Councillor Bob Johnson, set to become the new Leader of Sheffield City Council in the new year, can confirm that Richard Caborn will continue as Sheffield’s Ambassador for Business and Industry, a role he has served in since 2014.
The role, which is unpaid, has seen Caborn support the council in numerous economic projects over recent years, most notably his role pioneering the development of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. However, he has also provided support on other key economic projects such as HS2, Heart of the City and devolution.
Councillor Johnson was given a tour of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park facility on Friday. The site has been a hub of some key successes for the city in recent years including Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre which opened in January and hosts the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine. As well as a new University Technical College specialising in computing, health science and sport science, a school and sports facilities which have hosted home games for Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Football Club and Sheffield United Women Football Club.
Councillor Bob Johnson, said:
“Richard brings such a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts that are massively beneficial for Sheffield. He continues to be a huge asset for the city, which is plain for everyone to see just by looking at everything he has made happen at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, bringing together so many partners across the city to renew Sheffield as a city of sport in the 21st century.
“I am delighted that he has agreed to continue in this role which he is not only working on the more visible projects such as Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, but he also promotes Sheffield externally and has helped to make our case to key decision makers in Westminster.
“It’s vital as we tackle what will be some of the greatest economic challenges we have faced as a city and need to develop a big new ambitious agenda to stimulate our economic recovery. Richard can make a massive contribution to developing our ideas and ambitions as well as making them happen, securing investment and bringing some of our key partners together.”
Richard Caborn, Sheffield Ambassador for Business & Industry, said:
“It has been a privilege to support Julie Dore over these past years in some important projects which have come to fruition under Julie’s leadership. This has included the creation of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, which I have been proud to lead on as well as providing support and advice in developments such as the Heart of the City, as well as bringing HS2 into our city centre.
“I’m pleased to be continuing in this role under Bob Johnson as the new Leader of the Council. Never has it been more important that we pull together as a city and a region as we look to put Sheffield at the heart of the economic recovery.
“We have major economic drivers in the city that to give us the platform to create jobs and opportunities for everyone and put Sheffield at the heart of the UK economy. The new Leader has set out the importance of the city coming together to deliver on this potential to be and I will be pleased to offer my support to help to achieve this.”
