The head of Creative Sheffield has mounted a spirited defence of its key role in driving the future growth of the city against the backdrop of public sector cuts. Following the recent demise of urban regeneration company Hull Forward, some in the region questioned whether Creative Sheffield will survive the cull too. But talking to Insider, chief executive Paul Firth said he firmly believed the agency had a future even though it faced cuts like everyone in the public sector. “I strongly believe Creative Sheffield will continue to exist and take forward both the marketing and inward investment for the city. They are two areas where we have real expertise and are doing great things.” Firth said the agency, which employs 43 staff, also played a vital role in providing a link between the city council and developers looking to invest. “We can help lobby, sound things out and promote things that are right,” he added. Meanwhile Firth admitted that the funding market for property remained tough. “Traditional means of finance are going to take a long time to come back. We need to look at other ways of doing things. Creative Sheffield will be part of that, coming up with innovative solutions. We have to be smart about how we fund things.” Yesterday, Yorkshire Forward, which funds Creative Sheffield together with Sheffield City Council and The Homes and Communities Agency, was told by the government that it had to find £40.3m worth of cuts from its budget for the financial year.

Business consultancy RSM Tenon, which has seven offices across Yorkshire, has acquired certain business and assets of collapsed rival Vantis. The firm will pay up to £6.8m for Vantis Financial Management and its business advisory and tax services. The acquired businesses generated revenues of £27m according to unaudited accounts for the year to 30 April. Approximately 300 staff will transfer to RSM Tenon and the firm expects the integration to take six months to complete.

ATH Resources this morning said sales volumes had been hit harder than expected by “unprecedented adverse weather” as it posted turnover reduced by 4 per cent to £34.4m for the six months to 4 April 2010. The Doncaster-based mining company also reported a pre-tax loss of £2.9m for the period, suggesting it would fail to match its performance in the previous financial year when it made a pre-tax profit of £5.76m. However, ATH, which revealed it has received an approach about its ATH Regeneration business, expected favourable market conditions ahead.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has called for the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) set to replace RDAs to ensure private sector growth, job creation and balanced economies are “overriding priorities”. The government confirmed its plans yesterday at its regional cabinet meeting in Bradford and reiterated its intention to set up a £1bn Regional Growth Fund. Commenting on the fund, the Chamber highlighted that “significantly less resources” will be available for business than under previous arrangements.

Business leaders in South Yorkshire are in an “optimistic mood” following the Chancellor’s emergency Budget, according to financial advisor Grant Thornton. At an event hosted by Grant Thornton Sheffield, 60 per cent of attendees said they expect their business situation to improve over the next 12 months, with just 12 per cent expecting it to worsen. When asked how they thought the Budget would influence businesses in the region, only 14 per cent said it would have a negative effect.

The next expert to feature in our new online guide to selling a business, to be launched next week, will be Susan Clark, partner and head of corporate and commercial at Last Cawthra Feather LLP. Susan will be explaining why legal advice is necessary, what role the solicitor plays, and what you should look for in an adviser when selling your business. To ask Susan a question on your business with our anonymous online form, click here.

Insider Membership gives you essential sales leads, competitor intelligence, business analysis and comment from your region. Give yourself that competitive edge by becoming an Insider Member today and get indispensable information and inspiration throughout 2010. Click here for the Membership package and order online today to stay ahead of the game. Alternatively, contact Lewis Charlesworth or call 0161 907 9730 for further information.

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An investor or partner is being sought for the Walnut Club restaurants in Hathersage and the Walnut Live eatery in Sheffield. Brand owner Richard Mills says: “We are looking for someone with vision, passion and the financial resources to take the business forwards - someone who values our brand and shares our ethos and values.”

Sheffield Hallam University has appointed Professor Philip Martin as pro vice-chancellor for learning, teaching and student experience with effect from 1 September. Martin is currently pro vice-chancellor at De Montfort University and was previously director of the National Subject Centre for English at Royal Holloway College, University of London.