Business group announces investment plans

PLANS to help identify and develop transformational and iconic projects across South Yorkshire to generate new opportunities for businesses residents have been announced.

The Chambers of Commerce for Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, have joined forces to create the Big Investment Project (BIP).

BIP aims to act as a catalyst to generate new growth opportunities — projects typically above £10 million and up to £75 million — put forward from businesses and individuals for the region.

Through an evaluation board featuring local and national business leaders, BIP will identify the best projects to go forward to a group of mainly London-based investment fund managers who are set to visit the region early next year.

Chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber, Andrew Denniff, said: “Innovation and product development have been at the heart of the region’s industrial success over many years.

“This new funding programme can provide the real financial support needed to both underwrite and generate the kind of economic growth our city region strives for.”

Further information on BIP is available at www.bip.uk.com where an Expression of Interest document is available.