Students’ conference will bring £2m boost for city

The NUS said the event, which will take place over three days at Sheffield City Hall, will see 1,500 delegates come to the city with many choosing to stay in hotels and use pubs and restaurants.

NUS president Liam Burns, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the NUS National Conference to Sheffield. It’s a fantastic opportunity to visit a great city and we look forward to being welcomed by the people of Sheffield.

“Sheffield has one of the largest and most diverse student populations in the country with 60,000 students at two great universities. It is the largest further education city in Europe with student unions that have a real impact in their local area.”

The high profile conference gathers student leaders from across the UK to set NUS policy for the year ahead and elect national student representatives.

Staff from the Sheffield Convention Bureau have worked with the NUS in a bid to bring the event to the city and spokesman Gemma Bradshaw said negotiations started early last year and would provide a payday for many city businesses.

Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield said: “I’m delighted that the NUS have chosen Sheffield for their major national conferences.

“Held over several days, the conferences will generate substantial income and showcase the city to thousands of people.

“The NUS decision highlights the fact that, with two great universities, we are now one of the most popular student cities in the country.”