MAYOR of South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis praised local businesses at a Chamber of Commerce event.
Speaking at the Chamber Means Business event, the mayor pledged to address challenges that would encourage further economic growth, laying out plans to improve productivity, transport infrastructure and the workforce.
Mr Jarvis said: “I was pleased to address the Chamber Means Business event and hear from companies across Barnsley and Rotherham, who have so much to offer our region.
“But I am under no illusions of the challenges facing our business community, in areas such as skills and transport infrastructure. Westminster cannot and never will be best placed to deliver a response to these challenges.
“We must own them. So as mayor, I am getting on with the job, providing leadership, vision and ambition.
“I serve as mayor because I believe ours is a region whose best days are in front of us not behind us.
“Since my election in May I have been focused on developing a vision for a Global Innovation Corridor that builds on the advanced manufacturing and engineering strengths we have here.
“This will help in creating a truly connected set of business to business interactions, as well as attracting new global investors.
“We all have a part to play in telling our story, and there is much for us to champion.
“I will personally be taking this story around the world to seek new investment, build new partnerships and attract new businesses and I hope businesses in the Sheffield City Region will also join me in telling this story, wherever we go.”
More than 350 representatives from local businesses attended the event, which also included a forum session hosted by the President of the Chamber, Lisa Pogson where they could pose questions to Barnsley and Rotherham Councils.
Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Chamber Means Business is a unique event in the Chamber calendar.
“One which provides our members with the chance to hear about future plans for the region, as well as offering a chance to make new connections and create opportunities to retain business within the local economy.
“It is clear from the speeches by both Mr Jarvis and our representatives from Barnsley and Rotherham Councils the vital role every business plays in helping to shape the local economy and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the day, from our visitors to our exhibitors for making this year’s event our most successful one to date.”
