News and events

The Centre for Cities Outlook 2012 report, published Monday 23 January, the fifth in the series, confirms a number of key points about Sheffield City Region and its economy.  The report analyses a range of key economic indicators that influence the performance and future of UK cities: population, business dynamics, innovation, skills, employment, earnings, housing and the environment.   The report covers 64 major towns and cities and inevitably cannot paint the full picture for each one. 

 

Following the launch, the Local Enterprise Partnership Chairman, James Newman, said that: “The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (SCR LEP) welcomes the report by Centre for Cities Cities Outlook 2012.  The report recognises that the challenges faced by different regions and, indeed, the different cities within regions which vary considerably – something that the SCR LEP has long been mindful of.”

 

“Some parts of the local economy have come through the recession well and are certainly not struggling for survival.  The City Region overall is in a healthy position  although the report does reinforce the challenges ahead for parts of the City Region’s economy.  Addressing youth unemployment and the need to increase business start-ups are two examples of the tasks ahead.”

 

“For the SCR LEP, this report gives a clear indicator that a one size fits all approach to stimulating growth across the UK is not the best way to achieve the changes that Government wishes to see.  The Centre for Cities analysis clearly demonstrates that individual places need different interventions in order to tackle their prevailing local economic conditions.  This is precisely why the SCR LEP has been formed and why we are challenging Government on a number of issues to change the way things are done.”

 

“The report indicates that well connected places fare better than those without good transport links.  Sheffield City Region is one of the best connected areas in the country, so making the most of our central geographical location is an important feature of the LEP’s ambitions.” 

 

“As such, the LEP Board has long since recognised that opening up opportunities at the airport in Doncaster and supporting the development of a strong logistic centre in Doncaster, will be of economic benefit to the whole City Region.  Similarly, Barnsley has its part to play in the City Region and the launch of a new Enterprise Zone along the M1 corridor will be of great assistance to Barnsley in tackling its low business start-up rate.”