New centre will help entrepreneurs, inventors, and small businesses

Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) South Yorkshire has opened its new centre at Library @ the Lightbox, in Barnsley.

BIPC South Yorkshire explains that it supports entrepreneurs, inventors, and small businesses “from the first spark of inspiration” to successfully launching and developing a business.

The group’s hub centre was first opened in Sheffield Central Library in 2015. Within the first three years, it helped create almost 400 businesses, 320 additional jobs and generated £2.8m gross added value for the region.

Sophie Heaton, business engagement and marketing manager at BIPC South Yorkshire, said: “We’re passionate about supporting both new and existing businesses to gain the background knowledge and information they need before getting going on their new business venture.

“After months of hard work, we’re excited to be opening our new BIPC Local in Barnsley’s Library @ the Lightbox.

“We now offer our services to a much wider audience across the region and can’t wait to see how we can help support the region and the economy thrive.”

Each Business and Intellectual Property Centre has £5m worth of market research and business databases, which are complemented by a programme of events, workshops, and one-to-one sessions.

Councillor Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesman for adults and communities, said: “This is a fantastic addition to Library @ the Lightbox, and we are happy to be working with Sheffield Libraries and the British Library to bring this centre to our local entrepreneurs and developing businesses.

“We believe that with the already existing support from the Enterprising Barnsley, this will be another great service helping to start and develop more businesses and create additional jobs in our borough.”

BIPC South Yorkshire is currently working towards expanding the service to the rest of South Yorkshire.