Sheffield Digital members are invited to take part in a special business networking opportunity in Bochum this summer, as Sheffield’s twin city welcomes businesses and organisations from Sheffield and across England ahead of a unique football fixture between the two cities.
On Friday 31 July 2026, businesses, entrepreneurs, organisations and civic representatives will come together in Bochum for a business exchange and networking event, creating an opportunity to build connections, share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The event takes place ahead of the match between VfL Bochum 1848 and Sheffield United FC on Saturday 1 August at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. The fixture is particularly significant as it celebrates the longstanding relationship between Bochum and Sheffield, which stretches back more than 75 years.
Sheffield and Bochum became twin cities in 1950, making their partnership one of the longest-running municipal links in Europe. Over the decades, the relationship has supported exchanges across culture, education, business and civic life – and this summer provides another opportunity to strengthen those connections.
The business networking event on Friday will bring together representatives from both cities for an exchange of perspectives, with a supporting programme currently being developed and further details to be announced soon.
The weekend programme includes:
Friday 31 July 2026
Business Exchange & Networking Programme.
Saturday 1 August 2026, 4pm
VfL Bochum 1848 vs Sheffield United FC, and a corresponding family day hosted by VfL Bochum.
This could be a great opportunity for Sheffield tech companies interested in making international connections, learning more about opportunities in Germany, or simply strengthening links with our twin city.
If you would like to express your interest in attending, or would like further information, please contact Maurice Reinhard at Maurice.Reinhard@bochum-wirtschaft.de.
We hope some of our members will be able to take part and represent Sheffield’s thriving business and technology community in Bochum this summer.