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.
A sustainable and commercial business model, they provide power to over 100,000 people with bases in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria. They expect to reach one million customers within the next three years.
The Key Fund knew for some time that they wanted to invest in a tailored system, but the opportunity didn’t come until they heard about the Business Productivity Grant.
Kirsty Smitten, 28, Sheffield, awarded for founding spin-out company making first new class of antibiotics in over 35 years
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.
Considering a website for your business but don’t know where to start? Join our "Beginners Website Course for Start-ups - Part 2" for hands-on learning. Course Highlights: Practical Demonstration: Watch and learn as we create web pages using a popular website builder platform. Interactive Learning: Encourage discussions and interaction between participants and facilitator.
Brigantes Orchestra takes you around the world! Last stop: America!
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.
There are a number of documents, toolkits and assets that help you to use the Sheffield brand and visual identity, which you can find out more about and download to use.
A former builder who dreamed of the good life has transformed the forgotten underground vaults of Kelham Island into a haven for producing organic edible produce after calling on help from Launchpad, a unique programme which provides business support to new and aspiring entrepreneurs based in the Sheffield City Region.
Alexis Moschopoulos came up with the idea for Grobotic Systems as an academic in the field of plant science. He felt the that the expensive and inefficient equipment he had to use to grow plants for experiments was holding back progress in his field. After several years of discussion and experimentation with his friend Richard Banks, an electronics engineer and maker, the pair founded Grobotic Systems in 2018.
Farah-Naz Khan, a renowned holistic yoga therapist, trainer and social entrepreneur has dedicated her career to enabling people to take ownership of their own health and wellbeing.
Tickets for Good uses ticket sales to create donation programmes within the events industry for charities and social projects. The Ticket Bank is for charities and community organisations that want to improve access to the arts for their service users; or as a reward for their service users/beneficiaries.
Agricultural components manufacturer Chapmans has seen plenty of changes and challenges on its 30-year journey.
We are thrilled to announce that Business Sheffield won the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion Award at the 2024 Sheffield Business Awards!
Ferrio help businesses of any size and tech capability level connect their software applications and data.
Sheffield is now playing a part in the green energy revolution that’s gaining traction fast. As a power systems technology firm, Libertine is a key player in this rapidly changing movement.
Based on eight years of research into insect brains by Sheffield University’s Professor Marshall and Dr Cope, Opteran was then launched in 2020 as a spin-out from the university’s Department of Computer Science.
It's been a trying time to start a new business; and Rob and Nikki have really valued the support of Sally Pepper, Business Information Officer with Business Sheffield.
TV presenter and Co-Founder of The Outdoor Guide, Julia Bradbury grew up in Sheffield and learnt to love walking right here in the city. Like many Sheffielders, she used to spend her weekends out in the Peak District with her Dad, just a stone’s throw away from the city limits, so she knows a lot about the beauty that exists right here in The Outdoor City.
Sheffield is the only European factory for the world’s largest aerospace company, Boeing, with a multi-million pound investment bringing new jobs and providing the region’s businesses with new supply chain opportunities.
A Sheffield based entrepreneur who brought a vision of Vietnam to the city is thriving after securing financial and business support from two City Region initiatives designed to support new and existing entrepreneurs.
Matt Begley took over the Walkley Cottage in December 2020: bad timing, some might say, especially for his first time running a pub.
Thanks to the Grey to Green project, use of meanwhile spaces, and inventive creations from markets to skateboard areas, Castlegate is seeing a total transformation.
Four specially designed tote bags encouraging people in Sheffield to shop local will be available from a selection of independent retailers across the city.
This workshop explains the rights available to businesses and how you can use them to your advantage. The benefits intellectual property rights can give are more than just protection to your ideas. They can also impact taxation and even immigration.
A practical workshop designed for start-ups, small business owners, and anyone looking to improve their online presence. By the end of this session, attendees will understand the essentials of SEO, have the confidence to use free tools, and leave with a clear step-by-step plan to improve their website visibility.
A practical workshop designed for start-ups, small business owners, and anyone looking to improve their online presence. By the end of this session, attendees will understand the essentials of SEO, have the confidence to use free tools, and leave with a clear step-by-step plan to improve their website visibility.
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.
Sheffield Inspires is the new way of talking about Sheffield, to raise the city's profile, perception, reputation - and ultimately grow the economy. you can find out more about exactly what it is, how it was made, when and where you can use it or see it, and generally be part of championing why this is such a great city.
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.
At Business Sheffield, we’re committed to helping local organisations become more efficient, sustainable and resilient. Through our Low Carbon Grant, we support Sheffield businesses to lower their energy use, reduce running costs and reinvest their savings where it matters most.
Still spending too much time on repetitive business tasks? This practical workshop will show you how to use AI to speed up everyday work, improve consistency and build smarter systems for your business. From writing social media posts and emails to organising admin tasks, customer processes and internal workflows, discover how AI can help you work more efficiently.
Learn how to craft key messages, authentic copy, and compelling images that resonate with your audience. Discover how to communicate your brand’s benefits, avoid clichés, and create visuals that truly reflect your brand’s personality. Need guidance? Our Beginner’s Guide to Marketing workshop covers this and much more.
It’s not just locals who spot the potential our vibrant city has to offer. International companies are now calling Sheffield home too, thanks to the world-class talent, resources, and opportunities available. And that’s exactly what happened with Pendo.
Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? Our 7-step guide for small business owners will help you start strong and target your ideal customers effectively.
Did you know it costs 5 to 10 times more to acquire a new customer than to sell to an existing one? Loyal customers also spend around 67% more per order. Learn the 3 essential steps to maximize your existing customer base: staying connected, expanding business share, and showcasing your full range of offerings. Treat your current customers like the valuable assets they are
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.
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.
An accelerator programme, TwinklHive opened its doors in 2019 and provides space, investment, and support to accelerate the growth of innovative like-minded start-ups that are looking to solve a real problem for their customer.
‘The hospitality industry has changed greatly post-pandemic’ says Deborah Tillbrook, ‘Not only did Covid 19 make the distribution & serving of food very different, but it also galvanised the pace of sustainability advancements within the industry.'
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.
Glass Onion sell vintage clothes that have been sourced from textile recycling plants across Europe and the USA.
The Steamworks is an 11,000 square foot blank canvas event space, available for a variety of uses. With a licensed bar and a network of delicious food vendors they can put on truly special gatherings just a stone's throw from the City Centre.
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.
Jane has worked with local business from start-ups to multi £m turnover concerns for the last 15 years, giving practical, no nonsense advice, training and guidance.
Known for his pragmatic and practical advice Andy worked with hundreds of businesses during the pandemic to help with immediate cash flow issues and is now helping businesses to look at productivity, performance and digital challenges. He provides expert support on those tricky grant funding applications too.
Meet Anne, HR Business Consultant. With 20 plus years’ HR experience in the private sector, Anne offers pragmatic advice and practical support.
The prestige of McLaren choosing our city is humbling and speaks for itself, but importantly for Sheffield it has also created approximately 200 jobs and will provide an estimated £100 million of GVA (gross value added) benefit to the local economy by 2028.
An aspiring entrepreneur who turned his back on a lucrative career in software development in a bid to do his bit for the environment has embarked upon a one man mission to transform the way we purchase everyday goods by banning plastic packaging from his eco-friendly shop.
Situated on Carver St Good Good Vintage have taken over the iconic vintage location that used to be Freshmans keeping it alive as Good Good Vintage with a brand new look and the added bonus of a café.
The true story of Jamie Campbell is one that is completely intertwined with Sheffield, and one that we are incredibly proud to tell as a city because it reflects the values of inclusivity and diversity that we want to champion.
An engineer with a lifelong love of flying is spreading his wings into the world of business, after stepping in to secure the future of Britain’s only hang glider manufacturer.
Womanthology is a digital magazine and professional community for women of all ages and backgrounds as they progress through their careers. It is powered by female energy and ingenuity. The platform champions positive female role models by sharing good news stories, best practice and wisdom from everyone, regardless of gender, collaborating to create a gender positive experience in the workplace.
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.”
Mohsin Farmanieh and his wife Fatemeh opened Toranj in the Moor Market in June 2021. COVID-19 made it a challenging time to open a new business, but far from being held back, the pair were keen to expand into a high street shop front.
Julian Gjini bought his café on Abbeydale Road when there were hardly any thriving businesses in the area, and has watched the independent business community grow to the point where Tesco is almost the only chain store on the street.
The city has been shortlisted for three major placemaking accolades at this year's City Nation Place Awards. The transformation of a massive part of Sheffield City Centre is in the running, alongside the city’s recent brand development work, pitting Sheffield against an impressive list of other places from around the world.
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.
Video games have a long heritage in Sheffield, from Gremlin back in the 80s to Sumo Digital today. And from its humble beginnings, Sumo Digital has grown into a world-beating, multi-award-winning studio since it was founded in 2003.
ITM Power partnered with The University of Sheffield – world renowned for its expertise in energy innovation – to plan and fund a National Hydrogen Research Innovation and Skills Centre. It’s here they’ll research the safe and efficient manufacturing of hydrogen using low or zero carbon sources of energy.
Are you a Diverse Business Owner looking to supply for the Council? Sign up to the Provider Registration Form to be notified and invited to bid for the Council’s contract opportunities. By signing up, you will increase your organisation’s visibility within the Council. This means that your organisation will be intentionally considered when we publish opportunities that align with your business profile.
Business Sheffield is here to support retail and hospitality business on each of our 40 local high streets.
Every different type of business has its own favoured route for presenting itself in the best light. Whereas traditional retailers might spend hours crafting the perfect ‘shop window display’ or product brochure, in the digital era, attention and resources are lavished on perfecting websites or indeed carefully curating an Instagram feed with on-brand imagery.
A young entrepreneur is lighting up a bright new future for himself after sniffing out an opportunity to apply his creative flair to the age-old tradition of candle making by capturing the spirit of Sheffield in wax form.
Planning applications were submitted by the developer Urbo at the beginning of March for 368 high quality apartments, 100,000 sq ft of grade A offices and two new attractive public squares.
What is ‘Place Making’ and why should it matter? Place making is all about turning spaces into places people feel proud of and part of every day.
The Lantern Theatre has been used as a location to host a huge range of professional and amatuer productions over the years. It has played host to music concerts, professional theatre productions, live bands, charity events, company team building events, acting classes, as a film location and even as a sound recording area for a local film.
Easily accessible from over the Supertram bridge at Park Square roundabout, or out the rear entrance of the train station, in South Street Park, it has fantastic views across to the city centre, and has been used for performances, screenings and installations.
The Hide is a quirky, bright yellow art deco building venue, sitting in the heart of what used to be Sheffield’s city ‘Little Italy'. This lovingly restored, inner city warehouse hosts weddings, private parties and celebrations as well as exhibitions and corporate events.
Opened in 1998 and now a registered charity Hillsborough Sports Arena was funded by Sport England to develop what was a run-down area into a safe, attractive, positive environment. It has developed over the years to become a valuable community, sports, recreational and social centre owned, managed and used by local people.
Marianne supports existing Sheffield businesses in relocations and expansions, as well as businesses from outside the city that are looking to invest here. You can chat to her about property or site locations, liaising with agents and organising itinerary for viewings, and signposting businesses for staff relocation support services which include securing accommodation and establishing roots in the city.
As one of the craft brewing capitals of the world, there's a lot of folk in Sheffield who know a thing or two about making, selecting and drinking some of the finest brews - be they sours, stouts, IPAs, APAs or straight up bitters.
Sheffield has a wealth of independent shops for you to browse. Whether you're on the hunt for standout vintage pieces, eye-catching homeware, or simply just a vibrant neighbourhood to browse, the city's indie retailers have got you covered.
From suntrap terraces to cobbled courtyards in former cutlery workshops and even the odd rooftop, explore our guide of great places to enjoy outdoor drinks and fantastic food in Sheffield.
As we prepare to bid farewell to the year, we round up 22 (see what we did?) of our favourite 2022 additions to the Steel City food, drink and events scene.
Renuka is a medical herbalist and forager who runs public workshops, gives presentations to local groups and holds regular walks in the Peak District. The walks include learning about poisonous plants through solving a murder-mystery puzzle, exploring the historical uses of plants complete with references to Shakespeare and his contemporaries, identifying medicinal plants growing in our hedgerows and fields, learning about trees and how they can communicate with each other.
2024 promises another huge line-up of exciting events and festivals happening across Sheffield, from large music festivals and international sporting events to food & drink celebrations, outdoor markets and lots of family fun.
2026 promises another huge line-up of exciting events and festivals happening across Sheffield, from large music festivals and international sporting events to outdoor markets and lots of family fun. Get planning your adventures in Sheffield with our event guide.
Wadsley and Loxley Common is an area of managed heathland in the North of Sheffield. It's principle use is by walkers.
Sheffield is known as a city of makers and the 'Made in Sheffield' mark of excellence could easily be stamped on some of the produce coming out of the bakehouses, cafes and patisseries across our city. Here's 20 'must try' bakeries in Sheffield...
Looking for the perfect spot to impress? Whether it's your first outing or a special anniversary celebration, Sheffield is brimming with places that set the mood just right.
For many, the isolation and loneliness created by successive national and local lockdowns was alleviated by the pitter-patter of puppy paws, but as dog owners faced the prospect of returning to the workplace, a canine loving entrepreneur turned his passion for pooches into pounds after calling on help from Launchpad.
From outdoor adventures with egg hunts and trails to hands-on activities, see our rundown of family fun events happening across Sheffield this Easter holidays.
A guide to some of Sheffield’s best coffee spots, whether you want to linger and enjoy the vibe or grab something on the go. Some places offer full geek-level tasting notes and precision brewing, others just serve a great cup of coffee.
Ecclesall Road offers a three mile stretch of restaurants, coffee houses, pubs, bars and shops. Running parallel is the shorter but equally vibrant, Sharrow Vale Road.
This session will cover start-up costs - what to consider when calculating your initial costs and operational expenditure, and the importance of carefully managing your cashflow.
Once you've mastered the art of organic social media marketing, you might be curious to learn how paid ads could make a difference. Is your organic social media content getting lost in the noise? Ready to ditch the "boost post" blues? Scared of wasting money on social media ads that go nowhere? In this interactive workshop and live demo, you'll discover how paid social media campaigns (paid ads for short) can broaden your reach, increase engagement, and improve sales performance.
Sharing the same hill, Crookes and Walkey are close enough to one another that you could easily take a shopping stroll round both in a morning or afternoon, and maybe even add on a visit to Broomhill too. All are home to a selection of unique retail businesses.
From music festivals to Halloween activities, see our rundown of fun events happening in Sheffield this Autumn.
Sheffield actually has more than 800 managed green spaces across 4,000 hectares within the city boundary. With so much on offer, we wanted to create something to help demonstrate how accessible greenspaces are in The Outdoor City and so we commissioned a ‘Greenground Map’ from designer Helen Ilus.
One of the principal concerns many students have about university is whether university is an affordable option for them. Whilst money worries are an understandable concern, Sheffield can be a great place for low cost student living!
"Whilst I’m not sure what my long term career plans are yet, there are a lot of opportunities for career development, including operational management, strategy or healthcare analytics in the NHS. Working in the NHS supporting healthcare professionals and helping patients is such an interesting, challenging and rewarding career I hope to stay working in NHS management for the next few years at least.”
"The best thing about being a student at University of Sheffield for me truly is the diversity and inclusivity that has been created. There is a place here for everyone no matter where you are from. The student community is strong and full of different and unique voices and I know for a fact that this beautiful environment is a rare find and I am so blessed to study here."
"I’ve been to many cities around England and at the end of the day I’m always glad that I chose to study at Sheffield."
"Sheffield has an amazing mix of shops, restaurants and cafés that mean that everyone's individual shopping preferences are met!"