The UK ambassador to Italy was welcomed to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) as part of a visit to South Yorkshire aimed at boosting economic ties between the two countries.

Senior British diplomat Ed Llewellyn visited the University of Sheffield AMRC during his trip to the region, which is home to the government’s first advanced manufacturing investment zone. Mr Llewellyn toured the AMRC’s Factory 2050 facility to learn more about how the AMRC, wider University of Sheffield and South Yorkshire region is delivering innovation-led impact for key sectors such as aerospace and energy.

The ambassador also met with steel manufacturer Marcegaglia, which announced a £50 million investment in Sheffield last year to build a new clean steel electric arc furnace, and Italian steel manufacturer Danieli, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, close to the AMRC.

The visit is part of a ‘domestic roadshow’ which has seen Foreign Secretary David Lammy call some of the UK’s top diplomats home to build relationships with mayors and regional businesses across the country to strengthen ties between British regions and the UK’s closest economic partners, to drive economic growth

Mr Llewellyn said: “It’s exciting to be in South Yorkshire as part of this first-of-its-kind roadshow – going the extra mile to develop relationships that will help us supercharge growth to every corner of the UK.

“Sheffield has had a close affinity with Italy since the 19th century, when many Italian workers arrived in West Bar and played a vital role in the city’s economy.

“We’re hitting the road to speak directly to community leaders and businesses, so that not a single opportunity is missed to generate trade and investment wins overseas.

“The UK Government’s Plan for Change is making Britain the best country to do business with, and I am looking forward to building on today’s roadshow discussions to showcase South Yorkshire on the international stage.”

At the University of Sheffield AMRC, which is part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult network of research centres, Mr Llewellyn and his team were given a closer view of how, alongside the University of Sheffield and HVM Catapult, the AMRC is supporting businesses through de-risking technologies, supporting inward investment and helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to become more productive and competitive through technology development.

Simon Collingwood, director of external affairs, marketing and communications at the AMRC, welcomed the ambassador to Factory 2050 and said it was a productive visit, which saw the ambassador lead a roundtable with regional manufacturing businesses to understand how their businesses are faring in Italy.

“We were delighted to have the ambassador with us,” said Mr Collingwood. “Italy is a proud and progressive manufacturing powerhouse whether in defence, aerospace or automotive and beyond. It shares many similar characteristics with the UK, and South Yorkshire in particular, and indeed many businesses in the region have active trade relationships with Italy and there are Italian businesses that have a footprint in our region.”

Mr Llewellyn was accompanied on his visit by South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, who is keen to grow the region’s global footprint.

Mr Coppard said: “My job is growth – building not just a bigger economy, but a better one. But that kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident. If we’re serious about creating an economy where everyone can stay near and go far, then we need to take our message to the world.

“That’s why having Ambassador Llewellyn right here in South Yorkshire is so vital. South Yorkshire is already home to world-leading companies and cutting-edge research, and we’re determined to grow our international footprint.

“By working directly with the UK’s diplomatic network, we can open new doors for local businesses, attract investment and build the partnerships that will power our economy for the future.”