Economy of Sheffield facts for kids
Sheffield is a big city in England with a long history. It's famous for making steel and metal products. For hundreds of years, Sheffield was a major industrial city because it had lots of Iron, Coal, and water power from its rivers. This helped the city grow a lot, with its population reaching over 577,000 people by 1951.
Today, Sheffield is changing. While it still makes special types of steel, the city is now focusing on technology and sports. Its economy is worth more than £7 billion each year. The biggest employers are now places like the two universities, hospitals (NHS), and local government. Many international students also come to study here, bringing a lot of money to the city.
Sheffield's History: From Steel to Today
Sheffield's history with steel goes back a long time, even to the 1300s!
Key Inventions in Steelmaking
- In 1740, a man named Benjamin Huntsman found a new way to make steel using the crucible technique. This made much better steel.
- About 100 years later, in 1856, Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer converter. This allowed steel to be made in huge amounts, making it much cheaper. Bessemer even moved his company to Sheffield because it was the center of the steel industry.
- Another important invention was Sheffield Plate by Thomas Boulsover in the 1700s. This was a way to put a layer of silver over copper.
- In 1912, Harry Brearley invented stainless steel right here in Sheffield. This type of steel doesn't rust, which was a huge deal! Later, professors like F. B. Pickering helped create modern strong steels.
Protecting Quality and Heritage
- The Sheffield Assay Office opened in 1773. It puts a special crown mark on precious metals to show they are good quality.
- The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was set up in 1624. It made sure that tools with sharp edges, like knives, were made well. The head of this company, called the Master Cutler, is a very important person in the city.
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Beyond Steel: Coal and Quarries
Even though steel was the main industry, coal mining was also important in the areas around Sheffield. Even the Palace of Westminster in London was built using limestone from quarries near Sheffield.
Preserving Industrial History
The Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust helps keep Sheffield's industrial past alive. They have places like the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet and the Kelham Island Museum. You can even see old machines working there! There's also Wortley Top Forge, an old ironworks that was famous worldwide.
Sheffield's Economy: A Modern City
Sheffield's economy is growing and changing. It's not just about old industries anymore.
How Sheffield Makes Money
Here's a simple look at how Sheffield's economy grew over some years:
| Year | Total Value (Millions of Pounds) | Agriculture | Industry | Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 4,971 | 9 | 1,579 | 3,383 |
| 2000 | 6,162 | 8 | 1,631 | 4,523 |
| 2003 | 7,280 | 9 | 1,778 | 5,494 |
- Agriculture means farming and forestry.
- Industry includes making things, energy, and building.
- Services means things like shops, hotels, banks, and healthcare.
Jobs in Sheffield
Sheffield has many different types of jobs. Here's a look at where people work:
| Jobs in Sheffield | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total jobs | 239,941 | |
| Full-time jobs | 156,407 | 65.2% |
| Part-time jobs | 83,533 | 34.8% |
| Manufacturing (making things) | (about) 33,500 | 14.0% |
| Building | (about) 9,200 | 3.9% |
| Services (shops, hotels, etc.) | (about) 196,600 | 82.0% |
| Shops, hotels & restaurants | (about) 57,900 | 24.1% |
| Transport & communication | (about) 11,500 | 4.8% |
| Finance, IT, business services | (about) 43,600 | 18.2% |
| Government, education & health | (about) 70,400 | 29.4% |
| Other services | (about) 13,000 | 5.4% |
| Tourism-related | (about) 18,100 | 7.6% |
New Technologies and Businesses
Sheffield is now a hub for new technology. The University of Sheffield helps new companies grow, especially in areas like advanced manufacturing and bio-science.
- Companies like Fluent, Inc. and Jennic (who design parts for smart homes) have chosen Sheffield for their international work.
- The Kroto Innovation Centre and Sheffield Bioincubator support new businesses and startups.
- Boeing, a big airplane company, works with the University of Sheffield at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). This park is home to many advanced manufacturing businesses.
Sheffield's Economic Growth
The city's economy is getting stronger.
- In 2003, a study showed that the Hallam area of Sheffield was one of the wealthiest places outside London.
- In 2004, Sheffield was the fastest-growing city outside London for office and home spaces.
- A 2008 report said Sheffield was among the top ten "best cities to locate a business today." It was also praised for being "green" and having financial help for businesses.
Modern Industries and Awards
Sheffield is moving away from just traditional industries.
- It's now home to fast-growing online job websites like My Job Group.
- Technology companies like Capita, Plusnet, and Littlefish are also growing quickly here.
- The Sheffield Business Awards happen every year to celebrate and promote successful businesses in the city.
- In 2012, the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone was created to help new businesses and developments grow in Sheffield and the surrounding area.
