Barnsley businesses urged to play active role in expanding town's economy

The local authority is keen to spend its money locally where possible and is focusing increased attention on encouraging companies - where possible - to help by providing opportunities for those looking for a career.

Henry Boot, the construction firm heavily involved in the town centre redevelopment project, has got involved by providing apprenticeships for local youngsters, which are expected to lead to successful careers.

But council leader Sir Steven Houghton has accepted there are limitations on what can be expected from smaller companies, which are usually trading on very tight margins.

Councillors have been told then council is focusing on developing an ‘inclusive economy’ where the disadvantaged and deprived are given stronger chances of success in the workplace.

The authority’s executive director for ‘Place'Matt Gladstone told councillors work extended from promoting volunteering to getting people into employment opportunities, with the intention of “trying to get business doing more, rather than the council doing it.”

So far, around 150 businesses were signed up with the council looking to recruit more, he said.

The council was also working within the Sheffield City Region, the broader area with ambitions for economic growth, to try to encourage a wider spread of investment than just landmark projects such as the Advanced manufacturing Park, which straddles the border of Sheffield and Rotherham.

The council’s chief executive, Sarah Norman, said access to transport was also ‘critical’ for those looking to establish careers.