From mining community to UK's first Tech Town – the impressive rise of Barnsley

Small businesses across Barnsley are set to receive hands-on government support to adopt AI and scale up, as the South Yorkshire town becomes the UK's first Tech Town.

The government-backed initiative is an 18-month programme to help local firms – particularly the town's small and growing businesses – make AI work for them, without needing a tech giant's budget. It's a move that could shape how the technology rolls out nationwide.

At the heart of the scheme is the expansion of the Seam Digital Campus, which already houses 33 digital businesses.

The campus will support small and growing businesses with using new technology to drive growth, with plans to eventually transform it into a new AI campus built around a new National Centre for Digital Technologies.

As Barnsley Council Leader Sir Stephen Houghton says, "This is where cutting-edge technology meets everyday usefulness."

What's on offer for local businesses

The package includes free AI and digital training through Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.

The training is for business owners who are looking to retrain their teams, boost productivity or get to grips with new tools.

Major tech firms including Microsoft, Cisco and Adobe have pledged support packages specifically aimed at building digital skills across all age groups.

That means small businesses could access training and tools typically reserved for larger companies.

Infrastructure improvements are also planned, including better public Wi-Fi, upgraded connectivity and stronger cyber security – practical measures that make it easier for businesses to operate digitally with confidence.

The Tech Town programme in Barnsley will also include "Tech Town Halls" that give local people and businesses a real say in how AI is used and the chance to provide feedback on what's actually working.

What local business owners think

Louise Schofield, artist and Enterprise Nation member, says:

"I think it's a great idea. Anything that puts Barnsley on the map is fabulous in my opinion.

"Extra free training is a great opportunity for everyone. As long as AI is used to help others and not be there to replace actual people, it can only be a huge benefit to a town like Barnsley."

The initiative will also test AI tools in local schools, Barnsley College and Barnsley Hospital.

James Fitzsimmons, managing director of Barnsley health and safety firm Safehouse Health and Safety Consultants, says:

"As a small business owner in the town, it's great to see how the digital and tech world is definitely gaining traction.

"I see more ventures launching here every month. Although my business isn't in the tech world, I am working with local businesses to increase how my firm uses automated digital technology.

"With the two hubs in Barnsley in the form of DMC1 and DMC2, there's a plethora of experience from which to glean support and ideas. I can see only a bright future for the local economy as we adopt AI in our day-to-day tasks.

"It's great to think that Barnsley may soon be better known as the tech town of Britain rather than the small mining community it's always been considered. Oh, and the best football team in Yorkshire, of course!"

Paul Wheway, co-founder of Barnsley river water monitoring technology firm AquaSensor Ltd, says:

"Ben Hawley and the team at the Digital Media Centre (DMC) are doing a great job in encouraging business growth in Barnsley and the area.

"Since we started in the DMC's Furnace programme, they've been super helpful. They introduced us to people who might gain from using our sensor technology, and have backed us up with business development presentations and ideas.

"The visit by the Technology Secretary [Liz Kendall] has allowed us to deliver a demonstration of our sensors, in a very real way.

"The response by Barnsley and the DMC, and the ongoing support the centre gives to us via the new Tech Town status, will be key to making sure we can keep our rivers safe."

A blueprint for the rest of the UK

Barnsley is already embracing technology to improve its services.

Delivery company EVRi recently trialled robot delivery dogs in the town, and Barnsley Council is one of the first in the UK to roll out Copilot at scale to support overstretched social care teams with paperwork.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall hinted that what happens in Barnsley could be expanded to other communities if it's found to be successful.

"If we can show that AI helps young people learn, supports local businesses to be more productive and improves public services, we can show what's possible for the whole country."

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard also commented, pointing to the town's existing foundations:

"We've 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."

The announcement follows a series of government AI initiatives, including the launch of free AI training for all as part of a commitment to upskill 10 million UK workers, the naming of Lanarkshire as the latest AI Growth Zone and a £36 million investment into the AI Research Resource supercomputer in Cambridge.

Simon Johnson, UK government AI Ambassador and 2024 Nobel Prize Winner for Economics, says:

"AI is changing everything, and the opportunities are massive. We have to make sure that everyone, wherever they live and whatever their background, gets to feel the benefits."

Sarah Walker, CEO of Cisco UK and Ireland, emphasises the local focus:

"How AI can be applied in real places, for real people, to make everyday life and work better, whether that's a parent being able to book childcare more easily, or a small business finding the confidence to hire and grow."

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