100 results for the term ‘start ups’
Launchpad Pop-Up Store 2025: Impact Summary
The Launchpad Pop-Up Store 2025 brought new life to Sheffield city centre by turning an empty unit into a festive retail space. Over four weeks, local makers were supported to test selling in a physical store for the first time. Thirty-one Sheffield businesses took part, many representing diverse communities. More than 8,000 people visited the store and supported local traders. The pop-up showed the value of creating low-risk opportunities for independent businesses to grow.
University of Sheffield start-up secures £4m investment to bring ‘world first’ sensor to mass market
A University of Sheffield spin-out company has secured major investment from leading deep tech investors to bring its high-performance infrared sensors to the mass market.
Chris Wheater, tech scale up advisor
Meet Chris. He’s worked in tech for a long time. He started out in the 90s as a business consultant, he acquired a struggling IT company in need of turnaround. After transforming this to success over the following 10 years he then founded an e-commerce retailer in 2003.
Morgan Killick, tech scale up advisor
Meet Morgan. He lives and breathes tech. Morgan knows what he’s talking about because he’s an an ex-tech founder himself, with 20 years’ experience in starting and growing multiple businesses of his own.
Sheffield ranked as No.1 City in the UK to start a business
An annual ranking of the Top 25 Cities in the UK (outside of London) for starting a business, the Startups Cities Index is the most exhaustive research project of its kind. Sheffield was revealed as the ultimate winner, thanks to the city’s strong performance across business support, talent attraction, low cost of living, large working population and fantastic transport links.
Launchpad Pop-Up Market
Business Sheffield is proud to present the Launchpad Pop-Up Market, a festive initiative running from 27th November to 20th December 2025 at 108 Pinstone Street. This project, funded by the Launchpad Programme and delivered by Sheffield City Council, offers free, short-term retail space for early-stage makers and craft businesses to showcase their products, test new ideas, and engage with the community during the busy holiday season.
The Sport, Health and Wellbeing sector in Sheffield
Sheffield has a number of distinct assets within the Sport, Health and Wellbeing arena and, thanks to the rich heritage in medical technology development, the city is home to one of the UK’s largest Medical Devices clusters. Our manufacturing expertise means we also have one of the largest concentrations of orthopaedic, medical device and surgical instrumentation companies in the UK.
Under The Bridge Stage at Get Together
Taking over the Concourse outside Sheffield University Students’ Union, Under The Bridge will run 12pm - 8pm with a FREE outdoor live music, art and street food.
2:22 A Ghost Story
Following seven West End seasons, a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour and thirty productions across the globe, the stage phenomenon 2:22 A Ghost Story now comes/returns to Sheffield.
Tech Scale Up Advisors expand across South Yorkshire
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the Tech Scale Up Advisors programme by Business Sheffield, aimed at supporting tech businesses across South Yorkshire. This initiative, funded by TECH SY, will extend this service to Doncaster, Rotherham, and Barnsley, providing invaluable support to local tech startups and growing companies.
Razor: At the heart of digital in the North
It’s no longer about the big beating the small, but the fast beating the slow. And Razor are certainly at the front of the pack when it comes to digital transformation in the North.
Launchpad Pop-Up Store
Showcasing 27 small businesses, the Launchpad Pop-Up Store celebrates Sheffield’s independent spirit, bringing together early-stage makers to showcase their work and connect with the community. You’ll find handmade gifts, sustainable products and unique items perfect for the festive season.
Start or grow a business
Sheffield is a great place to start a business because it's big enough to feel like there's opportunity, but small enough to feel that you can make a difference. We have a strong business community with a genuine appreciation of local independents, a tech sector positioned for great collaboration and a rich manufacturing base.
Nether Edge named one of the best places to live in the UK
National newspaper, The Sunday Times, once again released their annual guide of the best places to live in the UK and Sheffield's Nether Edge was listed as one of only eight Northern residential areas to make their 2024 list.
Sheffield crowned UK Foodie Capital
Sheffield has been named as the UK Food Capital of the UK, according to a report by hospitality provider, Accor, as they reviewed the very best locations to indulge your taste buds and identified the best spots for different cuisines.
Hillsborough Vape Lounge Case Study
When Roger first visited Hillsborough Vape Lounge to offer his support, owner Steve Mansfield said thanks but no thanks. “Being me,” says Roger, “I said something like ‘Well, I bet you I could help make it even better!’” Later that day, Steve found himself stuck with something and decided to give Roger a call.
Radisson Blu hotel lined up for prestigious city centre location
Radisson Blu has been selected by Sheffield City Council as the preferred hotel brand for its flagship Heart of the City II hotel on Pinstone Street, overlooking the Peace Gardens.
Katie Keates - Business Advisor
Meet Katie, part of our business support team looking after young start-ups, SMEs and everything in between.
Sheffield Home of Football - Lost Grounds and Youdan Cup - Guided Walk
A guided walk of the lost football grounds in Sheffield (Highfields area 1857 to1875) and the Youdan Cup of 1867.
Kraken Up: An Improv Comedy Show by the Langoustines
Come and have a laugh as The Langoustines build a long-form fully-improvised story from your suggestions!
Open Up Sheffield
On the first two weekend of May each year, Open Up gives people the opportunity to visit artists, creatives, studios and inventive people at the places where they work in neighbourhoods across the city and beyond.
Sheffield’s Child Health Technology Conference builds global community
Sheffield is set to deliver an exciting follow up to the UK's first-ever Child Health Technology Conference in May 2022, with a host of international speakers set for the second edition.
Steve Peat, MTB World Cup Champion
Despite getting to ride the world over, Sheffield is still my favourite place to ride. Why would I live anywhere else? Look at it. The people. The mountain bike scene. The trails. Sheffield is the best place in the world to ride a bike.
Tim Nye
Tim tells us why Sheffield is a place where start-up independents have a chance.
The Sunday Times names Kelham Island one of the best places to live
Having been named one of the 51 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by TimeOut last year, Sheffield's Kelham Island continues to attract more positive press, as The Sunday Times has now named it one of their Best Places to Live in the UK in their 2023 guide.
Top walk, run or rides with a great pub
There are two things Sheffield is world famous for: our greenspace, and our beer. We thought it was worth celebrating this by giving you some top places to run, walk or ride AND find a proper pub to start, end, or break up your adventure.
A Charm of Magpies
Run by Lizzie Maskery, A Charm of Magpies create original jewellery that is colourful, creative, and designed to stand out.
Sheffield set to welcome landmark 10th edition of British Art Show
One of the UK’s most prestigious art events, British Art Show will return to where is all started, when the landmark tenth edition tours to Sheffield in October 2027 through a multi-venue partnership between Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Museums, Site Gallery, Yorkshire Artspace and Arts Catalyst.
Peak Cycling UK
Peak Cycling are a small, friendly, independent cycle guiding and training company operating in the Peak District. They have an extensive knowledge of the trails, tracks and roads in the Peak District. They can take you on classic wild Mountain bike trails, quiet roads away from busy traffic, or secret gravel tracks.
Peachzz mural lands Number 1 spot for Best Global Street Art in June
The stunning mural, which adorns the side of the Cubo building, overlooking Pound's Park in Sheffield City Centre, was unveiled last month and has been praised by Sheffielders and will now be entered into Street Art Cities' Best Global Street Art of Year, for 2024.
Art in the Gardens 2026
Taking place Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026 in Sheffield's stunning Botanical Gardens, Art in the Gardens is one of the largest outdoor art markets in the North of England, with artists, craft makers and visitors coming from across the UK.
A woodland art gallery
Twenty minutes' drive from Sheffield city centre, between the trees of Storrs Wood, lies Stoneface Creative - a hidden outdoor art gallery.
Sheffield spotlighted as UK travel destination on German Breakfast TV
Airing on German Breakfast show programme, ZDF’s Volle Kanne, the 13-minute city piece was broadcast in two segments and took German viewers on a whistle-stop tour or Sheffield’s key attractions, vibrant places and green spaces.
Sheffield street art named 2nd best in the World for 2024
The vibrant mural painted by artist Peachzz overlooks Pound's Park in Sheffield City Centre and was unveiled back in June last year to much praise by Sheffielders. It has now been ranked as 2nd Best in the World by online street art community, Street Art Cities.
Richard Caborn
Richard represented Sheffield as an MEP for 5 years and an MP for 27 years, including Minister for Sport, and is very active in the city today.
Look Up, Together!
Augmented reality brilliance on top of this Grade II listed building in the Heart of the City in Sheffield.
ERF - Street Art
New street art is a fantastic way to add vibrancy to an area, showcase local artistic talent and reflect the local community. New pieces of art can be a real talking point locally (and beyond) and give a real sense of place – contributing to community enjoyment of spaces.
Forged & Found Arts
Forged & Found Arts blends industrial heritage and contemporary art using Sheffield Steel blanks and reclaimed materials to handcraft inspiring and unique art.
Rory Jones - University of Sheffield graduate
Rory graduated with a first class BSc Chemistry degree from the University of Sheffield, and now uses data driven decisions to help guide software product-development, working as a Product Manager at Sheffield-based Ed-Tech start-up Tutorful.
Incubate & accelerate
The Sheffield tech ecosystem has developed significantly over the last few years with more tech businesses relocating and scaling in the city - in fact, in 2022 Startups has ranked us the best city in the UK to start a business.
Autumn walks in the UK City with more trees than people
Sheffield has the highest number of trees per person than any other city in Europe and so, there are some impressive natural displays in city through the seasons, especially during the autumnal months of the year.
Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park
Do you have what it takes to be a Ninja Warrior? Tackle this fun-packed course inspired by the hit ITV show and find out. There are obstacles the whole family can enjoy whether you start as a Ninja in training, or you’re a bit more of a master. Can you beat the wall?
Power Hour 4 - Do you have the skills & qualities to run your own business? (Online)
Business Sheffield are thrilled to announce a brand new series of 7 Business Start-up Power Hour workshops! In these FREE hour long in-person sessions you will be given the opportunity to ask questions and really learn about the main aspects and tools you will need to start up your business. You can book into one or more workshops in the series, depending on your needs.
The art of climbing
Sheffield inspires the development of one of the fastest growing sports in the world. From the roots of UK rock climbing in the 1880s, through to creating the routes for the inaugural climbing event at the Olympic Games 2020. We are 'home' for the originators of the sport, current Team GB Climbing athletes, designers and manufacturers, making us the Climbing Capital of the UK.
Success stories
Business Sheffield, together with Launchpad and other business support services in the city, have helped a number of local start ups and scale ups succeed in their ambitions.
Cubo
Modern co-working space with hot desking, dedicated desks and also private offices. Included in membership packages are perks such as a barista, beer on tap, private phone booths and private meeting rooms. Daily events are also included with lots of treats in store!
The Buzz for Sheffield's Food Scene
Is Sheffield the UK’s most exciting food city? Quite possibly, as an increasing number of the city’s restaurants and bars have been popping up in national listings and awards. Here we take a look at those attracting the attention...
Looping boat artwork unveiled on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal
Created by artist Alex Chinneck, the impressive canal boat sculpture named 'The Industry' has been unveiled to celebrate Sheffield's historic waterways and industrial heritage.
Look Up, it's a McKee!
This is Pete McKee's first foray into the world of augmented reality. Full of nostalgia and perfect to celebrate the football history of Sheffield, with some new characters, a dash of retro music, and a nod to the 'Soccer Kid' hit computer game developed here.
Wizu
From entrepreneurs to global corporates. Become part of a community of thriving businesses from all sectors. Stunning modern décor, high-level Wi-Fi, and bottomless brews are just some of the pluses that make Eyre Street one of the go-to workspaces in Sheffield. The redeveloped building features uniquely designed private offices, cosy co-working space, and high-spec meeting rooms - as well as a gym.
New Era Square
The final aspect of the New Era Square development (after residential and food and beverage, both already in place) is the 'work' spaces. Flexible to suit any needs, choose from 6 upper levels, and find out about bespoke fit-out packages for your business. The building is available to let, take a whole floor or just part of a floor.
Chapmans Case Study
Agricultural components manufacturer Chapmans has seen plenty of changes and challenges on its 30-year journey.
Relive the spirit of Le Tour in Sheffield
Stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ raced into Sheffield, along winding country roads, up infamous Sheffield hills and through the city’s streets. Retrace the route and give it a go!
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Get in touch with Marketing, Business, Conference or Invest Sheffield
EdTech in Sheffield
Sheffield has been a nationally significant centre for online learning and educational technologies since even before the decision to site the University for Industry here in 1998. Since then, there has been a steady stream of talent and new businesses born of this activity, developing resources and platforms for learning across many different industry verticals.
How Everyday Skills Can Make You a Great Entrepreneur
Discover how your everyday skills—like managing finances, making decisions, and persuading others—can help you start and run a successful business. Business Sheffield’s advisors share insights into transferable skills for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Conference
Sheffield makes for a smart event move. Search for venues, delegate experiences and access expert advice.
Look Up, it's Corbin Shaw!
The first digital media piece by Sheffield-born, renowned artist Corbin Shaw, celebrating the spirit of this brilliant city.
Best Brunch Spots
If brunch is your favourite meal of the day, these places won’t disappoint! From a classic full English fry-up to stacks of pancakes and avocado on toast, or maybe even just a really good cup coffee...
Look Up, and Drift!
Augmented reality brilliance on top of the Diamond - the University of Sheffield's school of Engineering, in Sheffield city centre.
Look Up, it's Hankong!
Augmented reality brilliance on the rooftop of the Graves Gallery and Central Library in Sheffield city centre.
Europe's largest purpose-built food hall, Cambridge Street Collective opens in Sheffield
The newest chapter in Sheffield’s story as a thriving food destination – this venue is way more than just another food hall, complete with dedicated BBQ, sushi and counter-top dining spaces, four vibrant bars, AR Darts, children's play area and outdoor rooftop terraces, while also incorporating a cookery school and community kitchen.
Papermill Case Study
As David puts it, “You know when you’re struggling with formatting in Word or Google Docs, and you end up wanting to throw your laptop out of the window in frustration? Papermill lets you focus on the content: you write what you want to, drop in other bits like images, tell Papermill what you want it to look like, and it does the rest.”
The energy sector in Sheffield
Sheffield is a leader in low carbon, resilient energy and is well positioned to deliver the Government’s Industrial Strategy ambitions for ‘affordable energy and clean growth’ in a bid for the city region to be recognised as the ‘Green Heart of Great Britain’, of which ‘Green hydrogen’ is a key economic focus in the move towards a net-zero carbon economy.
Sheffield Innovation Spine
The Sheffield Innovation Spine is about essential growth, through increasing capability for existing businesses, and encouraging domestic and foreign direct investment to take up the opportunities the Spine will present in the heart of the iconic and unique Outdoor City of Sheffield.
Dovestone Tor
High on Derwent Edge, Dovestone Tor has a wilder feel than most crags in the area. The longer walk in, and the fact that the sharp, gritty rock can sometimes be green, mean that it’s rarely busy up here – a perfect place to escape the crowds on a dry, sunny day.
Look Up, it's The Neon Pack!
Augmented reality brilliance along the top of Sheffield Hallam University's Owen Building, in the centre of Sheffield.
Mercure Sheffield St. Paul's Hotel & Spa
The 4 star Mercure St Paul’s Hotel and Spa Sheffield, boasts 169 modern bedrooms to include Classic, Privilege classifications & for something special why not upgrade to a Junior Suite with extra-added touches for that luxury feel. Ten meeting rooms varying in size and up to a maximum of 550 guests catering for any occasion, from the main meeting room to breakout spaces ideal for Conferences, meetings, incentives and events.
The Fringe at Tramlines
Each year, as Hillsborough Park gets ready to host the main Tramlines Festival, the rest of the city also gears up to stage a whole host of music events for all tastes. Taking place in various Sheffield venues 26 - 28 July 2024.
Work begins on new street art project set to create Sheffield’s biggest mural
Measuring 483.69 square metres in total, the artwork will be painted across 6 facades of the brown-brick NCP building on Wellington Street, paying homage to the natural topography which has defined Sheffield since the 12th century, as a city built on hills and rivers.
The beautiful game
The Sheffield Rules inspired the modern game, the World's First Football Club is still here, along with the World's Oldest Ground, and the World's Oldest Cup Match. It's certainly no overstatement to say that Sheffield helped shape the most popular sport in the world as we know it today.
Labre’s Hope
Labre’s Hope is a social enterprise which employs young people experiencing homelessness, or those at risk, to handcraft luxury soaps and candles.
DC Outdoors
With 20 years experience, DC Outdoors offer a wealth of adventure activities, including Rock Climbing, Canoeing and Stand Up Paddleboarding.
Beta Climbing Designs
Beta Climbing Designs was set up by Si Berry and Ian Barnes at the turn of the millennium to get their new remote clipping device "The BetaStick" into the marketplace. Over the coming years, The BetaStick went global and can now be found in sport climbers rucksacks all over the world. Today Beta Climbing Designs now has an extended product range beyond BetaStick, which can be found in climbing stores all over the world. They now produce various pieces of climbing equipment also.
Five Sheffield companies recognised in lists of top-performing tech businesses
Five Sheffield businesses have made it onto prestigious lists compiled by Tech Climbers, recognising the top-performing IP-rich, product-led tech businesses driving innovation in dynamic and expending regions across the UK.
Conference Sector strong as an exciting Autumn programme kicks off in Sheffield
The start of the Autumn season coincides with the publication of the annual Sheffield Conference Sector Report (UKCAMS) which has revealed there was a significant increase in the amount of money visitors of conference and business events brought to the city in 2023.
Vivacity Choir set to perform first full concert after surviving pandemic
A Hillsborough-based choir is preparing for its first full concert since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 - and everyone is invited!
Meet our team
The Business Sheffield team is made up of our permanent staff and a wide array of specialists who you can speak to directly to get support, advice and help. You can take a look at more information on any of the advisors to see what they specialise in and how to get in touch.
Record Summer in Sheffield
It’s been a successful summer in Sheffield as we’ve hosted a number of high-profile events (the Women’s Euros being a particular highlight) and some of hotels and venues having record breaking months. Conferences have played no small part in this and the team at Conference Sheffield have had one of our busiest and most successful summers to date. Here are a few of our highlights showing why Sheffield really does make for a smart event move.
Tourism brought £1.85 billion boost to Sheffield’s Economy in 2024
Sheffield’s visitor economy reached new heights in 2024, generating a record-breaking £1.85 billion – a 10% increase on the previous year and a full recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
The Sheffield Property Association
Established in 2017, the Sheffield Property Association is an independent association of significant land owning and development businesses in the city of Sheffield, who along with a wide range of professional organisations, are helping create and support the continued improvement of the city’s built environment. The Association’s members represent over 20,000 jobs and £4bn in assets.
Regeneration of Fargate and High Street
Connecting the Heart of the City to Castlegate, Fargate is one of the most important areas of the city. It’s time to revitalise it and make it the destination Sheffield deserves.
UBI
A Universal Basic Income, or UBI Lab is a citizen-led group exploring and advocating for Universal Basic Income. What many people don't know - even if they might have heard about UBI as a concept - is that it is borne out of Sheffield and facilitated by the social enterprise Opus.
Exciting Developments in Hillsborough’s Burgeoning Indie Scene
Over the last year (and despite the pandemic) Hillsborough has seen an influx of exciting new independent businesses, bringing a fresher feel and attracting new visitors to this reinvigorated part of Sheffield.
Channel 4 commissions Sheffield-based interior design TV contest
Channel 4 has teamed up with Remarkable TV and commissioned a new peak-time interior design contest based in Sheffield, in which competitors will take part in a series of design challenges to win their own dream apartment.
Is 2022 the year Sheffield became foodie capital of the north?
In 2018 The Times declared Sheffield the Northern Capital of Cool. In 2022 The Observer Food Monthly awards gave 5/6 Runners Up spots across the Food and Drink categories to Sheffield establishments. So are we now the Northern Capital of Food too?
Depot Climbing Centre
Depot Climbing Sheffield is one of the biggest bouldering centres in the UK, situated just off the Parkway, close to the city centre. Bouldering is a form of climbing that involves climbing short routes over safety matts below, making it the most accessible form of rock climbing.
Hayzie Printing Designs
Hayzie Printing Designs specialises in handmade ethnic cards and unique gifts, bringing creativity and cultural flair to every occasion.
Caayal
Caayal is a brand dedicated to ethical craftsmanship and cultural artistry. They work with fair trade organisations that empower artisan communities through fair wages and opportunities.
The advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors in Sheffield
We are known all over the world as a leading centre for engineering research, advanced manufacturing (or 2.0, as some call it), light weight technologies and specialist materials - and, perhaps most importantly, having the knowledge and skills base from our Universities to excel in prototyping and R&D too.
Bradfield
Just 7 miles out from the centre of Sheffield lies the civil parish of Bradfield, a quaint district of villages where the city starts to overlap with the beautiful Peak District National Park.
The 7 Steps to Marketing Success - Know your target market
Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? Our 7-step guide for small business owners will help you start strong and target your ideal customers effectively.
Art in the Gardens
Held in Sheffield's Botanical Gardens each September, Art in the Gardens is one the largest outdoor art market events in northern England, with artists, craft makers and visitors coming from across the UK.
Castle site transformation begins in Sheffield
Following the recent extensive archaeological research, including unearthing evidence of former steel works dating back to the 19th century and the remains of Sheffield Castle itself, the project is now moving into Phase 2 which will see redevelopment of the park and events space.
The 7 Steps to Marketing Success - Staying Competitive
In a constantly changing world, standing still can leave your business behind. Learn how regular SWOT analysis and market research can help you stay competitive and anticipate industry changes. Discover practical tips to keep up with customers, competitors, and market trends for ongoing success.
