About us
The British Library Business & IP Centre (BIPC), based in the heart of London at St Pancras, opened in March 2006 with the help of London Development Agency funding. Since then, we have welcomed over 750,000 people through our doors and have an excellent record of accomplishment in supporting entrepreneurs and and the self-employed from all walks of life to start and grow successful businesses. People who use our services are up to four times more likely to create a sustainable business, with 90% of businesses succeeding after three years, compared to 50-60% across the UK.
Our core offerings are open to everyone and include:
- free IP advice on how to protect your ideas
- access to our research experts
- free industry and IP guides
- over £5m worth of current market reports from top publishers such as Mintel
- information clinics and one-to-ones to talk through your business ideas
Since 2012, we have been rolling out our model for business support to other UK libraries: we now head a National Network of 19 Business & IP Centres offering comparable services across the country. They are a ‘front door’ to trusted face-to-face business and IP support, where an entrepreneur or and the self-employed or entrepreneur can walk into a centre and receive a high quality and consistent service, which is tailored to meet local requirements.
Our Services
Free Workshops, Events & Webinars
Throughout the year, you can take part in any of our workshops, events or webinars, covering a range of topics - such as How to Plan a Commercially Viable Fashion Collection to Virtual Networking Coffee Mornings. Last year we also launched Reset. Restart, a range of webinars initially curated to help businesses adapt to challenging and unprecedented circumstances, we’re continuing to support you beyond the pandemic as the world starts to reopen. No matter what stage of your business you are in or where you are looking to go.
Sign up for our events
Start-Ups in London Libraries
London libraries are transforming the way ideas grow into successful businesses. By partnering with ten London boroughs, we are developing a community of new and existing business owners, which is free to join and open to businesses or business owners with a London postcode. Whether you are just setting out, need advice on protecting your intellectual property, or simply have a brilliant idea you want to discuss, we are here to guide you.
Learn more
National Network
We’re supporting a thriving community of bright and inspiring people by partnering with local libraries all over the UK. You can find our National Network in regional and local libraries around Britain. We’ll meet you wherever you live and whatever your ambition. With new locations set to open soon, and a growing collection of helpful tools available online, we're bringing business inspiration and support to more people than ever before.
Learn more
Contact details
Tel: 020 7412 7901
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.bl.uk/bipc
Address: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB