The panel, which will be co-chaired by Sheffield Council leader Coun Paul Scriven and Garry Meakin, a partner at accountancy firm Grant Thornton, will have 23 members from various organisations across the city.

Coun Scriven said: "Sheffield's business community is at the heart of the economy, helping to generate wealth and jobs in the city.

"We know that the views of local business leaders are integral to this. We are working together to help local businesses grow and to help protect and expand local job opportunities.

"We want Sheffield to be a great place to do business.

"We are listening to business and want to work in partnership to improve things in the city.

"We want to build trust and credibility through a long-term relationship between business and the council, something the city has lacked in the past."

The panel will meet quarterly and give businesses the opportunity to air their views. Wherever possible, the council will then take action on issues raised.

Coun Scriven added: "We know the council has had a reputation for
stifling business in the past, but that is a reputation I want us to leave behind.

"The Business Advisor Panel has a range of skills and expertise that will work to take the city forward."