Sheffield City Council has introduced a new business directory designed to raise the visibility of local suppliers and support procurement within the region. The platform, developed by the Council’s Business Sheffield team, gives buyers and service providers a central place to identify Sheffield-based firms for upcoming work.
The directory forms part of the Council’s broader effort to strengthen the local economy through its proposed Ethical Procurement Policy, which prioritises seeking quotes from local companies for lower-value contracts. As part of registration, businesses provide standard information along with optional equality data, allowing the Council to build a clearer picture of the city’s business landscape and its diversity.
Information gathered will also support the work of Sheffield’s Diverse Business Board, which focuses on improving access to opportunities for women-led firms, ethnic minority business owners, disabled entrepreneurs and other underrepresented groups. The Board has been closely involved in shaping the directory to ensure fair visibility across the local supply chain.
Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “The launch of the Sheffield Business Directory is a significant step forward for our city’s business community. By making it easier for buyers and the public to find and support local suppliers, we’re not only strengthening Sheffield’s economy but also ensuring that opportunities are accessible and fair.
“This directory reflects our commitment to ethical procurement and our pledge to give local businesses every chance to thrive. I encourage all Sheffield-based businesses to register and become part of a more connected and resilient local economy.”
More than 1,000 companies have already joined, giving the Council a stronger overview of the local supply base while improving connections between suppliers and potential buyers across Sheffield’s economy.
