growth Plan, setting out the region’s economic priorities for the next decade.

As part of this ambitious agenda, the Mayor announced that MEAC member Lord Jim O’Neill will lead a Business Ecosystem Review to help drive South Yorkshire’s growth. The Review is expected to identify targeted interventions to improve access to finance, develop talent pathways, strengthen the innovation infrastructure, and increase the profile of scaling South Yorkshire businesses needed to support a thriving, competitive economy.

The Vision builds on a series of major decisions already taken to boost the region’s economy: from funding the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, to bringing trams back under local control - unlocking improvements and a pipeline of multi-million pound investment.

South Yorkshire is now one of only five UK regions with a Defence Growth Deal, has secured a £426m settlement for Sheffield Forgemasters to support home-grown defence manufacturing, and is home to the UK’s first Investment Zone, anchored by the world’s-first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District. The region is also leading public service reform, helping people back into work through Pathways to Work.

Recent successes include Rotherham ranking among the fastest-growing sub-regions over the past two decades, and Sheffield emerging as one of the UK’s fastest-growing core cities. South Yorkshire’s ICT sector grew by 175% between 2015 and 2023 - the fastest growth among established Combined Authorities, and faster than Greater Manchester’s 115%.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Here in South Yorkshire we have a proud history of leading change and building the future. Our industries shaped the modern world and our ideas continue to help put our country at the forefront of the industries of the future.

“My ambition is clear. I want to build an economy which works for all of us. One that’s rooted in pride, purpose and opportunity. Our ability to make things and solve complex problems will help us create good jobs, healthier communities, better transport, and homes people can afford.

“And we’re backing ourselves, through investment in the skills, infrastructure and ideas that will unlock our full potential, and attracting more investment in the process. 

“Re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport is just one example of our commitment to building a better future.”

“By creating a place where we can all stay near and go far, we will make sure South Yorkshire continues to give everyone the chance to thrive.”

At the heart of the Growth Plan are four missions for 2035:

1. A strong and resilient business base
2. Connected and vibrant places
3. Pathways for residents to stay near and go far
4. A more resilient SY

The Vision was developed in collaboration with MEAC, whose members include world-renowned economic and business experts.

Lord Jim O’Neill said: “We see South Yorkshire as a region ready to lead, not just in new technologies and sustainable industries, but in the kind of innovation which makes a difference to people’s lives.

“Growth isn’t just about numbers on a page. It’s about making sure young people here can look ahead with confidence, knowing they’ll have access to good jobs and real opportunities. When incomes rise, it eases the pressure on families and helps build stronger, more vibrant communities.

“We need everyone pulling in the same direction - local partners, national government, and the people who know this region best. Investing in South Yorkshire’s strengths and making sure the region has the powers and support we need to succeed, means South Yorkshire won’t just contribute to the UK’s success – people here will help define it.”

MEAC has set seven priorities to drive regional growth and ensure South Yorkshire’s contribution to the national economy:

• Driving private sector investment
• Focusing on sector strengths such as high-precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries
• Bolstering research strengths
• Improving transport connectivity within South Yorkshire and beyond
• Developing urban density and a vibrant cultural offer to attract investment and innovation
• Linking skills requirements and opportunities for all
• Improving workforce health