Small firms and start-ups in the South Yorkshire area are set to benefit from a range of different support services, thanks to a donation made by the British Library.

The library, located in London, has made a financial donation of over £700,000, which is to be used for the expansion of the Business and Intellectual Property Centre run by Sheffield Council. The service provides various forms of help for start-ups and established smaller firms across South Yorkshire, ranging from access to databases of intellectual property to seminars, one-to-one advice and market research assistance.

At the moment, the service is based out of Sheffield Central Library. However, the money provided by the British Library is set to be used to open up a further four branches of the centre, which will be located at Crystal Peaks, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham.

Speaking to The Star, the Head of Libraries, Nick Partridge, stated that the money would provide firms in the area that are trying to cope with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic with further support, before going on to add that:

“The centre contributes to Sheffield’s economy. Between 2016 and 2018 it helped to create 391 new businesses and 321 additional jobs. That translates into £2.8 million added to our economy.”

Some local firms that are trying to keep their heads above water during the ongoing pandemic have also sought out the advice of a small business accountant from South Yorkshire as they look for ways to maintain sufficient cashflow.