The simple phrase “Made in Sheffield” needs no introduction.

How many of us remember those distant geography lessons when we were taught about Sheffield, the power-house of England’s industrial might, whose furnaces never slept and whose factories produced the finest stainless steel in the world?

Whether the steel ended up as cutlery on tables, blades on lawn mowers, garden tools in sheds or engine blocks on motor cars, the simple rule was that if it was made in Sheffield it was the best in the world. It was compulsory learning, and as true as two two’s are four.

Sheffield’s reputation for the very finest in craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence was unshakable, and for Sheffield First For Investment, the marketing agency responsible for promoting the Sheffield product to potential inward investors, ‘Made in Sheffield’ is still the unique attribute, which sets the city apart from the rest.

Today, Sheffield’s reputation for quality manufacturing remains undiminished, but it’s the new businesses in the high technology sectors, particularly information technology which are really causing the place to buzz at the start of the 21st century. And it’s by emphasizing Sheffield’s traditional values around ‘Made in Sheffield’ that Sheffield First intends to sell Sheffield’s new reputation as a centre of innovation and new technology. The new breed of dynamic technology businesses enjoying success in Sheffield consists of a blend of global organisations and home-grown companies. Among the former are US giant PSInet, who have chosen the Sheffield City Airport business park as the centre of their international operations, and engineering software company Fluent Europe, a subsidiary of Fluent Inc.

An example of a local success is Jennic who have grown phenomenally over a period of four years, progressing from renting a desk at the Sheffield Science Park to becoming a world leader in semiconductor designs for the Internet, employing 85 people. The case that Jennic make for choosing Sheffield is compelling.

Managing Director, Jim Lindop: “I came here because I wanted quality of life, somewhere to raise my children. I also had one eye on the city’s reputation for quality because I had an idea it would help break down barriers with clients. Sheffield is very attractive, especially compared to the M4 corridor or Cambridge where most of the companies in this industry operate. They don’t have the Peak District, they don’t have thespaces and they don’t have the common sense attitude of Sheffield people.”

The two Sheffield Science and Technology parks where Jennic started life are bursting at the seams with young hi-tech companies that are part of the changing industrial face of Sheffield. As Jennic demonstrates, the Science Parks are the breeding ground for many small companies who progress to becoming leading edge players in the fast moving global communications and multimedia industries. Among current Science Park tenants are Infinite Designs, bought out earlier this year by UK intellectual property design giant ARM Holdings. Infinite’s nine man team is working at the leading edge of new chip design to bring the next generation of handheld computer and mobile telecommunications products to the market.

Sheffield First Marketing Manager Denis Healy is upbeat about the new and thriving IT sector which is blossoming in Sheffield, and believes that the invitation to others within this sector to ‘Make it in Sheffield’ is compelling; “IT businesses are thriving here thanks to a skilled workforce, technology transfer from our two universities, established infrastructures and high graduate retention levels. Sheffield is the most popular student destination in the country, and quality of life is second to none. ‘Made in Sheffield’ confers a quality and credibility, which no other city can match. It’s quite simply the place to be.”

Businesses interested in hearing more about Sheffield’s offering should call Sheffield First For Investment for a complete inward investment package. Call Sheffield First For Investment on 0114 292 3001

Source Publication: Yorkshire Post. 18th November 2000
Last updated: 20/11/00 17:06:00