Sheffield Innovation Spine
The Sheffield Innovation Spine is about essential growth.
Growth by increasing capability for existing businesses, and growth by encouraging domestic and foreign direct investment to take up the opportunities the Spine will present.
In short, due to the wealth of tech and manufacturing start and scale ups - particularly in the health and life sciences sector - there is a significant demand for spaces that these businesses need for R&D, labs and testing facilities. At present those businesses need to move from Sheffield to find those spaces - but we are committed to giving them what they need to keep the talent, IP, and vibrant business culture here in Sheffield and contribute to complementing our regional partners (Leeds and Manchester) in the 'northern triangle', as well as the broader New Palo Alto ecosystem.
Image from Dealroom
Building on existing strengths in advanced manufacturing and health tech, we believe this is the city to be if you want to scale up at pace whilst continuing to innovate. Life sciences are predicted to be one of the fastest growing international export sectors between 2019 and 2030, and Sheffield needs to be at the heart of that.
Coupled with the quality of life, outdoor space, and grassroots culture that the city offers, it's the ideal place for business to thrive - and all within the city centre. Because this isn't a project starting something up on an industrial park. The vision has identified buildings and spaces ripe for development within the heart of the city (which has already seen £470m invested by the City Council to huge critical acclaim), clustered around University campus sites and all the independent shops and venues expected from the 4th largest city in the country.
Sheffield Technology Parks, Sheffield City Council, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have therefore initiated a 2-year project to develop and launch a Sheffield Innovation Spine prospectus, incorporating innovation spaces such as laboratories and specialist facilities, alongside housing, public realm and economic development activity.
The beginning of the Spine: Phlux at Pennine Five
Phlux Technology is a University of Sheffield tech spin out that is taking up residence in the newly redeveloped Pennine Five building. Their breakthrough infra-red sensor technology is revolutionising the performance of automated driver technology in the automotive industry, but they are also working with the European Space Agency too on satellite terminals.
A perfect example of Sheffield's making heritage combining with the scale up potential the city has to offer as a result of the facilities being put in place and the talent available on the doorstep, we are delighted that this move from Phlux is the heralding of the type of activity the Innovation Spine can be central to on a regular basis.
Phlux TechnologyThe Tech South Yorkshire ecosystem
TECH SY is growing the the confidence and capacity to support tech startups and scale ups in the region, on the behalf of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
The ecosystem is growing, and TECH SY have partnered with Dealroom to document and visualise in real time to give you the most accurate picture of what it looks like on the ground.
Get in touch with one of the team
Dean Hughes, Investment Manager
Dean works with investors on preparing briefs and presentations. He’s an expert on Sheffield’s commercial property market & development pipeline. Better still, he’s here to provide impartial advice to help you find the most suitable office or premises for your business.
Marianne Hawksworth, Investment Manager
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.
Job vacancy: Project Director for Sheffield Innovation Spine
Want to apply for the Project Director role?
Sheffield Tech Parks would love to hear from you - please drop them a line on: jobs@shefftechparks.com
Discover more about Sheffield
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.
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.
Future Talent
From apprentice right through to post graduate, the fact that two world-class Universities are based right here in the centre of the city means you're right in the mix with some of the best brains.
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.
The digital & tech sector in Sheffield
You'll find an ever expanding value chain which is delivering specialist training to support growth in the sector, and a thriving network of over 100 companies, incubators and organisations; all of which make-up our digital media and technology ecosystem.
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.
Living
Looking to balance your outdoor lifestyle with the buzz of a thriving city? Make yourself at home here, amongst our famously friendly hills.
Outdoors & nature
The UK's greenest city, where nature and culture intertwine. The historic Peak District National Park and and spiritual home of the country's climbing scene, with downhill mountain biking, road cycling and a hive of activity for kayakers, walkers and runners of all ability.
