Revolution signalled as women take top civic roles in steel city

The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce today inaugurates its first female president, Suzanne Liversidge, whose stepmother, Pam Liversidge, becomes the first female Master Cutler next month.

The appointments follow the election of a female council leader, Lord Mayor and High Sheriff, which together show that Sheffield “is having a bit of a revolution”, according to Suzanne Liversidge.

She told the Yorkshire Post: “I’m not suggesting the fact we are women will directly boost an economy, but what it does show is that Sheffield is a modern and progressive city, led by men and women who are passionate about its success and who are committed to driving it forward.

“Sheffield has become a city where women can achieve and influence and can create role models for the next generation. That can only be a good thing for the region.”

The high-flying lawyer revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, MP for Sheffield Hallam, sent her a handwritten note to congratulate her, adding “it’s about time” that the chamber had a female president.

Ms Liversidge, 42, describes herself as a no-nonsense and positive person and said she would act as a passionate advocate for the city during her term as president.

She added: “Everybody who knows me knows I’m a complete Sheffield lass and always will be. I love the people, I love the area and I love the choice and variety we have. I will use that passion and energy in my role at the chamber.”

She said that Sheffield should picture itself as an athlete preparing itself for the Olympics.

She added that Jessica Ennis, the Sheffield born and based sports star, was a “fantastic inspiration” for the city.

Ms Liversidge said: “A top Olympic athlete’s goal is to be the best in the world. They must be determined, hard working, focused and have total belief in themselves.

“I want to carry that analogy into our Sheffield business community. We are excellent in so many things. We must now ensure that we have that determination to be recognised and succeed as global leaders in our sectors.

“The support teams that carry our athletes to victory should be reflected in the support organisations offered to our businesses, not only the chamber and the local enterprise partnership, but the council and all other groups that can help and influence our business community.

“Collaboration is critical to that success and the chamber will play a key role in that.”

She said the city should avoid comparing itself with Leeds, Manchester and London and focus instead on what makes it unique and then “sing it from the rooftops”.

Ms Liversidge added: “I want us to build our confidence and be proud of what we have got.”

She spoke out too about the issue of planning and the way that the council handles applications.

Ms Liversidge said: “We are determined as a city to attract and grow inward investment.

“To do this we must have an efficient, consistent and sensible planning process. Sheffield City Council has listened to concerns and recognises the need to encourage growth and investment in our city.

“To that extent a positive, fast and flexible attitude to the planning process is essential.

“If we make it too hard, too slow, too inconsistent, we risk losing investment to other cities – this cannot happen.

“The chamber forum will continue to play a key role in order that our members concerns and experiences are recognised and addressed.”

She said the city’s businesses have been having a tough time, as has the chamber, as a result of the difficult economic environment.

Last year, the business organisation made an operating loss of £327,248 on income of £2,710,720, compared to an operating loss the previous year of £941,081 on income of £3,501,867.

Richard Wright, the chamber’s executive director, said in the 2011 annual report that the chamber is now operating at break even. Ms Liversidge said the city’s businesses could help each other by buying locally wherever possible and promoting local trade, even if there is no immediate benefit for themselves.

She added: “They say we are really good neighbours in Yorkshire. Let’s be good neighbours in business as well. It’s a simple idea, but Sheffield businesses could be successful because of that.”

Her law firm, Kennedys, is busy as a result of increasing litigation among cash-strapped businesses.