Member Article

Sheffield "top European choice" for international investors

Sheffield City Region was recognised as a top European choice for international investors according to delegates from MIPIM in Cannes.

A report produced by the Financial Times has ranked Sheffield City Region LEP as being number one for foreign direct investment (fDi) strategy

The city region finds itself in good company in the fDi Magazine European Cities & Regions of the Future 2014/15 report, joining areas like Amsterdam, Zurich and Stockholm.

Ellen Cutler, Director of Inward Investment at Sheffield City Region said: “I am delighted that the City Region has been recognised for its attractiveness to foreign investors.

“This reinforces to an international audience what great assets we have and our appetite to seek out new opportunities in the global market place.

“Being here is important to position Sheffield City Region in the minds of investors.”

Sheffield City Region scored highly in the report ranking in the top 25 European city regions overall, in the top ten Northern European Regions and Northern European Regions for fDi strategy and taking the top slot and ranking as the top UK Local Enterprise Partnership in terms of its Foreign Direct Investment Strategy.

A total of 13 top rankings were awarded to Sheffield, Doncaster and the City Region.

The awards are judged by an independent panel of investment analysts and experts which takes into account matters such as economic potential, local labour infrastructure, business friendliness and strategy for encouraging foreign investment, scrutinising a huge range of data across 468 European cities.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, cabinet member for business, skills and development at Sheffield City Council said: “The fDi awards demonstrate the international significance of Sheffield as a leading European city for business investment.

“Of course we are pleased to see both Sheffield and the City Region ranking in a number of top tables alongside the likes of London, Helsinki and Stockholm.

“What we need to do now is to deliver on that strategy and continue to attract investment to Sheffield, creating jobs and opportunities for local people.”

Sheffield ranked in the top ten for Northern European cities for fDi strategy (ninth), mid sized cities overall (seventh) and mid sized cities European cities for fDi strategy (fourth) where Doncaster also received a placement in the top ten (tenth).

Jo Miller, chief executive of Doncaster Council added: “I am very pleased Doncaster has been recognised as one of the best places to invest in the UK and Europe.

“Major international companies are already investing in Doncaster and there is more to come with developments at FARRRS and the Inland Port.

“It’s great to receive this recognition. Doncaster is open for business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .