Trans Pennine Tunnel Initiative: What are your thoughts?

Would you like to see an alternative route across the Pennines that will reduce travel time and ease congestion? Hear the results first at the Quarterly Economic Survey Breakfast, 10th January at the Holiday Inn, Barnsley.

Business leaders from across the Sheffield City Region will meet to hear the results of the closing Quarter of 2016 and debate infrastructure challenges and improvements that will support businesses across the Sheffield City Region in the years to come.

“The Quarterly Economic Survey is the most significant and credible business survey in the UK.  This event will engage businesses across the region to have their say about what infrastructure really needs while debating the opportunity to improve transport networks connecting Sheffield City Region and Greater Manchester,” says Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive for Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.

Over 300 local businesses completed the Sheffield City Region Quarterly Economic Survey sponsored by RBS South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire in quarter 4, feeding back on their past and forecasted trading issues.

Prof. Andrew Simpson, University of Sheffield Management School will present the survey results and compare them with the previous quarters to better understand any changes in the economy and what this means for regional businesses.

The results will also show what businesses think about international students studying in the Sheffield City Region and how they support and develop the regional economy, including revenue they generate for local businesses and what the effects of reduced student numbers would have on those businesses.

Director General, Adam Marshall from the British Chambers of Commerce will speak about transport infrastructure investment, the economic growth opportunities for Sheffield City Region and where it fits into the national agenda.

The Deputy Business Editor of the Yorkshire Post, Greg Wright, also will facilitate a panel debate with Andrew Cairns – Trans Pennine Tunnel Study Team, Clive Watkinson – Chair of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber’s Transport Working Group, Tony Hickton – Hickton Consultants, and Peter Kennan – Hawsons Chartered Accountants. They will discuss what the Trans-Pennine Tunnel feasibility study has outlined and what the potential economic and infrastructure benefits might hold for the region.

Following the Autumn Statement, businesses need to be clear about what they want for the region to ensure Chambers and local government can deliver on the needs of the regional economy. Continues Andrew: “The Sheffield City Region Chambers continue to call on the government to prioritise the economy over politics, and are aligned with the British Chambers of Commerce in getting the best deals for business given the pending Brexit negotiations. There will never be a better time for businesses to get their points across as this will define the future of the Sheffield City Region economy in the challenging times ahead.”

The breakfast event, supported by the Holiday Inn at Barnsley, will include networking opportunities with other regional businesses.

Join us for the Sheffield City Region Quarterly Economic Survey Breakfast event at the Holiday Inn, Dodworth, 8am-10am, Tuesday 10^th January 2017. Register at www.screconomy.org.uk or telephone Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber on 01709 386200.