Grant Thornton paves way for city to play a bigger Powerhouse role

Professional services firm Grant Thornton has brought together Sheffield’s private, public and third sector leaders to discuss how they can make the most of the city’s innate strengths in the creative sector. Grant Thornton believes the city is well-placed to become a national centre for innovation and creativity.

At the inaugural event in Sheffield, entrepreneurs, fast growth businesses and accelerators, such as StairSteady, Dotforge, and Delicious Alchemy, made a commitment to work with leaders in the public and third sectors, such as the University of Sheffield and Sheffield City Council, to create an action plan for the city.

Grant Thornton is holding a series of events – or inquiries –in cities around the UK to assess how the key players can work together to boost their economic performance. Other events are planned in Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool.

Sacha Romanovitch, the chief executive of Grant Thornton UK, said: “Having set out a clear purpose to shape a vibrant economy, I’m excited that we’re kicking off our city inquiries to bring people together from the private, public and third sectors to consider how to tap into the unlocked potential in the UK.

“We know the biggest change comes from focusing on the right questions, sharing what is working already and building on that to move forward.

“It’s an ambitious approach – and we believe that by connecting and convening people in this way we’ll create lasting value for businesses, people and the communities in which they live and serve.”