"AI-pocalypse Barnsley, a town in South Yorkshire, England, best known for coal mining and glassmaking, is being thrust into the limelight as the country's first "Tech Town" - shoehorning AI into everything from local businesses to public services. Local residents could see improved public services, better support in local schools, faster access to NHS care and new opportunities for jobs and skills, DSIT says. Needless to say, the word "could" is doing a lot of heavy lifting here."
"Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "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.""
Barnsley has been designated the UK's first Tech Town to embed AI across local businesses, public services and education. The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology positions the project as a national trailblazer to boost productivity and create new jobs and skills. Plans include free AI and digital training delivered through Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, plus trials of educational technology to assess pupil impact and reduce teacher workloads. The Seam Digital Campus will expand to support small businesses adopting technology. Barnsley Council receives initial seed funding and major tech firms have signed up to support skills and SME adoption.
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