Barnsley has been designated the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’, securing government support to boost artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities across its schools, colleges, businesses, and NHS.
Support includes testing AI tutoring tools in schools, offering free AI and digital training for residents and businesses, and trialling AI tools for quicker hospital check-ins and triage.
This follows recent government initiatives, including free courses for all UK adults to use AI effectively in the workplace, and Lanarkshire, Scotland, being named the latest AI growth zone.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will visit the South Yorkshire town alongside the UK chief executives of Microsoft and Cisco, both pledging support to boost AI and digital skills in the area.
The government said lessons and feedback from the rollout in the market town will help shape how AI opportunities are developed across the UK.
Ms 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.”
Labour leader of Barnsley Council, Sir Stephen Houghton, said: “This is one of the most important investments in Barnsley in our history and will help secure our long-term economic future.”
South Yorkshire’s Labour Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Being recognised as the first Tech Town in the UK both reflects and reinforces that momentum, strengthening South Yorkshire’s position as one of the most exciting tech communities in the country.”
Barnsley residents will be invited to a series of “Tech Town Halls” in which they will have the chance to give feedback on the programme and help decide how AI should be used across the community.
