Google, Microsoft, and Cisco are backing a small Yorkshire town to become the UK’s top tech testing ground – Here’s the plan

People across the Yorkshire town of Barnsley are set to see improved public services, better support in local schools, quicker NHS care and new opportunities for jobs and skills as it becomes the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town.

‘Tech Town’ status will position Barnsley as the UK’s trailblazer, acting as a national blueprint for how AI can improve everyday life. From AI tools that help GPs triage patients quicker, to new digital training for adults, today marks the start of a transformation designed to make life easier, fairer and more prosperous in Barnsley.    

Over the next 18 months, the government said it will work closely with local business leaders, educators, NHS workers and more to build local talent who can access the jobs of the future, and make local services fit for the AI era.

This will include:   

• Free AI and digital training – working with Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, residents will be able to take part in free courses to boost their career, retrain or simply learn something new
• Help to increase AI adoption – expanding the Seam Digital Campus to give small and growing businesses hands‑on support to use new technology, scale up and create good local jobs. The Seam is already home to 33 digital businesses, with plans for it to become an AI Campus based around a new National Centre for Digital Technologies
• Innovating in healthcare – partnering with Barnsley Hospital to test AI tools that offer quicker check-ins, faster triage and smoother outpatient care – providing a better service and freeing up NHS workers to focus on what they do best
• Tools to support teaching and learning –testing AI and edtech tools in schools and Barnsley College, to improve evidence of the impact of technology on pupil outcomes, inclusion and reducing teacher workload
• Building the right infrastructure – planning how the town will use technology better like public buildings and Wi‑Fi, as well as adding strong cybersecurity so people can use digital services with confidence and boosting connectivity

Government will use its convening power to get leading tech companies involved in this work in Barnsley, with Microsoft and Cisco’s UK CEOs joining Kendall on a visit to Barnsley, to see the town’s digital and AI ambitions first-hand.

Leading tech firms including Cisco, Microsoft, Adobe and Google are backing the plans – with all four pledging a package of initiatives to boost Barnsley’s AI and digital talent, so that people of all ages can build the skills that will help them access the jobs of the future in growing tech industries.

“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,” said Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.

“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.”

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