Next week Cabinet members will discuss the new Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy, which will encourage economic growth opportunities for Barnsley.
Developed in partnership with the Barnsley Inclusive Economy Board (IEB), the strategy shows how we will continue to build a flourishing and inclusive economy where all residents share in Barnsley's economic growth and can thrive.
The Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy offers a “twin-track” model: 1) strengthening our foundations in local businesses and the labour market; and 2) attracting new investment and growth opportunities.
We aim to achieve these through three strategic missions:
- Establishing Barnsley as the UK’s leading digital town: By 2030, Barnsley aims to be an inclusive digital powerhouse, catalysing local innovation, fostering digital skills through foundational activities such as the ‘Every Child a Coder’ programme, which will equip young people with essential digital skills for careers in AI and automation. We also want to attract top-tier talent and high-value businesses, including on the SEAM Campus and as part of our ambition for a National Centre for Digital Technologies.
- Future-proofing logistics and manufacturing: By 2030, Barnsley’s manufacturing and logistics sectors aims to be exemplars of a pro-innovation, pro-technology economy, fuelling job creation and diversifying our economy by leveraging our prime strategic location, advanced digital capabilities, and commitment to sustainable growth.
- Empowering Barnsley’s communities to thrive: By 2030, we aim to unleash the untapped potential within our communities by reducing economic inactivity, championing diverse and inclusive employment, and promoting a vibrant culture of entrepreneurialism.
The strategy draws on economic levers to deliver inclusive and sustainable outcomes for our residents, businesses and places. It will complement and support the delivery of existing local and regional strategies and is an important vehicle through which we will realise our 2030 vision for Barnsley as the Place of Possibilities.
Our evidence-led strategic objectives have been shaped through engagement with our partners and representatives from our business base to form an ambitious yet deliverable strategy, focused on the activities which will deliver meaningful change. It outlines our strategic intent to grow a larger, more diverse, and higher-value economy, and attract more investment where we support all our residents to access good work or start and grow their own businesses and be proud to be part of our borough.
The strategy is designed to make Barnsley an exemplar of inclusive growth by supporting residents into employment, improving job quality, and promoting workforce development, ultimately addressing economic and wellbeing inequalities across the borough.
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Our new Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy is essential in providing a clear vision for the future of Barnsley's economy.
“In Barnsley, we have a track record of being bold, brave, and innovative to drive positive change and deliver for our residents. We’re proud of where we’ve got to, but we don’t want to stand still. Our strategy isn’t just about growth; it’s about making sure everyone in Barnsley can benefit from that growth.
“It will support our continued efforts to create a borough where everyone, regardless of background, can share in its success and deliver lasting change that benefits all corners of Barnsley and ensures it remains a great place to live, work, and grow.
“Our three growth missions set out an ambitious vision focus on how we will build an inclusive economy where everyone, from our young people to our long-standing communities, can access good jobs and fulfil their potential. We've already started delivering the strategy's goals by buying the Alhambra Shopping Centre to boost our Health on the High Street initiative, supporting residents' health and employment, and securing funding while increasing town centre footfall.
“Our £1.6m Great Childhoods Ambition investment ensures young people are ready for the job market, while regenerating our Principal Towns lays the groundwork for more placemaking projects. We've recently been awarded funding for a trailblazer pilot programme to change the way our support services operate, focused on improving the support available to people who are economically inactive, helping them return to work.
“We must look to the future with excitement and optimism, and I look forward to working with partners to create an inclusive economy in Barnsley, where everyone can contribute, succeed, and feel proud to belong.”
Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the IEB, said: “Inclusive growth is important for Barnsley to help our borough create opportunities for all including good jobs, quality education, and thriving local economies.
“I’m pleased with how this strategy builds on existing strengths and successes to set a positive direction for the future of Barnsley's economy. The strategy continues our town's legacy of resilience, from rebuilding our economy after the pit closures to becoming the vibrant, dynamic borough we are today.
“It will enable us to build a strong foundation across the borough and deliver meaningful benefits to support our residents, communities and businesses. It provides a long-term framework for inclusive economic growth whilst outlining our shorter-term ambitions to focus on early delivery.”
The Barnsley Inclusive Economy Board, comprised of leaders from Barnsley's private, public, and third sectors, will work alongside the council to deliver the strategy through a joint approach which will allow for shared insights, strategic oversight, and the development and promotion of work programmes that align with the strategy’s ambitious inclusive growth missions and strategic objectives.
