Creative Sheffield, the first economic development arm of Sheffield City Council recently put out a report on the positive economic developments of 2016… and it makes very good reading. Sheffield is thriving on many levels and as we start 2017 it is worth reflecting on some of the achievements, success and progress from the previous 12 months.

Business Sheffield, I learnt, is an organization that works with firms in the city to start up and grow: creating jobs and feeding the City’s economy. And in 2016 alone the service received 4,000 clients through its Gateway, delivered 3,000 hours of face to face contact with existing business clients and provided 1,300 hours of pre start up. Sheffield means business.

As ever, Sheffield’s two world leading universities continue to draw in talent, entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to the city.  The skilled labour availability and potential for future expansion has been a key driver for software technologies to relocate and expand in Sheffield. Earlier this month Commercial Property Partners (CPP) noted that further tech companies were moving into and expanding within the city, with the Sheffield Star reporting that the booming sector is set to create hundreds of jobs. We’re quickly establishing ourselves as a hub for the tech industry.

It’s no wonder that technology recruitment experts Affecto – for whom we manage their social media, PR and stakeholder relations – continue to go from strength to strength, with so many sector-specific companies opening up right here on our doorstep.

MK’s client of three years, Sheffield-based telematics firm The Floow, was awarded the Queen’s Award for Innovation – not to mention their notable presence on a much publicised trade mission to India with the Prime Minister Theresa May.

Our reputation for manufacturing continues to grow too. Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) is a critical driver for the north, placing our city region firmly on the international stage in the field.

Elsewhere the 3 St Paul’s Place development has enhanced the city centre’s dynamic business, attracting the likes of Handelsbanken to relocate.

Within retail The Moor’s redevelopment is well underway and HSBC were announced as the anchor tenant for the first phase of the Sheffield Retail Quarter.

Towards the end of last year British Land announced details of Meadowhall’s proposed Leisure Hall. The plans represent the single biggest investment in Meadowhall since it opened more than 25 years ago. At over £300 million, the proposals are also one of the largest investments in the Sheffield City Region for a decade and will create over 1,000 jobs. Great news for our city and our region.

MK client The Botanist moved to the city in autumn last year too, supporting Sheffield’s growing night life culture and Alive after Five campaign. Good, good.

And Sheffield’s very own Brocco on the Park scooped the Good Hotel’s Guide Best City hotel of the year… wow. And very well deserved.

The Outdoor City, an initiative that celebrates Sheffield’s great outdoors has grown in stature in 2016, with £100k investment into run routes across the city, the introduction of the Sheffiekd 10K, the city’s first dual slalom mountain bike ride, the 10th anniversary of Cliffhanger Festival.

Our Olympic Legacy Park received outline planning approval which will see around 3,000 people work, learn and improve fitness at the multi million pound 35 acre site at Attercliffe.

Sheffield’s International Documentary Festival now attracts over 30,000 to our city every year along with the film greats, and Off the Shelf also continues to place Sheffield firmly on the arts map.

Sheffield Theatres, the most successful theatre group outside London continues to attract world class performances and has recently picked up The Stage award for Regional Theatre of the Year (for the third year running…)

It’s worth acknowledging too the Chinese investment, which saw the Sichuan Guodong Group announce a 60 year partnership with Sheffield last year. This is the biggest deal with a Chinese investment partner of any city outside London… Another great boost for our great city, and the opportunity to create thousands of new jobs.

Sheffield as they say is super. Here’s to 2017.