Barnsley has been named the UK's first Tech Town. Local schools, colleges, businesses and NHS organisations will get more bespoke government support to unleash AI opportunities.
It is hoped the designation will see see improved public services, better support in local schools, quicker NHS care and new opportunities for jobs and skills as it becomes the UK’s first government backed Tech Town.
Barnsley will become the UK's trailblazer, acting as a national blueprint for how AI can improve everyday life.
For the next 18 months, the government will be working closely local business leaders, educators, NHS workers and more to build local talent who can access the jobs of the future, and make local services fit for the AI era.
Residents will be able to take part in free AI and digital training to boost their career, retrain or learn something new.
The Seam Digital Campus will be expanded to give small and growing businesses hands‑on support to use new technology, scale up and create good local jobs.
There will be a partnership with Barnsley Hospital to test AI tools that offer quicker check-ins, faster triage and smoother outpatient care. This will provide a better service and free up NHS workers to focus on other tasks.
In schools and at Barnsley College, AI tools and edtech tools will be tested to improve evidence of the impact of technology on pupil outcomes.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "I am delighted to have been invited by Barnsley, to work with them to achieve their ambition to become the UK’s leading tech town.
"If we are going to get AI to work for Britain, we need Britons and British public services that can work with AI. That is why Barnsley’s ambitions are crucial, because if we can show that AI helps young people learn, supports local businesses to be more productive, and improves public services, then we can show what’s possible for the whole country.
"What we learn here will shape how we roll out AI across the UK - making sure every community sees the benefits."
Barnsley Council Leader Sir Stephen Houghton CBE said: "One of the key missions in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy is for Barnsley to become the UK’s leading digital town. Welcoming the Secretary of State to Barnsley to announce that we are the UK’s first Tech Town underlines our ambition and commitment to innovation which will benefit our residents, businesses and partners. This is one of the most important investments in Barnsley in our history and will help secure our long-term economic future.
"The Tech Town programme is where cutting-edge technology meets everyday usefulness. It will complement our existing plans at The Seam Digital Campus, including the National Centre for Digital Technologies, and the Health on the High Street programme, which is revolutionising how residents can access health and wellbeing services in Barnsley.
"We’re looking forward to working with colleagues from DSIT, our residents and our partners to shape the programme to create safer, smarter public services and new opportunities for everyone to thrive in the emerging and fast-paced AI landscape, blazing a trail for the rest of the country to follow."
