The CCBG aims to foster an environment where businesses and the public sector work together, making Sheffield an attractive competitor to other UK cities and maximising potential inward investment, along with other towns and cities in the region.

The group, backed by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, also has a mission of creating partnerships between existing city businesses, the public sector and organisations responsible for future regeneration and economic growth.

The CCBG was originally launched in 2004 but key partners in the group decided that, with major revitalisation developments such as the re-vamped railway station and the Heart of the City project, the time was right for a new direction and outlook.

The first meeting of the new CCBG was held at Creative Sheffield's headquarters and attended by representatives of businesses and organisations including Sheffield Chamber, Sheffield City Council, Creative Sheffield, Sheffield Technology Parks, The Moor, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and the city's two universities.

Sheffield Chamber policy and representation manager Helen Rana said: "The CCBG is aiming high to progress the business, cultural and social development of the city, as well as its ongoing physical regeneration.

"We want to work together to promote the attractions of the city and surrounding region to create greater wealth from tourism, conferences, students and new organisations that choose to come to Sheffield, as well as existing businesses.

"Establishing common themes and goals while pooling ideas and resources will ensure we tell the Sheffield story coherently, both nationally and internationally."

At the first meeting, CCBG Chairman and managing director of John Lewis Sheffield, Mark Lewis told the group: "There's real energy here. It's about cross-fertilisation and feedback, ensuring we communicate and maximise the benefits to the business community.

"For this group, the main focus should be keeping people excited and enthused – that means customers, citizens, companies and inward investors."

Events and initiatives such as 'RE:Inventing the City -The International Business and Economy Summit 2008' and Doc/Fest were highlighted as ways to raise the city's profile and stimulate interest.

Chief Executive of Creative Sheffield Ian Bromley added that the CCBG needed to be "a sounding board communicating with various constituent groups. We want to keep the city centre lively and reanimate it with an evening buzz."

Other businesses involved in the CCBG range from DLA Piper, Hammerson, Holiday Inn Royal Victoria and HSBC to Inspiral, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sheffield Theatres and Yorkshire Tourism South.