Kirsty Smitten, 28, Sheffield, awarded for founding spin-out company making first new class of antibiotics in over 35 years
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.
A tech spin-out from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre has seen customer traction rise and attracted £1.3m in their second funding round after using a Business Productivity Grant to create a ‘fit bit for UK manufacturing.’
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.
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.
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.
"I chose to work in Sheffield because I didn't want to leave! I have a really lovely group of friends still here, there's a great music scene and I love being able to dash off to the Peaks after work.”
Meet Zoe, one of our High Street Advisors. She's often out and about, from Dore to Totley, Ecclesfield to London Road, offering support to independent businesses across Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire area.
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.