Secretary of State, Liz Kendall visits Barnsley Tech Town ahead of the announcement that Barnsley is to become the UK’s first Government-backed Tech Town. Photo: Alecsandra Dragoi/DSIT
Barnsley has been named the UK’s first “Tech Town”, as ministers signal a new approach to regional economic growth that puts artificial intelligence (AI), skills and business transformation at the heart of local regeneration.
Writing in the Yorkshire Post, the Science and Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall said Yorkshire’s long history of innovation makes it well placed to lead the next phase of technological change.
“People in Yorkshire are no stranger to change. This county has always been a cradle for invention and innovation.”
The designation positions Barnsley as a national test case for how AI can be deployed to support productivity, public services and workforce capability – while avoiding the uneven growth patterns seen in previous industrial transitions.
A new model for place-based tech growth
Kendall said the Tech Town initiative is intended to combine central government backing with local leadership, allowing towns like Barnsley to shape how new technologies are applied in practice.
“Once a lynchpin of British manufacturing in the last Industrial Revolution, Barnsley is now stepping forward to lead the next one.”
“Today Barnsley becomes the UK’s first Tech Town – and with it the chance to be a national trailblazer for how AI can be used in public services, health, education, and at work to improve everyday lives, for people from all backgrounds.”
For businesses, the announcement signals a concerted effort to link AI adoption with regional competitiveness – supporting firms to modernise, reduce costs and better understand customers, while building a workforce equipped for the digital economy.
Barnsley Council Leader, Sir Stephen Houghton 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.”
Backing from global technology firms
The Government confirmed that some of the world’s largest technology companies are supporting Barnsley’s ambitions, reinforcing the town’s credentials as an emerging hub for AI enabled growth.
“Crucially, some of the world’s most influential tech companies – Microsoft, Cisco and Adobe – are backing Barnsley’s ambitions.”
Plans include expanding The Seam Digital Campus into one of the UK’s first dedicated AI campuses, giving businesses access to digital expertise, infrastructure and support to adapt to the age of AI.
Chief Executive of UKAI, Tim Flagg welcomed the news: “UKAI welcomes the selection of Barnsley and the opportunity it creates for South Yorkshire. We have been calling for this focused approach, creating innovative clusters where business, academia and government can work together to build a strong local AI ecosystem that can then be replicated across the UK.
“But success will depend on backing and encouraging UK businesses, not just large US tech firms, and on connecting local employers with schools and colleges that have the freedom to innovate and reward courage in developing the skills the region needs.”
Skills, services and productivity gains
Kendall said AI is already delivering tangible benefits across the economy, from faster drug discovery to reduced administrative burdens for teachers and small firms.
“AI is no longer an abstract idea – it is already changing how we live, learn and work.”
In Barnsley, this will include free AI and digital skills training for people of all ages, aimed at widening participation in future jobs and supporting employers facing skills shortages.
“By fully embracing the opportunities offered by this new technology we can transform lives, businesses and services.”
Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard said: “Thanks in no small part to work being led by Steve Houghton and Barnsley Council, we’re building a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire, creating jobs and opportunities in the industries that will define the next generation and beyond.
“That’s why the government have recognised Barnsley as the UK’s first Tech Town.
“Because we have already built a thriving digital ecosystem, from the Seam Digital Campus and the growing cluster of digital and creative businesses, to the cutting-edge training at Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.
“Barnsley has all the foundations of a modern, thriving tech economy.”
Avoiding the mistakes of the past
A central theme of the Tech Town approach is ensuring that growth is inclusive and locally rooted, rather than concentrated in a small number of cities or sectors.
“The possibilities are enormous – but so is the risk of repeating the mistakes of the past where opportunities were uneven and communities were left behind.”
Residents and businesses will be invited to take part in a series of “Tech Town Halls” to help shape how AI is used locally.
“This is AI built with the community, not imposed on it.”
Kendall said Barnsley’s success could offer a blueprint for other towns across the UK.
“If we can show – here in Barnsley – that AI can make a child more confident in the classroom, make a visit to hospital quicker and easier, or help a local business grow, then we can show what is possible for the whole country.”
“Barnsley was at the heart of the industrial revolution. Now it has the chance to be the showcase for the technological revolution – and this time, we are determined that no one is left behind.”
Curia in Barnsley
This week Curia’s Health, Care, and Life Sciences Research Group is looking forward to welcoming the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard to Barnsley where he will speak about the economic opportunities this new announcement will create for the region. He will also share his plans to incentivise tech innovation in healthcare to base itself out of the South Yorkshire region.
Commenting on the announcement, Curia CEO, Ben Howlett said “Barnsley becoming the UK’s first Tech Town shows what is possible when national ambition meets local leadership. This is not about AI for its own sake, but about using technology responsibly to improve public services, strengthen skills and help businesses grow. If we get this right, Barnsley can demonstrate how AI can be deployed safely, ethically and at scale – delivering real benefits for communities and creating a model other places can follow.”
To find out more about the event, or discuss Curia’s work, contact Partnerships Director Ben McDermott at ben.mcdermott@chamberuk.com.