New Master Cutler's pledge to help develop vital sectors

Mr Speirs also spoke about the health problems which had left him in intensive care for six weeks earlier this year.

The polymath accountant, engineer and university professor, chief executive of company doctor ProTurn, was installed in traditional ceremonies in Sheffield at the Cutlers Hall and the cathedral.

He described about how illness left him battling to walk and said: "There are talented young people in Hallamshire who we need to encourage to find and use their talents.

"This requires using our talents inherent in both (Sheffield) universities to grow and develop manufacturing and technology in Hallamshire."

Scottish-born Mr Speirs became a Freeman of the Company of Cutlers more than 25 years ago. His installation creates an unbroken line of Masters since August 1624, when the Cutlers' Company was formed to protect the city's craftsmen and their craft.

Mr Newman used his term of office to encourage manufacturers in South Yorkshire to call for more political support for manufacturing and its growth potential.