Why Barnsley is the blueprint for the UK’s responsible growth

In 2022, following a Net Zero programme with The Business Village and Newable, I coined a hashtag that raised a few eyebrows: #BeMoreBarnsley. At the time, it might have seemed ambitious. Today, it looks like a premonition.

Barnsley isn’t just keeping up; it is setting the pace. Recently named the UK’s first Tech Town, boasting economic growth that rivals London, and ranked among the top ten most productive councils in England, the town is proving that an integrated, strategic approach to economic development works.

But as I sat in Barnsley’s impressive Clean Energy Centre, speaking with local businesses and volunteer groups, a clear theme emerged: to thrive into the long term, all businesses, large and small. must play their part by growing responsibly.

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Connecting the dots of people, planet and profit 

Barnsley’s success isn't an accident. It’s the result of an activated plan that connects the dots between social equity (like school uniform support and NHS diagnostics in shopping centres) and high-level economic strategy.

At Profit Impact, we believe all organisations - both within and outside of South Yorkshire - must now learn to connect these same dots. For medium-to-large businesses, this isn't just about doing good; it’s about remaining compliant and competitive.

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The new reality of mandatory SRS reporting

The landscape changed recently with the release of mandatory sustainability reporting (SRS) for all businesses with 250+ FTEs.

If your business is approaching or exceeding this threshold, sustainability has moved from a nice-to-have CSR initiative to a core regulatory requirement. Whether you are a supplier to the Public Sector or an ambitious family-owned firm, your ability to report on your people, planet and profit impact is now a license to operate.

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Supporting the Barnsley pathway

As a member of the Barnsley Strategic Resilience Partnership, I am committed to ensuring local businesses aren’t just compliant, but are leading the charge.

Through Enterprising Barnsley, there is currently a fully funded pathway opportunity for local businesses to begin their People, Planet, Profit journey.

While the new mandatory regulatory reporting falls outside this specific funded arrangement, Profit Impact is offering free initial advice to Barnsley-based businesses to help them prepare for these new requirements.

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Why Barnsley and why now?

Barnsley is bridging the skills gap with the nation’s largest clean energy upskilling centre. It is integrating health into the high street. It is proving that community hope is built on practical, sustainable tools.

If you are a business leader in Barnsley—or a business looking to emulate their success—the message is clear: Integrated plans are the answer. When we align our growth strategies with the needs of the planet and the happiness of our communities, "Possibility" becomes "Reality."

Are you ready to connect the dots?

• Local Barnsley Business? Email info@profit-impact.co.uk for details on how to access the funded pathway.
• 250+ FTEs? Book a call here to discuss how the new SRS mandates affect your 2026/27 strategy.