Barnsley's economy is showing signs of improvement which includes a 'thriving town centre' according to council leader Sir Steve Houghton.
The good news comes after more than £14 million in investment was made along with much hard work to try and boost the local economy.
Coun Houghton said: "We have have created conditions for economic growth and prosperity, we have a thriving town centre and our visitor economy continues to increase.
"We've seen so much positive change, I'm really excited to see how our town blooms in the next few years."
Barnsley Council says the fruits of the town's hard labour to boost the economy is now being seen. It reported that new businesses have been set up, working with the council, existing companies have grown and the infrastructure has improved to meet these new demands.
The turnaround is down to the council's ambitious economic strategy which started in January, designed to encourage more businesses to locate to Barnsley, increase skill levels, create jobs and attract more visitors to the borough.
More than 50 start-up companies were supported by the strategy this year, promoting new and varied industry from animation production to beauty therapy. The council says these fresh new businesses provide a new set of employment and investment opportunities for the town.
More than 550 expansion projects have been funded to support existing local businesses. A statement from the council said this, coupled with a 95 per cent occupancy rate of retail premises in Barnsley town centre, shows the 'strong financial position' Barnsley is in.
Alongside all new start-ups, successful companies have been attracted to the borough. Nine businesses have relocated to Barnsley because the town has the 'right sites' and 'strong transport links' to make an impact on the national and international stage.
The council says the town is now more attractive to visitors with the town hall gardens and fountains proving popular with visitors and the museums have seen landmark success with more than 575,000 visits.
