1. MADE
MADe Sheffield Issue 001
2009/10
Business, ideas, culture,
life, sport, Sheffield
sPORT
JessICA eNNIs
The golden girl of British athletics
Jessica Ennis talks about coming
back from a career-threatening injury.
Pages 20-23
LIGHTING THe FLAMe
Sheffield is already warmed up
on the starting blocks to make
the most of 2012.
Pages 24-25
INNOVATION
RAIsING THe ROOF
Sheffield company raises the
roof at Wimbledon.
Pages 30-31
BusINess
sHeFFIeLD BusINess suRVeY
Despite an economic downturn,
the city has shown its resilience
and dynamism.
Pages 43
2. A long weekend in orkshire
isn’t long enough
Get to know
Visit
or Call 0844 888 5122 for a free visitor guide quoting 4606
3. CONTENTS
What’s inside...
ABOUT SHEFFIELD
A WARM SHEFFIELD WELCOME
BUSINESS
LIFE IN THE SUPERFAST LANE
Philip Wellington, Head Concierge at Sheffield looks set to become the
TrANSFOrMATiON
The Mercure, on welcoming people UK’s own version of Silicon Valley.
to what he calls ‘a truly unique city’. Pages 36-39
Pages 6-7
Sheffield’s dramatic transformation
BUCKING THE TREND over recent years has caused ripples
48 SHEFFIELD HOURS
Nether Edge resident and PR
Sheffield now has a range of world
class suppliers who can compete
at home and abroad.
consultant, Sally Clarke, shares her with the best.
secrets to the perfect weekend. Pages 40-42
Pages 8-11
SHEFFIELD BUSINESS SURVEY
Note from Pages 43
CULTURE
the editor IN THE FRAME NEW STORIES FROM EDITORIAL
NICOLE GREEN
At its heart has been city development Sheffield has really upped its
Doc-Fest, the UK’s premiere A NEW CHAPTER company, Creativesheffield, who game in terms of the events and
documentary festival, is gaining Building a competative point EDIToR have been charged with delivering experiences it offers. We’re now
worldwide recognition. of difference. STEVE DOYLE Sheffield’s economic transformation. a key player, bidding for major
Pages 12-15 Pages 44-45 STEPHANIE POTTER Nicole Green recently caught up events like UK City of Culture 2013,
with their newly appointed Chief FIFA World CupTM Candidate Host
DALE MORRELL
A CLEAR SENSE OF DIRECTION NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE Executive, Paul Firth. City and continuing to invest in
Tony award nominee, Daniel Creative meeting space in Sheffield’s PHOTOGRAPHY existing events such as the Grin
Throughout its history, Evans, talks about his vision Kelham Island conservation area. DAVID SHORT “Over the past 10 years Sheffield Up North Comedy Festival, the
Sheffield and its people for Sheffield’s theatres. Page 47 TOM JACKSON has gone through a remarkable biggest in England this year, and
have been recognised Pages 16-19
TRACEY WELCH regeneration programme, International Documentary Film
as inventive, culminating in the fantastic city Festival, Sheffield Doc/Fest. As well
hardworking and FOOD & DRINK ILLUSTRATION centre we have today. as pushing on with these events,
entrepreneurial. It’s a SPORT LITTLE CHEF’S BIG COMEBACK HWA YOUNG JUNG 2010 will kick off in style with the
city that prides itself JESSICA ENNIS Pages 48-49 WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO Despite the recession, Sheffield re-opening of the refurbished
on getting things done, The golden girl of British SALLY CLARK – LARK PR has had a great year: as Crucible Theatre.
quietly and effectively, athletics Jessica Ennis talks MICHELIN MEN DAVE GRIMSHAW – well as the continuing
irrespective of the about coming back from a Local produce proves a winning MAKE THINGS HAPPEN development of the As the UK’s first City of
challenges faced. career-threatening injury. formula for Michelin-recommended physical infrastructure, Sport, Sheffield has an
PRODUCED BY
Pages 20-23 gastropub, The Milestone. inward investment enviable reputation for
Sheffield is an amazing Pages 50-51
CREATIVE SHEFFIELD IN has been strong with producing sporting
place, with amazing LIGHTING THE FLAME ASSOCIATION WITH IRIS healthy office take up talent, like golden girl
people. It’s a city full of Sheffield is already warmed up SHEFFIELD FOOD & DRINK BRENDAN MOFFETT levels. The pioneering (and MADE cover star),
extraordinary stories. on the starting blocks to make Pages 52-53 LAURA SISSONS Digital Region project is Jessica Ennis, and for
What we need to do, the most of 2012. gathering momentum, hosting major national
though, is get out there Pages 24-25 INNOVATION, PASSION, which will promote the and world championships
and tell people these KNOWLEDGE… BEER! growth of the City’s scientific, across a variety of activities.
stories. MADE is here HIGH AMBITION Based in rural Derbyshire, www.creativesheffield.co.uk creative and cultural knowledge
to do just that. Climbing legend, Jerry Moffatt, Thornbridge Brewery is challenging base, and there have been some It’s important to positively change
has scaled the world’s most the way people think about beer. nationally recognised events. how the outside world perceives our
NiCOlE GrEEN difficult routes, yet still rates Pages 54-55 www.irisassociates.com This is fantastic for energising the city by shouting about our successes.
Editor The Peak District. City and putting us firmly on the I want Sheffield to have a reputation
Pages 26-27 map and has really boosted short as the best place to live and do
ENTERTAINMENT break tourism. business in the UK”.
SHEFFIELD MUSIC CITY
INNOVATION Pages 56-57 All these developments and PAul FirTh
MADE IN SHEFFIELD initiatives give us a really strong Chief Executive
Some of the world’s most UPCOMING MUSIC platform to build from.I’ve been Creativesheffield
innovative solutions in sports Pages 58-59 involved with Creativesheffield for
technology are from Sheffield. a while, but in my new role as Chief
Pages 28-31 U2 SUMMER 2009 Executive will be taking a much more
The night Bono donned his shades hands-on approach — moving the city
BACKING THE BID for a baying Sheffield crowd. forward as it develops even further.
Sheffield has impeccable Pages 60-61
credentials to become a
FIFA World Cup Host City. WHAT’S ON IN SHEFFIELD
Pages 32-35 Pages 62
4 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 About Sheffield 5
4. A WArM
ShEFFiElD WElCOME
Every time I welcome a guest to Sheffield, I do it with pride.
As the Head Concierge of one of the city’s key hotels, I am
often the first point of contact for anyone arriving in the city,
and it is my job to show the city off properly.
WRITTEN BY
Philip Wellington, Head Concierge, Mercure Hotel
I
t is 15 years since I arrived has been exciting to chart the city’s people to the shops and bars on
in Sheffield, when I made my transformations and successes Ecclesall Road or surrounding
way up north from London, each time they arrive at the new rail areas, I always tell visitors to drive
and I have never looked back. station or drive into the city centre. out to the Peak District. Having
I have always seen a certain For the people arriving for the first a National Park just a short trip
charm in Sheffield. It is a truly time, they are always taken aback away, with breathtaking views and
unique city, full of quirky secrets at everything the city has to offer heritage sites like Chatsworth, is
and fantastic people, which is and how cosmopolitan and exciting a unique asset to Sheffield and
now matched by a truly stunning it now is. The improvements are by something that should be taken
city centre. no means done. I am constantly advantage of.
impressed with the plans and
I am lucky enough to have witnessed developments, seeing the ongoing The number of visitors and big
the amazing physical and cultural evolution of a city I have grown business events coming to the city
transformation of the city at first to love. is growing, so I see a lot of new
hand. New buildings have shot faces, but I try to remember every
up, and the city is now almost guest I meet. of course this is a little
unrecognisable, and it is just getting “I FEEL STRONGLY THAT EVERY easier when famous faces come
better and better. Most importantly PERSON THAT VISITS SHEFFIELD through the city. Celebrities like
for those of us living here, it hasn’t SHOULD FEEL AT HOME. Gordon Ramsay are full of praise for
lost any of its unique charm. IT’S WHAT WE DO WELL.” Sheffield and have been impressed
with how far the physical and
Working right in the Heart of the cultural improvements have come.
City, I am surrounded by some of The new Tudor Square development,
my favourite parts of Sheffield. which has been eagerly anticipated, I like to think that when I open the
The stunning Winter and Peace will make the Heart of the City even doors to a visitor, I am welcoming
Gardens surrounding St Paul’s lead better. The theatres and restaurants them to an exciting and modern
onto great cultural spaces like the give a real buzz to the centre and Sheffield, and I am proud to be an
Millennium Galleries. I honestly there is always something going on to integral part of the city’s future. It
couldn’t think of a nicer place to take the city from day into evening. certainly feels as though Sheffield is
work – which makes my job of on the brink of something fantastic,
showing off the city very easy. one of my favourite times of year and I like to think I am a small part of
is when the annual World Snooker this exciting growth, just as everyone
I feel strongly that every person that Championships come to the living and working in the city is. For
visits Sheffield should feel at home. Crucible, as I am well placed to see now, I am proud to introduce MADE
It’s what we do well. of course, some the excitement up close and greet magazine, and wish everyone a very
of the people that pass through the thousands of people that flock warm Sheffield Welcome.
our doors have been coming to the to the city. It’s not all about the city
city for years. For those people, it centre though. As well as directing
2009/10 About Sheffield 7
5. in Sheffield
I
live in the leafy, green, Nether on Abbeydale Road for a delicious The Leopold is Sheffield’s first plenty and lots of catwalk in Edale for a gallop on the moors
Ashtanga Yoga, champagne tea, and Edge, so early Saturday coffee and bite to eat. Bragazzis is boutique hotel, converted from the inspired fashions to choose from. above the waters and forest of
a gallop through some of the UK’s morning is a whirl around perfect for people watching (if you old boy’s school, with lots of original Everything is a one off so sole Ladybower and Derwent. Beautiful
most stunning countryside. Sally Cemetery Road Park with can get a seat) and a browse through features and large arched windows ownership is assured! landscape and a blast of fresh air,
Clarke shares some of her secrets the dog – one of Sheffield’s the papers. It’s a really vibrant little which flood the hotel with light plus a boost of adrenalin equals the
to the perfect 48 hours in the city. hidden gems of architectural treats. meeting point which means you have and give a perfect view onto buzzy Saturday evening is usually a visit perfect way to spend three hours on
There’s lots of green, a path for to get there early if you want to eat; Leopold Square. to Nonna’s on Ecclesall Road for a Sunday!
WRITTEN BY running and plenty of squirrels for food goes fast in this place. Just excellent meat or fish or fresh
Sally Clarke the terrier to ambush. It’s steeped up the road from there is Swallows pasta. It is independently run by a After working up an appetite we
in drama and really atmospheric, a and Damsons who sell the most “BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE AND A team with consummate knowledge come back into the city centre for
photographer’s dream. beautiful, fresh flowers – so I will BLAST OF FRESH AIR, PLUS A of Italian food, wine and life, as food at The Milestone, and then to
usually buy a selection. BOOST OF ADRENALIN EqUALS well as faultless hospitality. It’s the The Showroom to catch an offbeat
Yoga Shala on London Road is the THE PERFECT WAY TO SPEND guarantee of a quality evening out late afternoon film. Another full
next stop, for Ashtanga yoga – I would spend early Saturday THREE HOURS ON A SUNDAY!” that has given the award-winning weekend and by Sunday evening
otherwise known as power yoga afternoon on the other side of restaurant national recognition. we will be back at the house for a
– which is energetically challenging Nether Edge, down in Sharrow Vale snooze in front of the fire, ready
to say the least, but particularly and around Banner Cross, to indulge Last stop on the purchasing front Sunday morning is all about the for the roast in the oven from
satisfying. Pete Gill who runs the in browsing and catching up with would be the quirky Shops & great outdoors and less about Saturday’s purchases plus a
Shala is an excellent teacher who people. There are some fantastic Boutiques at the Forum. This is the hustle and bustle of City life. particularly good rifle through the
has worked with top athletes to organic and locally sourced food where Sheffield’s originality and Literally a five minute drive you are Sunday papers. What more could
improve fitness and posture. His shops – so I can stock up on treats style can be seen. Syd & Mallory’s in the National Park’s Peak District, you ask for?
classes are extremely popular given for Sunday. For an indulgent late is a favourite for re-worked vintage which is beautiful for a stroll or
his sport orientated approach. afternoon treat, The Leopold Hotel and beautiful handmade bags. more testing hike. Add another 15
To undo some the good work at does very chic champagne teas. The Shops & Boutiques are all minutes onto that and the stop
Yoga Shala it’s off to Bragazzis independent – so there is charm-a- would be Ladybooth Riding Centre
8 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 About Sheffield 9
6. “Saturday evening is
usually a visit to Nonna’s.
A team with consummate
knowledge of Italian food,
wine and life, as well as
faultless hospitality.
”
7. F
or over 1000 documentary mix with emerging talent to pitch
makers and media ideas and secure funding. This
heavyweights, there is emphasis on relationship building
only one place to be each and co-production between
November... For five different countries has driven the
intense days, Sheffield’s cultural ongoing success and notoriety of
quarter becomes a boardroom the festival.
and playground for a host of
documentary makers, and for Thanks to MeetMarket, over
emerging new talent, could be the £4 million worth of deals were
place where dreams are made. initiated during the event last
year, with 53 unique projects
Sheffield’s annual Doc/Fest is now pitched. Even globally recognised
the UK’s premiere documentary documentary maker, D. A.
festival, celebrating the art and Pennebaker secured funding for
business of documentary making. his latest project The Collar, which
The packed schedule of film will be shown at this year’s event.
showings, masterclasses and Charlie Phillips, the marketplace
controversial discussion panels, director of the festival, sees the
as well as the festival’s Meetmarket as a ‘vital’ part of the
unique networking documentary industry calendar. “It
DOC
marketplace and is especially important for the rest
pitching forums have of the world to come and see what
earned the event UK commissioners have to offer.”
world-wide recognition.
FEST Now in its 16th year, the
festival has expanded
FROM HOME-GROWN FILMS
TO WORLDWIDE NAMES IN FILM-
2010
beyond all expectations, MAKING, DOC/FEST IS NOW
with attendance FIRMLY IN PLACE AS THE MOST
doubling year on year IMPORTANT DATE IN THE
over the past four INDUSTRY CALENDAR.
festivals. of course, with
a city that’s driven by innovation
and originality, it’s little wonder “Doc/fest is the most important
that Doc/fest is moving forward and generator of finance into the
is now much more than a five-day documentary industry, but it also
event. Doc/Fest is a year-round feeds off the thriving creative
service provider to the industry, economy in the city itself.” over
with ongoing support, activities and the years, film-makers have been
workshops. making the annual pilgrimage to
Sheffield, and the city has earned
The festival is working to open a reputation for being a top notch
up new markets for funding and host, providing the perfect backdrop
In the
embracing the future of new for creative relationships to flourish.
technologies; experimenting in Delegates appreciate what the
cross-platform and interactive city has to offer and welcome the
media. one of the ongoing projects chance to work in a communal and
the festival is producing are the supportive environment.
Crossover Labs, an international
programme which gives producers As Charlie notes, Doc/Fest has also
from across different genres fed back into the city, and the future
training opportunities to prepare of the festival is perfectly tuned to
themselves for the digital and the Sheffield’s development as the
Frame
cross-platform world. This is in creative and digital heart of the UK.
addition to monthly events at the Heather Croall, Festival Director,
heart of Doc/Fest, The Showroom, says that the changes in Sheffield
and pitch-training workshops over recent years have made a big
around the world. impact on delegates. “We have
representatives attending Doc/
Doc/Fest is just as much about the Fest from large media companies
people who make documentaries such as the BBC, Channel 4, SKY,
as it is about the art form itself. The and Virgin. “Most of our delegates
”
festival’s MeetMarket is now one have been coming to Sheffield year
of the biggest draws to industry after year and they are amazed
figures, where world-renowned at the ongoing improvements to
documentary makers enter the the city. It is a great opportunity
Above image: Heather Croal, Festival Director
12 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Culture 13
8. ShEFFiElD’S ANNuAl
DOC FEST iS NOW ThE uK’S
PrEMiErE DOCuMENTAry
FESTivAl, CElEbrATiNG
ThE ArT AND buSiNESS OF
DOCuMENTAry MAKiNG.
to show the digital media world hit Thatcher years, The Beat is the and media platforms and attracting
that Sheffield means business as Law, shows the social and musical leading people to the only city in the
a city.” “Sheffield has an excellent defiance of a city – Sheffield – world it can call its home.
reputation for having a wealth through in-depth interviews with
of companies working within the artists and eyewitnesses including
digital, games and interactive Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley, “SOME OF THE GREATEST
sectors and I hope we can help together with unique 80’s archive BENEFICIARIES OF THE FESTIVAL
many creative businesses link up footage and music. ARE THOSE BORN OUT OF
with others at the festival.” THE CITY ITSELF.
”
From home-grown films to
Some of the greatest beneficiaries worldwide names in film-making,
of the festival are those born Doc/Fest is now firmly in place
out of the city itself. Sheffield as the most important date in
documentary maker, Eve Wood’s the industry calendar. This year’s
newest offering will be debuted festival is set to be the biggest and
at the festival this year. A cultural most influential yet, further pushing
documentary set in the recession- the boundaries of documentary
14 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Culture 15
9. Sheffield Theatres’ new Artistic
Director, and Tony award nominee,
Daniel Evans, is excited by the
opportunity to fulfil his childhood
dream of running a theatre in
a city with which he feels a
‘special connection’.
10. Daniel Evans is brimming with
infectious energy. Perched on
a stool in the centre of London’s
theatre district, he delivers an
excited monologue about his new
role as Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic
Director, and a new chapter for
the company itself.
O
livier-award winning
actor, Daniel Evans,
officially took over the
role of Artistic Director
in June this year and
has been charged with launching
the new season in 2010. This is a
tough challenge at the best of times,
however this will be no ordinary
season for Sheffield Theatres.
The Crucible has undergone a tapestry of productions, with the successful musicals and dance
massive £15.3m renovation and in world premiere of Sisters, which acts, with the dynamic main stage
February, when the new season tells the real life stories of Muslim of the Crucible and its sister Studio
launches, will have been in the dark women in Sheffield, American play space, makes up Sheffield’s own
for two long years. The pressure True West and a new adaptation of diverse theatre-land.
is on to impress; however Evans Alice in Wonderland – called simply
seems unfazed by the challenge. Alice – by a young Sheffield-based on the new Crucible building itself
“Sheffield is full of theatre lovers playwright, Laura Wade. Evans says it is very much about
and the feeling we have from improving the audience experience,
the city is excitement, they are with entirely redesigned bar and
desperate for us to open and we are “I THINK, CULTURALLY, cafe areas, workshop spaces and
desperate to start producing again.” SHEFFIELD IS ONE OF THE a new foyer. The theatre will also
UK’S bEST KEPT SECrETS! benefit from more advanced rigging
For a star who had just returned CONSIDER THE SPHERE and improved wardrobes, which will
from a stint on Broadway in New OF ART AND THEATRE, allow for the development of more
York, where he was nominated for AND THERE ARE COUNTLESS, ambitious projects.
a Tony award for his performance SMALLER COMPANIES THAT
in Sunday in the Park with CREATE INNOVATIVE AND “The iconic status of the Crucible
George, many people may ask: CHALLENGING WORK.” will now shine through. The theatre
why Sheffield? However, having will be a place where people don’t
appeared on-stage at the Crucible just come to see performances,
in Cloud Nine and The Tempest it It is with the impatience of a child they will hang out in the cafe or bar
seemed a natural progression for at Christmas that Evans announces and there will be workshops going
Evans to fulfil his childhood dream the Crucible’s housewarming on and tours. “I want it to be both an
of running a theatre in a city where season. With building not quite yet awe-inspiring and welcoming place
he feels a special “connection”. complete and paint drying on the to be.” The changes to the theatre
walls, the Crucible will open its come at a time when the city is
Now five months in, with his feet doors briefly at the close of 2009, making a mark as a home of culture,
firmly under the table, Evans with performances by Sheffield with the bid to be the UK’s City of
has a clear focus. He is intent legend Richard Hawley, Jo Brand Culture well under way.
on producing a programme of and Germaine Greer, as well as a
“relevant” shows, performances new play, Confessions of a City,
that reflect the values of Sheffield that brings together real people to Evans is in full support of the bid, Evans’ drive towards inclusion is
and resonate with its people. “I want reveal their personal experiences and is, unsurprisingly, excited once clear. When he talks about ‘our “THE CHANGES TO THE THEATRE
the people of Sheffield to identify of Sheffield. again at a mention of the proposal. stage’ you get the feeling he is COME AT A TIME WHEN THE CITY
with the productions and I want “I think, culturally, Sheffield is one of talking about more than just the IS MAKING A MARK AS A HOME
to fuel topical debates, I want the For all that is beginning, Evans is the UK’s best kept secrets! Consider close-knit team in the theatre. OF CULTURE.”
theatre to speak to the city now.” already thinking what he’d like his the sphere of art and theatre, He is talking about the city. “The
legacy in Sheffield to be. His goal and there are countless, smaller theatres belong to Sheffield, and
The first play on the new is to “continue to deliver a richly companies that create innovative they also have great national
programme intends to do just that, mixed diet of productions”, which and challenging work. When you significance. The Crucible is
and somewhat bravely, Evans is is something he sees as uniquely think about all the galleries and undergoing a transformation, as is
directing it himself. “I wanted to possible in the newly renovated dance venues in Sheffield, and the the city itself. I cannot wait to be
arrive with a bang. An Enemy of the Tudor Square. bands that have emerged from part of the renaissance.”
People is a strong, civic play which the city over the last thirty years
I think people will identify with.” The commercial draw of the Lyceum, you start to get my point. Art is
Following on from there is a strong which has attracted globally everywhere in Sheffield.”
18 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Culture 19
11. gold-
podiu m a s a a Enni s
n th e top tier mpi on , Je ssi c ports
Sta ndin g o in g World Ch a a children’s s
winn y from
m e d al on g wa adium .
eal
h ad com Don Valley St
n
ca m p i
12. ThErE’S STill SO MuCh
i WANT TO AChiEvE,
i’M ThrillED TO bE WOrlD
ChAMPiON buT ThiS iS
juST ThE bEGiNNiNG.”
S
tanding on the top tier as firm favourite to win The Sports The journey hasn’t always been easy “of course, now everyone is focused in Berlin, Sheffield University amazing year already and I’d
podium as a gold-medal Personality of the Year Award when and the victory in Berlin couldn’t on 2012, it’s extremely exciting, graduate Ennis has returned home love to win something but just
winning World Champion, it takes place in her home city have come a day too soon for Ennis, with it being in London and after to Sheffield, where her intense to be nominated is an honour.”
Jessica Ennis had come and as the athlete to bring home who sees it as her “comeback” what happened before Beijing. It’s training is continuing every day.
a long way from a gold in 2012. following a devastating injury last going to be tough, it will be my first “I’m really looking forward to
children’s sports camp in Don Valley year. Just two months before the olympics but I’m hoping to bring From training in mid-Winter in going but with it being in Sheffield
Stadium. It was there, aged 10, 2008 Beijing olympics, after months home a gold medal.” Her hopes Chelsea Park near her home, to it’s even more special. It’s really
that Ennis first set foot on the red “THE JOURNEY HASN’T ALWAYS of dedicated training, Jessica are matched by observers and working with advanced technology important we’re joining in with
tarmac which would propel her to BEEN EASY AND THE viCTOry iN suffered a dramatic triple stress bookmakers across the country, but at the English Institute of Sport, events like 2012 and hosting the
global success. A shining example bErliN COULDN’T HAVE COME A fracture to her right foot, which she is keen not to get carried away. Ennis has taken full advantage Sports Personality of the Year
of determination, talent and hard- DAY TOO SOON FOR ENNIS.” destroyed her firmly-set plans to Anything other than presumptuous, of the city she carved out her Awards. It’s a great opportunity
work, Ennis this year secured compete. Not only was she ruled out she is a grafter and despite her career, and is full of praise for its for people to get involved in
Britain’s first heptathlon gold of the olympics, but it forced her to world-wide acclaim, her feet remain facilities and support structures sports and see what Sheffield can
medal in the World Championship’s “It’s just a very weird feeling to retrain entirely to take off from her firmly on the ground. for training sportsmen and women. offer.” of course Jessica’s fierce
26-year-history – and her own be at this stage of my career. other foot in the long jump. “Sheffield is a great place to train determination, success and good
future as one of Britain’s greatest I started doing athletics when I as an athlete. We’ve got world class looks will fare her well when it
sportswomen. was 10 and it was always a hobby, The injury was a major set-back, “NOW IN THE RUN UP TO THE sports facilities like Ponds Forge comes to gaining sponsorship,
so now to be making this my living both physically and emotionally and SPOrTS PErSONAliTy OF and the support I received from the and she has been in high-demand
Her strength and all-round is just amazing.” Before a two- left the 23-year old wondering if ThE yEAr AWArD, PLENTY English Institute of Sport was really since her win in August.
repertoire, which sees her taking week summer sports camp, which her career might be cut short. She OF EYES ARE ON ENNIS AND important during my recovery – I
hurdles, high jump, shot-put, she reluctantly went on during a has called the year out a “disaster”, ON SHEFFIELD. have always seen it as an important At 23 she’s a World Champion at the
javelin, long jump, sprints and races summer holiday ten years ago, Ennis but fiercely determined Ennis has part of my success.” relative early stages of her career.
in her stride has wowed observers had no special interest in sport. transformed adversity into success. With the dedication and drive that
and smashed records. She However, she quickly realised she “It was a horrible, horrible time, “There are more championships Now in the run up to The Sports saw her return from a potentially
dominated the World Championship had a talent for athletics: “Coaches I had to get back into shape after to focus on before the olympics, Personality of the Year Award, career-ruining injury, and with the
event at the olympic Stadium in would come up to me and tell me taking a lot of time off and I worked the World Indoors and European plenty of eyes are on Ennis and on support of National Athletics coach,
Berlin, which resulted in a final I was quick but I also just started really hard. To win the World’s this Championships another World Sheffield. of course, she is modest Toni Minichiello, it seems there’s
point’s tally of 6,731 – only 100 making friends and enjoying it. year was a dream come true.” Now Championships.” “I’m just training about her nomination, but sees no stopping Ennis. “There’s still so
points short of the record set by I started training and when I got no mention of Ennis’ success goes as hard as I can to do as well as I can the importance of the city hosting much I want to achieve, I’m thrilled
Denise Lewis in the year she won the another coach when I was 13, without a nod towards an olympic in those events first.” After a brief the event. “I’m really looking forward to be World Champion but this is
olympic gold. Since then Sheffield- it all went from there.” gold in 2012. break following her success to the Awards. obviously it’s been an just the beginning. ”
born Jessica has been marked out
22 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Sport 23
13. lESS ThAN
1000 DAyS TO GO
On the 31st October 2009 there were 1,000 days to go until
the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games, the biggest sporting event to be
held in the UK in over 50 years.
S
ince it was announced Members of GB Boxing, GB Diving, Central to Sheffield’s Major Sports
in 2005 that London the British Table Tennis Federation Events and 2012 Programme is Gary
would be the host city and GB Volleyball all base their high Clifton from Sheffield City Council.
for 2012, Sheffield has performance centres in the city. He has been charged with managing
sprung into action to take and developing the line-up of major
full advantage of what will be the Hosting the 2012 olympic and events in the city. Gary said:
world’s biggest sporting event.The Paralympic Games brings massive
city has strategically used sport as opportunities. There are thousands of “Sheffield has always been at the
part of its ongoing regeneration, contracts related to London 2012 that forefront of sporting success and
identifying early on that it is well can be fulfilled in Sheffield, as the that’s where we want to stay. London
placed to take make the most of the city region boasts businesses with 2012 has provided a huge range of
London 2012 Games, commercially unique capabilities, and the skills opportunities and we have been quick
and culturally. and expertise to deliver this work. to take advantage and capitalise on
what is the biggest sporting event
Leading up to 2012, athletes from in the world.” “Thanks to Sheffield’s
“ONE OF 2012’S all over the world will visit the UK history of hosting major events, the
BRIGHTEST HOPES, as part of their preparations, many city has, more recently, been working
JESSICA ENNIS, basing themselves in Sheffield with UK Sport and the Regional
IS ShiNiNG A to take advantage of its world- Development Agency, Yorkshire
liGhT ON ThE class facilities and sport science Forward, to bid for several events
ExCEllENCE iN expertise. Sheffield’s international between now and 2012. We’ve been
SPOrT THAT sporting facilities, managed by successful in securing the FINA Diving
SHEFFIELD Sheffield International Venues, and World Series for three consecutive
CAN PRODUCE.” sports science support at Sheffield years, the English open Table
Hallam University and the English Tennis in 2009, the World Goalball
Institute of Sport, will enable Championships in 2010 and European
Working as a partnership called Sheffield to host international Fencing Championships in 2011.”
‘Lighting the Flame for Sport’, teams and build relationships
organisations and individuals with countries from all over the In a city like Sheffield, an event like
from across Sheffield and the world. In May 2009, Sheffield and the olympic Games can make a
South Yorkshire region have joined Leeds signed a Memorandum of really positive impact, it is up to the
together to ensure the city and its Understanding with the Serbian city now to make the most of it.
people will directly benefit. olympic Committee and talks are
on-going with the Brazilian and
The Games are an opportunity for Chinese olympic Committees.
everyone in the city to get involved
in sport. In 2009, 7500 people Mr Gustavo Satio Harada from
Above image: Don Valley Stadium registered to take part in the Great the Brazilian olympic Committees
Yorkshire Run and there are a series technical department commented:
of sporting events lined up for 2010.
“Sheffield is not only a beautiful
one of 2012’s brightest hopes, city with a great youth and full
Jessica Ennis, is shining a light of life environment, but also has
on the sporting excellence that state of the art sport facilities, with
Sheffield can produce. However, she which the Brazilian athletes would
is just one of a growing number of have all their needs for their 2012
athletes nurtured in Sheffield. preparation fulfilled.”
24 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Sport 25
14. High
“ThE PEAK DiSTriCT hAS SOME
OF ThE hArDEST rOuTES iN
ThE WOrlD, AND SOME OF ThE
Ambition TOuGhEST. iT rEAlly iS WOrlD
ClASS AND ThE SCENE iN
ShEFFiElD AND ThE PEAKS
iS SECOND TO NONE.”
Jerry Moffatt is a veritable legend and no competitions, yet this was all In 2002, Moffatt named The Ace,
of the climbing world, making set to change when he set his sights in Stanage, a new addition to his
history over the past twenty years on America’s challenging rock faces. double figured list of first ascents
with some of the most dangerous Training in Stanage, in the depths of in the Peaks. But this marked the
and impressive climbs in the sport. winter and sleeping in yet another end of professional climbing for
desperate location – a “horrible Moffatt, and he gave up a life of
H
little limestone cave” – Moffatt climbing to pursue business and
is story began with a honed his skill and strength. family commitments. Now living
pilgrimage to the Peak in Sheffield, Moffatt co-owns the
District. It was to here, Foundry climbing wall and despite
driven out of school by “THE PEAK DISTRICT HAS having travelled across the globe
his search for adrenalin SOME OF THE hArDEST to climb, still has ultimate respect
and his raw passion for climbing, rOuTES iN ThE WOrlD, AND for the rocks to be found on his
that he made his way aged just SOME OF THE TOUGHEST.” doorstep. “The Peak District has
17 and began to set the standard some of the hardest routes in the
for climbers everywhere. He slept world, and some of the toughest.
rough for two years, living as close “I always wanted to drive myself It really is world class and the
as he could to world-class climbs and be the best, try the hardest scene in Sheffield and the Peaks
and immersing himself in the scene. routes and do them in the fastest is second to none.
The now famous ‘Stoney Woodshed’ time. I knew that America was
that Moffatt called his home is a where I had to go to prove myself.” “There are a few really good climbing
generously quaint name for the In America, his ascent of some of walls, universities and colleges with
stark wood shelf set into a Stoney the hardest routes in the world put massive climbing scenes, all on the
Middleton crag. With no shelter and him in the limelight and gathered doorstep of the Peak District.” He
no money to his name, Moffatt and industry attention. It was here that mentions taking his two young children
a group of like-minded enthusiasts the sponsorship deals began to roll out to the Peaks, to the place he spent
lived on white bread and tomato in. However in 1985, after years of so much of his youth training, but he
ketchup, just enough to sustain unrelenting climbing, a poor diet and stands firm on the idea of them getting
them until the next climb. unforgiving living circumstances, involved in the sport. “Not a chance,
the effects of Jerry’s lifestyle took it’s far too dangerous. No climbing or
“When I look back I was addicted. its toll. motorbikes, they can play golf instead.”
We had no money because we were
all on the dole, and would hitch He suffered an injury to his elbow, His autobiography, revelations,
rides across the Peak District to which was eventually diagnosed as has been shortlisted for the 2009
different routes. “We were chasing compressed nerves and put him Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain
the thrill every day.” By the age of out of action for nearly two years. Literature, another highlight to
18, Moffatt had already climbed the However, never one to be beaten, add to his unending success story.
most difficult routes in the country, Moffatt came back from his injury When it is suggested he may not
at some of the quickest speeds and with a vengeance and entered into win the award, a glint of Moffatt’s
had made a name for himself as the the newly competitive world of sheer determination shines through:
greatest climber in the UK. climbing, and sweeping up at global “I’d cause a scene and walk out of
events. In 1989 he won the first the ceremony,” he laughs, “It was
“The emphasis then was on trying to ever World Cup competition and in rigged!!... There’s no point in even
climb dangerous routes. Danger was 1990 he named Liquid Amber, a first going if I’m not going to win.”
a huge part of it, I always wanted to ascent which he claims to be his
push the mental side of it as well proudest moment to date. “When He jokes, but you get the impression
as the physical. Later on, I would you climb a piece of rock that he is deadly serious and that it is this
drive my motorbike at breakneck no-one has done before, you can attitude which has taken him to the
speeds out to the Peaks then climb name it whatever you want, and height of his success, ever since those
a rock face with no ropes. It was you grade it. Then other people try cold nights in the Stoney Woodshed.
always about chasing a buzz.” When to repeat it. Some of mine weren’t
Moffatt began climbing in the 1980’s repeated for a very long time. Even
there was no money to be made in now, Liquid Amber has only been
the sport. There was no sponsorship done a couple of times.”
26 MADE Sheffield
15. minute window for success. There
is no room for error. This philosophy
MADE
is key to our core values, the pillars
of our business – performance,
innovation and cutting-edge
technologies.
iN
The company has benefitted
from the opportunities that have
arisen from locating in the AMP,
somewhere that innovation is
celebrated and collaboration with
ShEFFiElD
surrounding high-end technology
businesses is encouraged. Bromley
have done this with ease, and they
now work closely with both Dormer
and the Advanced Manufacturing
Research Centre.
“FURTHER THAN BOBSLEIGHS AND
WINTER SPORTS. THE COMPANY
IS CURRENTLY UNDERTAKING A
RANGE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES,
FROM MOTORSPORT TO MEDICAL,
ICE-SPORTS TO SATELLITES.
”
Maddock has seen the benefits of
T
relocating to Sheffield first hand:
Olympian Bobsleigh champion, he Bromley brothers have behind their products – what they refer range of innovative adrenaline further than bobsleighs and winter “The Advanced Manufacturing
Kristan Bromley and his come a long way since to as ‘Athlete inspired technology’. fuelled winter sports products, sports. The company is currently Park is the perfect environment for
brother Richard had one dedicated creating Bromley Ice and is looking to take a slice of a undertaking a range of business any business with innovation at its
mission when they created Sports. They are now one As the company expanded in global sports market worth around activities, from motorsport to heart to ensure we take the lead
Bromley Ice Sports; to develop of Sheffield’s strongest both size and scope, it needed $500bn per year. medical, ice-sports to satellites. in our market. The businesses on
the fastest, prize-winning innovation companies, and a home that would complement Under the Bromley Technologies the park are immersed in advanced
Skeleton Bobsleighs possible. Bromley’s equipment has helped its drive towards research and The product range will be created banner, the company now has two manufacturing and understand
secure over 40 world class prizes, development success and high-end using the team’s expertise in elite divisions in addition to Bromley the challenges of designing and
including two olympic medals. manufacturing. So, in october 2006 sport, aerospace and Formula one Sports. The design consultancy, manufacturing high performance
Kristan became the first athlete in Bromley Technologies relocated to engineering and R&D into new high PES Performance Engineering materials which fully compliment
the world to win the ‘triple crown’ of the Advanced Manufacturing Park, performance materials. This new Solutions and R&D focused, Team our business”
Skeleton Bobsleigh Championships following Kristan’s appointment to chapter adds another string to the Innovation are all part of the Bromley
in one year during 2008, and his an associate Professor position bow of a company that want to Technologies stable and have secured With a 15 year pedigree, the
fiancée Shelley Rudman clinched and Shelley’s Honorary Teaching ‘continually push the boundaries their place as one of Sheffield’s business is now preparing to look
silver with Great Britain’s only Fellow post in Sheffield Hallam of conventional thinking’. strongest innovation companies. for investment to take it to the next
olympic medal in the 2006 Torino University’s Centre for Sports exciting stage and launch a number
games. She is currently world and Exercise Science. operations Director, Mike Maddock, of innovative and potentially market
number two. “REMEMBER IN BOBSLEIGH himself a former Skeleton bobsleigh disruptive products. With a body of
Now, as well as designing and COMPETITION, YEARS OF athlete, Royal Navy diver and core staff that has experience with
These ongoing successes have been manufacturing the elite sled, DEDICATION ARE CONDENSED operations Director with a large McLaren, Toyota F1 and Reynard,
realised through the innovation Bromley Technologies is expanding INTO A 2.5 MiNuTE WiNDOW leisure retail company, saw qualities and in medical and satellite
and success of Bromley Ice Sports, into the commercial market. The FOr SuCCESS. ” of clear focus and dynamics in these projects, the Bromley Team is more
the growth of the company which company are working with a select opportunities to drive Bromley than ready to take the next step and
is now Bromley Technologies, and number of key local businesses Technologies forward. “Remember is perfectly placed in Sheffield’s
the unique combination of sport, to undertake a range of projects In this vein, it is not surprising that in bobsleigh competition, years of AMP to do so.
engineering, science and technology including the development of a Bromley Technologies is going dedication are condensed into a 2.5
28 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Innovation 29
16. MAKiNG A
rAiSiNG
In an uncharacteristic show of good fortune,
Wimbledon was blessed with sunshine this year,
Cliff Richard didn’t sing and spirits were high.
NET PrOFiT
Part of the success of Wimbledon was due to the Sheffield has a history of
ThE rOOF AT
highly innovative and much disputed retractable producing cutting edge design,
roof for Wimbledon’s Centre Court, which was and truly great design solves real
formally revealed to the public in June 2009. problems. Usable, problem-solving
What many of the players and fans didn’t design is something Sheffield
know was that this was carefully designed Hallam University graduates and
and created by a Sheffield company, SCX. entrepreneurs, Allen Holland and
WiMblEDON
William Parsons are dedicated
The Wincobank-based company worked on the to. Two years ago they formed
project for five years, after they were aproached Quick Play Sports with Steven
to create a state-of the-art retractable roof for Crosby with the aim of solving
Wimbledon. Simon Eastwood of SCX in Sheffield sporting problems, simply, through
said: “It’s probably the most technical handling innovation and design. Their
solution ever in the world! inspiration came after years of
lugging heavy, complicated goal
“Most other moving machinery only uses one posts to football matches, using
method of moving, but because the Wimbledon traffic cones or ‘a pair of well placed
roof is bow-shaped, it has three methods of trees if you were lucky’.
moving. “The biggest problem with that is
synchronising the motors and the actuators over two years they worked on an
and knowing exactly where the roof is at any one innovative design for portable goal
time. Technically it was an enormous challenge.” posts. The result was Kickster, a
The initial brief was to make sure the roof at light-weight portable football net.
Wimbledon closed in 10 minutes so that at the Kickster has become so successful
first signs of rain, the courts would stay dry. As that they turned down a cash
it turns out, rain proved only a fleeting problem investment offer from Duncan
but saw the roof spring into action briefly, when it Bannatyne on the BBC’s design
managed to cover the court in just eight minutes. and innovation show, Dragon’s Den.
They have already designed similar
The Made in Sheffield roof also allowed matches nets for hockey and lacrosse and
to continue after darkness fell. Andy Murray, are continuing to innovate and
who called the roof “beautiful” sealed the latest design new sports products.
victory in Wimbledon history, with finishing
time of 10.30pm. With advanced technology “one of the key reasons we stayed in
that tested the atmospherics, the whole centre Sheffield and started our company
court could be maintained at a certain heat and here was the support we received
humidity for prolonged periods of time, and play from Sheffield Hallam University
could resume in record time. and their Enterprise Centre. They
also host a competition for student
business start-ups, which Will and I
ANDY MURRAY, WHO CALLED THE won in 2006 and really helped us on
ROOF “BEAUTIFUL” SEALED THE LATEST our way.”
VICTORY IN WIMBLEDON HISTORY,
WITH FINISHING TIME OF 10.30PM.
Eastwood is proud of the work his team has
done: “We’ve got a really strong technical
department and we pride ourselves on solving
very technical difficulties in mechanical
handling.” The 3,000-tonne roof was a huge
success, with legendary players and dedicated
fans giving their seal of approval. Now the
company is looking forward to other cutting edge
manufacturing, capitalising on an innovative
manufacturing knowledge which has allowed
them to work on high-profile projects such as a
retractable turf crossing at Ascot racecourse.
Tell the world it’s Made in Sheffield.
The Mark of Quality Products.
www.madeinsheffield.org
30 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Innovation 31
17. hOME TO ThE WOrlD’S OlDEST FOOTbAll
TEAM, AND WiTh A hiSTOry OF SuCCESSFully
hOSTiNG MAjOr SPOrTiNG EvENTS,
ShEFFiElD iS A PErFECT hOST CiTy FOr ThE
2018 WOrlD CuP.
Why EvEry
GAME iS A
hOME GAME
18. “ThErE ArE TWO FANTASTiC
STADiA iN ShEFFiElD STEEPED
iN hEriTAGE, bOTh OF WhiCh
ArE COMMiTTED TO PrOGrAMMES
FOr iMPrOvEMENT TO bOOST
CAPACiTy. ShEFFiElD PrOvED TO
bE A GrEAT hOST AT EurO ’96 AND
iT WOulD bE ThE PErFECT hOST
CiTy FOr ThE 2018 WOrlD CuP.”
GOrDON bANKS, ObE
Gordon Banks, oBE
Crossing all language barriers and would be an unparalleled showcasehave: “The benefits economically is bidding to host the 2018 World
cultural divides, the FIFA World Cup are huge but we’re also using this
for Sheffield, at a time when it has Cup Bid and it would be tremendous
is one of the most widely recognised reaped the benefits from years ofcampaign, and 2012, as a catalyst to for Sheffield to see international
and religiously followed sporting development and placing it on thedrive developments that are already players coming to the city.”
events on the planet. world map as a centre of sportingin the pipeline. It’s about using the
excellence. event to tackle wider issues. We’re
already undertaking initiatives “HOSTING SUCH A LARGE-
W
hen England reached which address social, health and SCALE EVENT AS THE FIFA
the quarter finals of the “THE SUCCESS OF THE education agendas. “People often WORLD CUP WOULD BE AN
2006 FIFA World Cup SHEFFIELD 2018 BID WILL HELP talk about legacy post event but we’re UNPARALLELED SHOWCASE
in Germany, it was watched by a builD A rElATiONShiP bETWEEN talking about legacy pre-event. We’re FOR SHEFFIELD.
”
domestic audience of 30 million ThE CiTy AND ThE rEST OF not waiting for changes to happen.
people, and 24 billion people ThE WOrlD, FUELLING SPORTS We want to use the inspiration of
worldwide. over 300 million Euros PARTICIPATION AND BRINGING the event now to create positivity, Now the Sheffield 2018 bid is relying
were spent and 85,000 new jobs COMMUNITIES TOGETHER. ” whether it be through jobs or a on Sheffield to act together, showing
were created. Now England wants to change of lifestyle. mass support to Back the Bid and
bring this global competition home, see World Cup games hosted in
launching a bid to host the 2018 on top of the massive progression “There is a feel good factor Sheffield. Wayne Coyle is determined
tournament. From Gordon Brown to Sheffield has made over recent surrounding the World Cup but it that Sheffield makes it onto the list
David Beckham, household names years, winning a campaign to host has to be deep rooted in creating of 12 candidate host cities, to be
have been showing their support for the World Cup can only help push real opportunities in the city.” It is announced in December, “We have
the campaign. the city further into the future. The only with the firm support of the a unique offering here in Sheffield,
bid already has strong support from city’s residents that the campaign and a total of 3.3m spectators, many world. The FA itself invests £38m with a strong history of football, the
In July, along with 15 other cities partners across the city including will succeed, and there is already of them watching on big-screens per year into grassroots football. rules were written here and we have
across the country, Sheffield began both professional football clubs a swell of engagement. ‘Back in city centres. The success of the 32,000 schools encourage children the oldest team. “We want to bring
a bid to become a FIFA World Cup who are already making headway the Bid’ days have taken place Sheffield 2018 bid will help build to play with 17,000 primary schools football home – Sheffield wouldn’t
Host City – a place where football on expanding the city’s stadia. at schools and friendly football a relationship between the city among them. These children are the be Sheffield without football but
history could be made. A unified But the campaign isn’t just about games are underway to increase and the rest of the world, fuelling future of football in this country, football wouldn’t be football
city campaign, ‘Sheffield 2018’ is football. The opportunities that an awareness of the bid. When sports participation and bringing and they will be inspired by having without Sheffield.”
now in full swing, being led by a event of this scale can bring will Germany hosted the 2006 FIFA communities together. As a proudly the world’s greatest players on their
high level team of delegates who benefit every person living in the World Cup™, the country’s tourist multi-cultural city, Sheffield can doorsteps. Former England Cricket
are working to generate support city. Wayne Coyle, bid director for industry enjoyed a $400m uplift. celebrate its diverse community Captain, Michael Vaughan, has
for the bid. Hosting such a large- Sheffield 2018, is keen to stress the Hundreds of businesses benefited through the tournament, engaging shown his support for the bid.
scale event as the FIFA World Cup positive effects the campaign could from 2 million international visitors with similar cities throughout the “I think it’s fantastic that England
34 MADE Sheffield 2009/10 Innovation 35