Consumer Reports

February 3, 2026, 5:48 AM EST. Barnsley is pitched as the UK's first Tech Town and an AI trailblazer, according to South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard. He credited the effort to Steve Houghton and Barnsley Council for driving a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire and for creating jobs and opportunities in industries that will define the next generation and beyond. The remarks frame the plan as a local government-led push to position Barnsley at the forefront of AI adoption and technology-led growth, with leadership short on details about funding or timetables. The statement signals a broader push to anchor tech-enabled growth in the region.