Barnsley Council exceeds job creation target with boost in inward investment

Barnsley Council has supported the creation of a further 295 private sector jobs, 25 new business starts and attracted inward investment through the relocation of 6 businesses to Barnsley, according to the latest quarterly performance report.

The report for the third quarter of 2015/16, which summarises the council’s performance against its priorities, shows that the number of private sector jobs created has now exceeded its 2015/16 annual target of 1,100 with 1,327 new jobs created so far this year.

The number of businesses relocating to Barnsley has achieved its target of 8, with 15 businesses relocating and investing in Barnsley to date. This means that 2015/16 has seen the highest level of inward investment recorded in the last seven years.

Furthermore, The report highlights an increase in the number of affordable homes made available across the borough, with 92 additional homes this quarter. This equates to 142 so far this year – on track to achieving its target of 150 for 2015/16.

In addition, the quarterly report also shows that 72% of retailers in the town centre are independent - which is behind its annual target of 82.5%.

Cllr Alan Gardiner, cabinet spokesperson for corporate services, said: “The quarterly performance reports focus on how we’re performing against our key priorities and outcomes - highlighting what we aim to achieve.

“The quarter three report for 2015/16 highlights a number of our achievements and the continuous improvements we’ve made, showing that a number of annual targets have already been reached.

This quarter has seen ongoing improvement in our drive to create more and better jobs and good business growth.

“I’d like to thank all council staff, our partners, and our increasing number of volunteers because together we’re achieving some great things for Barnsley – something we should all be very proud of.”