World-renowned research institutions, leading innovative companies and a highly skilled workforce are key to Sheffield City Region’s success in attracting inward investors, a Government minister said on a recent visit to the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) (www.amrc.co.uk).

Graham Stuart MP (the Minister for Investment) met CEO Colin Sirett to discuss the AMRC’s position as a centre for excellence and its key role in Yorkshire’s offer to inward investors.

Mr Stuart was given a brief history of the AMRC and how it has helped to drive regeneration of the former Orgreave Colliery site, with founders Professor Keith Ridgway and Adrian Allen turning the centre from a ‘one man in a shed’ set-up in 2001 into a world leader in innovative research for advanced machining, manufacturing and materials — and creating a desirable model for collaborative research involving universities, academic and industry.

Mr Sirett explained how the AMRC has played a fundamental role in attracting global companies to the region — including Boeing Sheffield and McLaren — and is working to bring more business to the area.

He told the minister: “We are supporting inward investment, with the backing of the Sheffield City Region, and giving companies a degree of confidence to come to the region.”

The Minister later toured the neighbouring £50 million McLaren Composites Technology Centre, which the AMRC played a role in bringing to the region.

This innovation and manufacturing facility was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in November; it aims to be a world leader in lightweight carbon fibre and composites.

Mr Stuart’s visit followed recent figures showing that goods exports from Yorkshire and the Humber increased by 7.8% to £18.1 billion in 2018, making it the second-fastest growing region in the UK.