Portland Works is delighted to announce that Dr Chris Corker, business historian and lecturer in management at the University of York, has been elected chair of the Works’ board. He takes over from John Rouse, who has resigned after more than three years in the role.
Dr Corker is Sheffield born and bred and several generations of his family have lived here. He has researched the steel and armaments industry in Sheffield for over a decade and completed his PhD in business history at Sheffield Hallam University 2016.
He has been a director on the board since 2020 and has been closely involved in activities at the Works for several years, providing historical expertise and presenting several of its heritage lecture series. He has given numerous local history talks to groups in Sheffield and the surrounding area and hopes to use his connection to Portland Works to continue to celebrate and champion this important landmark in the history of Sheffield and global technological development.
“I’m honoured to have been elected as chair of Portland Works, which is such a vital part of our industrial heritage,” said Chris. “Since being saved from residential conversion in 2013 it has been reborn as a centre for small manufacturing, independent artists and craftspeople, housing more than 30 small businesses.”
“Now we want to build on that work, complete the renovation of the building and ensure Portland Works is a relevant and important community heritage location. We’ll need to adapt and change to meet the challenges of a post-pandemic world and ensure that we thrive in future.”
“I’d like to pass on special thanks from all the board to John for his years of dedication to the role and I’m delighted that he will continue his involvement as a volunteer.”
for more information, see the governance section.
