Sheffield Hallam has been recognised for the positive impact it has had on businesses, amidst the uncertainty and disruption of the global Covid-19 pandemic and been named as a UK Business Hero

Press contact: Greg Mattocks-Evans | g.mattocks-evans@shu.ac.uk

The University is one of 19 organisations within Sheffield, chosen by the British Chambers of Commerce, to be recognised for going the extra mile to support the local community during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Hallam students brought fresh energy, new perspectives, and specialist skills to businesses throughout the summer with 200 internships at firms across the region.

The University also continued to help businesses upskill and adapt to an uncertain future, with the launch of new degree apprenticeship programmes in construction and engineering.

Support has been provided to the severely affected hospitality sector, with experts from Sheffield Business School sharing knowledge through free webinars, covering supply chain challenges, ethics, resilient business models and the future of the sector.

Other Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the region were also able to access academic expertise through webinars delivered to more than 40 regional SMEs, covering topics such as leadership, digital wellbeing while working from home and immersive technologies.

Research collaborations with industry experts continued to have real impact, with a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with locally based horsebox manufacturer Equi-Trek graded outstanding by Innovate UK. 

"Sheffield Hallam has gone the extra mile to support business and jobs"

Kevin Kerrigan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Enterprise said: “I am delighted that Sheffield Hallam University has been named as a UK Business Hero by the British Chambers of Commerce.

“From our students and graduates playing a key role within local workforces to our academics making their expertise available to help industry innovate and adapt, Sheffield Hallam has gone the extra mile to support business and jobs.

“As Covid-19 continues to present our region and nation with some immense challenges we will continue to do everything we can to help our economy through these tough times. Sheffield Hallam will play a key role in the Sheffield City Region’s economic recovery as we build back stronger following the pandemic.”

Writing to Sheffield Hallam to confirm the news, HRH The Countess of Wessex, who is supporting the UK Business Heroes campaign, said: “It has given me great pride to hear how businesses have gone the extra mile to help during the Coronavirus pandemic. For this reason, I am delighted to support the British Chambers of Commerce UK Business Heroes campaign that recognises the incredible work businesses have carried out across the UK, in the most challenging of years.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your positive contributions, congratulate you on your recognition as a UK Business Hero and wish you every success in your endeavours in the weeks and months ahead as we look to the recovery of the country.”