Businesses Heard Loud and Clear at “You Said, We Did” Event in South Yorkshire

This morning, the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham played host to a powerful gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and regional influencers at the latest Quarterly Economic Survey event “You Said, We Did”.

Organised by the South Yorkshire Chambers and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), the event was a direct response to the voices of local businesses captured in the most recent Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).

The session opened with breakfast and networking, followed by a welcome from Matt Travis, Chamber President of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce (and Enzygo Ltd).

Dan Fell MBE, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, then presented the QES results, which revealed the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region. The findings (which can be found here) set the stage for a candid and constructive panel discussion featuring South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, alongside senior figures from SYMCA, the Olympic Legacy Park, and the Mayor's Business Advisory Board.

Throughout the morning, the panel addressed how the insights gathered from the business community are already influencing policy.

Mayor Coppard reaffirmed that transport remains central to South Yorkshire’s growth strategy, with plans to improve connectivity. He also acknowledged the role of public transport in enabling inclusive economic development and highlighted Rotherham’s leadership in this area.

The conversation turned to the future of aviation in the region, with reflections on how other regional mayors have revitalised airports as economic assets. The potential for South Yorkshire to follow suit was discussed, alongside the importance of clustering and international connectivity.

Innovation and technology were also high on the agenda. SYMCA’s AI strategy was outlined, including the development of an AI Growth Zone in Doncaster and efforts to localise national AI initiatives. Dr Sherry Kothari (Chair of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park) shared insights into how AI is being applied in health and education, while the British Chambers AI Academy was introduced as a new opportunity for regional upskilling.

Despite the challenges of the past year, there was a sense of cautious optimism among attendees. Businesses acknowledged the difficulties but expressed a desire for clearer support and fewer barriers.

Mayor Coppard responded with a commitment to long-term thinking, noting that while success is never linear, bold decisions today will lead to prosperity tomorrow.

The event also addressed the future of business support, with concerns raised about the end of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding. The Skills Bank was praised for its accessibility and impact, particularly in Rotherham, and there was a strong call to ensure that support remains equitable across the region.

In closing, Mayor Coppard reflected on the broader challenges facing productivity, noting that a significant portion of the issue is linked to health. His message was clear: the region must take a holistic approach to growth, one that listens to businesses and acts on their needs.

“You Said, We Did” was a vital platform for ensuring that the voices of South Yorkshire’s business community are not only heard but translated into meaningful action. The next one (reflecting on QES Q3 & Q4 will take place in January).

The next QES opens on 4 August and the hot topic will be AI Business Readiness.

You can recap on the QES Q2, which was focused on International Trade and Business Growth below.