The Sheffield College has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening the city’s creative industries by connecting students with local employers. The scheme, named Sheffcol Creates – The Creative Academy, is designed to bridge the skills gap in Sheffield’s growing creative economy by providing students with hands-on industry experience.

Sheffield’s creative sector plays a crucial role in the local economy, generating nearly £1 billion annually and providing approximately 9,000 jobs across a wide range of fields. This includes design, digital marketing, film, photography, media production, and the performing arts. The new project aims to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in these industries by providing a collaborative approach to education.

Each year, The Sheffield College trains over 1,000 students in creative disciplines, including art and design, media, and performing arts, through a mix of diplomas and degree-level qualifications. Sheffcol Creates invites employers to participate in the curriculum actively, providing opportunities for mentorship, live briefs, and industry placements, among other forms of engagement.

The project’s official launch event was held at 99 Mary Street in the Cultural Industries Quarter, with key figures from the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield City Council, and the college in attendance. This initiative marks a significant step towards cultivating a pipeline of talent for Sheffield’s creative sector and ensuring its continued growth.

Sofina Foods has strengthened its market position by acquiring Finnebrogue, a family-owned food manufacturing company based in Northern Ireland. Founded in 1991, Finnebrogue employs approximately 1,200 people across four advanced production sites in County Down. The company is known for its range of products, including outdoor-bred pork, sausages, rashers, ham, and plant-based alternatives.

This acquisition aligns with Sofina Foods’ ambitious growth strategy. The company, already a major player in the seafood and pork sectors, operates extensively across the UK and Europe. Its seafood division, which includes the Young’s brand, is the largest provider of chilled and frozen products in the UK and holds significant market share in Germany and France. Sofina Foods Europe now employs over 9,000 people across 27 sites following the acquisition.

Finnebrogue’s operations will complement Sofina’s existing distribution network and further enhance its portfolio of sustainable, high-quality food products. The integration of Finnebrogue’s expertise supports Sofina’s strategic expansion across Europe.

The transaction was managed by Sofina’s in-house teams with external support from PWC, Taylor Wessing, Tughans LLP, Ashurst, and Tetra Tech. Finnebrogue was advised by Piper Sandler, Carson McDowell, and EY.

The UK government is stepping in to support the continued operation of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, after its owner went into administration, putting 420 jobs at risk. Prax Group, which acquired the refinery from Total in 2021, filed for insolvency last Sunday, prompting concerns from union representatives that as many as 1,000 jobs, including those of contractors and supply chain workers, could be affected.

The government has allocated funding to the official receiver to ensure the refinery’s safe operation. The Department for Energy Security has confirmed the refinery suffered losses of approximately £75 million from the 2021 acquisition to February 2024. Despite reassurances from Prax that no immediate closure was imminent, the company shifted its position last week, stating that it could no longer continue as a going concern.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks criticised Prax’s lack of transparency about its financial gap and its failure to cooperate in finding a solution. The government is now looking for potential buyers for the refinery and other uses for the site if a sale cannot be secured. The government has pledged to maintain energy supplies and protect the local community while supporting affected workers.

Trade unions, including Unite, are calling for immediate action to protect jobs and ensure the refinery’s continued operation. Concerns have been raised about the long-term future of the site, which is strategically important for both fuel production and local employment.