In a bold step, Barnsley is putting the private sector in the driving seat to get the local economy moving.

In what will be a local mirror of the Local Enterprise Partnerships which have been set up with Government support around all our major cities, Barnsley Council and its partners are setting up a new Economic Partnership to steer economic growth.

A chairperson and 11 members from the private sector are now being recruited to the partnership. Expenses will be paid and plenty of satisfaction gained in helping Barnsley realise its ambition - growing the private sector to help businesses make more money and employ more people in better jobs.

The group is looking for a range of business people to bring in their specialist knowledge of their own sectors, along with a collective general wisdom on what works best for business. They will also bring their networks and relationships, leadership skills, commitment and drive.

The borough has fewer businesses and jobs than the national or even regional average. To remedy that deficit an ambitious economic strategy has been put together. The Economic Partnership will harness the experience and the ability of the private sector to guide the delivery of the strategy.

This strategy is backed up with a £25 million investment plan which focusses on six clear priorities that will create the conditions for businesses - whether homegrown or inward investing - to flourish in Barnsley:

• A vibrant town centre,
• Quality employment sites, good housing mix, and integrated transport,
• Renewal of Goldthorpe and the wider Dearne area,
• Business, enterprise and employment support programmes,
• Reducing worklessness and increasing skills,
• Strengthening the visitor economy.

As well as its work within Barnsley, the partnership and its members will act to promote Barnsley and its potential as a great place to do business.

Cllr Steve Houghton, Barnsley Council Leader, said: "Barnsley will only achieve its ambitions if the private and public sectors work together. This is yet one more example of how, even in difficult times, Barnsley can be an exemplar for changing lives and prosperity. I won't be at
all surprised to see other towns and cities following our lead."

People interested in applying for the chairperson or member roles can visit https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/BEP