The industrial town that’s set to become a UK tech and AI hub
Barnsley has been designated as the UK’s first ‘Tech City’, securing government support to increase artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities across its schools, colleges, businesses and the NHS.
The support includes testing AI training tools in schools, offering free AI and digital training for residents and businesses, and testing AI tools for faster hospital check-ins and prioritization.
This follows recent government initiatives, including free courses for all adults in the UK to use AI effectively in the workplace and Lanarkshire being named as Scotland’s newest AI growth region.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will visit the South Yorkshire town alongside senior executives from Microsoft and Cisco in the UK, with both pledging support for boosting AI and digital skills in the region.
The government said lessons and feedback from the market town trial will help shape how AI opportunities are developed across the UK.
Ms Kendall said: “I am delighted to be invited by Barnsley to work with them to deliver on their ambition to become the UK’s leading technology city.
“If we are to make AI work for Britain, we need Britons and British public services that can work with AI.
“That’s why Barnsley’s ambitions are vital, 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 is possible for the whole country.
“What we learn here will shape how we roll out AI in the UK, ensuring every community sees the benefits.”
Barnsley Council’s labor leader Sir Stephen Houghton said: “This is one of the most significant investments in Barnsley in our history and will help secure our long-term economic future.”
Oliver Coppard, Labor Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “Being recognized as the first City of Technology in the UK both reflects and strengthens this momentum, cementing South Yorkshire’s position as one of the most exciting technology communities in the country.”
Barnsley residents will be invited to a series of “Technology Town Halls” where they will have the chance to give feedback on the program and help decide how AI should be used across the community.
