Business & IP Centre

Business & IP Centre. A national network of business support hubs based in public libraries, originating at the British Library in London. It provides free access to market research, intellectual property advice, workshops, and mentoring to entrepreneurs, inventors, and small businesses across the United Kingdom. The model has been replicated internationally, forming a global network supported by partners like the World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Union.

History

The concept was launched in 2006 at the British Library in St Pancras, inspired by research into the needs of early-stage entrepreneurs. Its creation was influenced by the success of similar services at the New York Public Library's Science, Industry and Business Library. Initial funding and support came from the London Development Agency and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. A significant expansion occurred in 2012 with funding from the European Regional Development Fund, enabling the creation of a national network across major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds. The network's international expansion began in 2013 with the establishment of a centre at the National Library of China in Beijing.

Services

Core services include free access to premium databases like Mintel, FAME, and Kompass, alongside a comprehensive collection of patents, trademarks, and design registries. It offers regular workshops and one-to-one advice sessions on topics such as business planning, marketing, and protecting intellectual property through the UK Intellectual Property Office. Specialized clinics are run in partnership with organizations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. The centre also hosts inspirational events featuring entrepreneurs from companies like Innocent Drinks and Regent's University London.

Locations

The flagship centre operates within the British Library in London. The national network includes hubs in city libraries across the United Kingdom, such as the Library of Birmingham, Manchester Central Library, and the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Internationally, the model has been adopted by libraries on nearly every continent, including the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney, the Toronto Public Library in Canada, and the Kansas City Public Library in the United States. Each location tailors its resources to support local industries, from creative sectors in Brighton to manufacturing in Sheffield.

Impact and recognition

An independent report by BE Group estimated that businesses supported by the network contributed over £78 million to the UK economy and created thousands of jobs between 2006 and 2011. It has received numerous awards, including the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. The network is frequently cited in reports by Nesta and the Federation of Small Businesses as a key driver of innovation. Success stories from the centre include Trinny London and BrewDog, which utilized its resources in their early development stages.

Partnerships and funding

The network is sustained through partnerships with corporate organizations like Bloomberg, Santander UK, and Google. Public funding has been secured from bodies such as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the European Regional Development Fund. Key strategic partners include the British Library, the UK Intellectual Property Office, and the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys. These collaborations enable the provision of free services, specialized events like the "Innovating for Growth" programme, and outreach to diverse communities across the United Kingdom.

Category:British Library Category:Business support organizations Category:Intellectual property organizations Category:Library associations and consortia