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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Economic Development Team has been announced as Team of the Year at the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards 2025.
The awards, which were hosted at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 25th November following the iED Annual Conference, Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities, celebrate achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.
This year saw a record-breaking number of entries, with almost 60 submissions received for seven award categories, and shortlisted nominations were assessed by an expert judging panel in September.
The Team of the Year award recognises exceptional economic development teams who have gone above and beyond in ensuring the smooth running and effective delivery of economic development functions in their organisations.
The nomination highlighted how, in 2025, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Economic Development Team has gone above and beyond in delivering excellence in economic development. They have spearheaded a series of major initiatives, including business support, technology ecosystem development, and large-scale capital regeneration. Their efforts have transformed the borough of Barnsley, driving economic growth, fostering digital innovation, and empowering both the community and young people.
iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards honouring achievements across the public and private sectors, said: “Our judges were impressed by a strategic and ambitious team driving transformative regeneration. From youth empowerment to digital innovation, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Economic Development Team is shaping the borough’s future with vision, collaboration, and measurable impact. They exemplify strategic leadership, innovation, and inclusive growth, with projects and initiatives that deliver real, lasting change across the community.”
Meanwhile, Enterprising Barnsley Group Leader Ben Hawley and Economic Policy Development Officer Dominic Jones were finalists in the Leader of the Year and Rising Star of the Year categories respectively.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are incredibly proud and honoured to receive this award.
“Our Economic Development team and the council as a whole do a superb job in working with our partners to deliver a range of projects which have transformed the borough in recent years, including The Glass Works, The Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge and plenty of work across our Principal Towns too.
“There is much more to come with phase one of The Seam Digital Campus, the Base71 Youth Zone and the Youth Activity Park all set to open in 2026 and Health on the High Street to be fully operational by 2028.
“I am so pleased the team have got the recognition their efforts deserve and I know their hard work will continue in delivering the aims and ambitions of our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to make Barnsley the UK’s leading digital town, future-proof our logistics and manufacturing sectors, and empowering all of our communities to thrive.”
iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock added: “When we first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, our ambition was clear: to recognise excellence – individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in economic development across the UK. Every year since, the quality, innovation and commitment displayed has been extraordinary, and this year is no exception.
“Shortlisting the finalists was no easy task for our judges. My congratulations go to all those who were shortlisted, to each of our winners, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. Their work showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of economic development in action – precisely what these awards exist to celebrate. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, along with new colleagues, to share in this special evening.”
-ENDS-
Contact: Phil Smith, Institute of Economic Development PR consultant, on 01778 218180 / 07866 436159 / phil@philsmithcommunications.co.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) is the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners. Established over 40 years ago, the iED’s key objective is to represent the interests of economic development practitioners and ensure their views are widely expressed and noted. The iED is committed to demonstrating the value of economic development work for local and regional communities; the pursuit of best practice in economic development and the attainment of the highest standards of professional conduct and competence.
