Barnsley becomes the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’ with focus on AI

The government has named Barnsley as the UK’s first “Tech Town” with plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public services and support for businesses.

Large technology firms including Microsoft, Cisco and Adobe are backing the initiative which aims to position Barnsley as a “trailblazer” for “how AI can improve everyday life”.

Free AI and digital training will offered to local people by Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.

Efforts will be made to help businesses adopt AI with support from the Seam Digital Campus to use new technology, scale and create local jobs.

There will also be healthcare innovations including testing AI tools that offer quicker check-ins and faster triage, AI services to support teaching and learning and infrastructure improvements such as better Wi‑Fi.

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 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.”