Sheffield First for Investment is stepping up its drive to win job creating investment for the city from the United States byng an office in Sheffield's twin city of Pittsburgh.

The move follows on from contacts made during Sheffield Chamber of Commerce-led trade missions to the American steel city in the last two years and follows talks with people in Pittsburgh after last weeks terrorist attacks on the US.

Phil Roberts, chief executive of Sheffield First for Investment said " We have done a lot of groundwork on our visits and setting up our own office is the logical next step. There is a concentration on Pittsburgh because of existing relationships, but this gives us entry into the UK market in general."

He said Sheffield First for Investment had considered whether to proceed with plans, in the light of last weeks tragedy, but talks with Pittsburgh had confirmed that they too, thought it was important for business to continue as normal.

"Not to go ahead would be giving in to terrorists and all America is saying it's important to get back to the way things should be. They would have been disappointed if we did not proceed, " said Mr Roberts.

Suzi Pegg, a former chairwoman of Sheffield Junior Chamber of Commerce who has been working for the British American Business Council in Pittsburgh, will run the office.

She said: "There are golden opportunities for American companies in the Sheffield area, not least as their gateway into Europe. We are building on already excellent relationships and I look forward to delivering benefits for both Sheffield and the US Companies.

One major Pittsburgh company is already well established in Sheffield. Allvac Ltd, Sheffield Forgemasters former aerospace division , is owned by Pittsburgh based Allegheny Technologies.

Sheffield has been successful with other US Investments. Aircraft manufacturers Boeing are working with the University of Sheffield to set up an advanced materials research centre and Insight Enterprises, the computer hardware, software, and e-business specialists, are recruiting staff as part of their plan to establish a major European centre in Sheffield.

Denis Healy, Marketing Manager for Sheffield First for Investment said, "Our office in Pittsburgh will now allow us to market and sell Sheffield even more strongly. We are a haven of opportunities and we must tell America about them." .

Source Publication:
Sheffield Star, 18th September 2001