South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard opened trading at the London Stock Exchange on Friday morning (7 November) to highlight the region’s transformation into one of the UK’s most dynamic centres for innovation, advanced manufacturing and technology.

The high-profile event marked the start of a major trade mission aimed at attracting investment, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing South Yorkshire as a powerhouse of modern industry.

Speaking at the Stock Exchange, Mayor Coppard said the invitation to open the markter was a sign that “something excisting is happening in South Yorkshire”.

He said: “I’m proud to stand alongside some of our brightest, most ambitious businesses, flying the flag for a region that’s ready to lead, working with the best stock exchange in the world.”

Representatives from five pioneering South Yorkshire companies joined the delegation, including Exciting Instruments, Bow, FourJaw, and DigitalCNC, demonstrating the strength and ambition of the region’s digital and manufactoring ecosystem.

The Mayor highlighted the region’s progress, noting that South Yorkshire’s tech startups are now worth £3.3 billion, Sheffield is the fastest-growing major city in the UK over the last decade, and Rotherham has seen one of the strongest productivity improvements in the country since 2004.

Mayor Coppard added: “We’re home to the world’s first and best Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, and one of only five places in the UK with a Defence Growth Deal.”

“We’re building a bigger, better economy; and we want the world to be part of it.”