Lib Dems propose closer council relationship with local business

The Sheffield Liberal Democrats have released new proposals that suggest the council should hold an annual meeting with local businesses.

The meetings would give the opportunity for local businesses to report on the state of business in Sheffield and to present their ideas on what Sheffield City Council needs to do to support business, enterprise and innovation in the city.

Following local job loss announcements in the public and private sector, the Lib Dem opposition are hoping the Labour administration will get behind the idea at Wednesday’s full council meeting.

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, Leader of the Lib Dem group on Sheffield City Council, said:

“Sheffield’s been through a lot recently, but now is the time for positive action from politicians to help our city get back on its feet.

“We spend so much time in the council chamber talking to ourselves, when we could be using that time to consult with local business people and come up with ideas of how to help bring more enterprise to Sheffield and importantly, more opportunities for Sheffield people.”

Unwelcome employment news has wracked Sheffield in recent weeks, with HSBC Pennine Centre and the government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills both announcing the moving of jobs away from the city.