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New report highlights the region’s manufacturing success

A report on the future of the Sheffield City Region from TheBusinessDesk.com, in association with DLA Piper and Sheffield Hallam University has highlighted how the region’s manufacturing success can set an example for other industry sectors.


Dorrien Peters is an associate in the specialist litigation team at DLA Piper. He is supportive of the approach that the region’s manufacturing companies have taken, saying; “The sector has recognised that we can’t compete on a like for like basis with traditional manufacturing. A focus on innovation, R&D and increased efficiencies is where we ought to be aiming, not necessarily with new products but certainly processes.

Peters does however issue a warning for this continued success, adding; “But for that to happen we have got to keep investment up. Businesses are still investing in the downturn although some would say not enough.”

Richard Wright of Sheffield Chamber highlights the manufacturing sectors, such as oil and gas, power generation, medical sectors and aerospace, that remains strong and provides opportunities for the region’s firms. He comments; “There are still businesses doing extremely well with full order books to the end of the year - those who identified long term opportunities years ago and diversified across sectors.”

ITM Power, a producer of clean energy storage products, is cited as just one example of the high technology firms emerging from the region. The innovative business was the first hydrogen fuel cell company to be listed on the stock market back in 2006, and it had a second fundraising round in 2008.

Chief executive Graham Cooley said: “We have a genuinely unique product in a growing market. It’s not recession proof but it addresses the emphasis of many governments around the world about decarbonising.”

 “This product could offer cost savings for businesses. Long-term oil prices are only going to get higher. This product means we can make transport fuel on site at a competitive cost with petrol.”

Download the full report here.

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