A business policy research and advocacy programme

The three South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce (Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster, and Sheffield) wanted to amplify their collective influence over the region's economic agenda at a time of major change. Across a two-year programme, PolicyDepartment supported the Chambers in revamping the region's Quarterly Economic Survey (improving reach and reporting and launching a podcast), established and curated a business policy forum and later a regional skills manifesto, and provided briefing-led support for partner engagement with the Mayoral Combined Authority. The programme moved the Chambers towards a stronger, shared leadership role on the regional economy.