CHARITY FUNDRAISER: Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Safiya Saeed with representatives from Weston Park Cancer Charity

The first-ever Manufacturing Charity Ball, organised by Elevation Recruitment Group in support of Weston Park Cancer Charity, has raised an impressive £51,464 to help cancer patients and their families across the region. The black-tie event took place on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Sheffield’s iconic Cutlers’ Hall and was sold out, welcoming more than 300 guests from over 30 leading manufacturing businesses across Yorkshire and beyond.

The evening featured a drinks reception, a three-course dinner, live music, a charity auction and a raffle, with prizes generously donated by some of the region’s most recognisable manufacturers. Special guests included the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Safiya Saeed.

Among the companies represented were AML Sheffield, BAE Systems, Cepac, Chesterfield Special Cylinders, CMD, Colson, Cooper Turner Beck, Distinction Doors, ELG Utica Alloys, Forged Solutions Group, Gripple, Harsco, Howco Group, ITP Aero, JELD-WEN UK, Magnomatics, Orchid, OSL Group, Pandrol UK, Special Melted Products, SPI Developments, AMG Chrome, SteelPhalt, Thetford, Nelipak, United Cast Bar and JB Kind Doors.

John Bohan, director at Elevation Recruitment Group, said: “We started out aiming for £10,000, then stretched it to £25,000. To end up at over £51,000 says everything about the generosity and spirit of this manufacturing community. The atmosphere on the night was incredible and everyone involved should feel proud of what’s been achieved.”

Emma Clarke, CEO at Weston Park Cancer Charity, added: “Tonight was a huge success. The room looked beautiful, the atmosphere was friendly and fun, and the amount raised was truly remarkable. John’s passion brought people together to make a difference, and every penny will change and save the lives of local people. This community manufactured something very special tonight – hope.”

Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, chief executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said: “It was a pleasure to join Special Melted Products at the Weston Park charity ball organised by Elevation. Raising such a significant amount in one evening is a testament to the generosity of Sheffield’s business community, particularly its manufacturers. Weston Park is a cause close to my heart, having cared for both my mum and grandad during their cancer treatment.”

Sponsors also spoke of their pride in supporting the event. JELD-WEN said: “We are proud to support Weston Park Cancer Charity for their tireless dedication to helping local families and individuals. Through our sponsorship, we are proud to play a role in ensuring the continued care and support they provide to those in need across our region.”

Distinction Doors Ltd added: “Bringing together the region’s manufacturing community at the Manufacturing Charity Ball drives unity, one of our core values. We are proud to support Weston Park Cancer Charity, a wonderful organisation making a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer.”

Elevation Recruitment Group has confirmed plans are already underway to make the Manufacturing Charity Ball an annual event, with ambitions to expand it further and create ongoing opportunities for Yorkshire’s manufacturing businesses to connect while supporting local causes.

Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire