Yvonne Asquith - Head of Service

With 30 years’ experience in economic development, Yvonne leads the Business Sheffield Service, delivering a citywide offer that helps businesses start, scale, innovate and invest. The service supports more than 2,500 businesses and entrepreneurs a year and plays a central role in delivering the Council’s Growth Plan by strengthening Sheffield’s business base, driving innovation, improving productivity and positioning the city for future growth.

Business Sheffield works closely with partners across the city and region, including SYMCA, both universities, the Chamber and employers, ensuring business support is aligned with Sheffield’s growth priorities. The service provides frontline insight into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses, helping to shape economic policy, inward investment activity and the city’s long‑term economic ambitions.

Yvonne founded and provides strategic oversight for the Diverse Business Advisory Board, which has reshaped how the Council engages with under‑represented founders and was recognised with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award at the Sheffield Business Awards.

In addition, Invest Sheffield attracts and supports new investment into the city, working with partners including the Sheffield Property Association, Sheffield BID, Sheffield Technology Parks and the Innovation Spine, alongside the new Landing Pad for inward investment, to secure growth in high‑value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, tech and health innovation. Yvonne is a Director of Sheffield Technology Parks, and colleagues from Business Sheffield and Invest Sheffield are active members of a number of city‑wide Boards and Steering Groups.