Sheffield’s steel
THE process may be slightly quaint, but there is a very good reason why the “Sheffield” brand has an international reputation – it can only be used by firms which honour the high standards of quality that have enabled the South Yorkshire city to become a global economic force.
Yet, while the Cutlers’ Company, established in the 1600s to promote the name of Sheffield and maintain the standards associated with the city’s steel and cutlery injdustry, normally approves each application within 48 hours, this is not good enough for the meddling Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
It is considering whether to de-register the Sheffield brand as part of Vince Cable’s latest effort to cut red-tape. Before he enrages those business leaders who come from the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” school of political thought, the Minister should pick up the phone and ask the opinion of his party leader Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister and MP for Sheffield Hallam.