One of the IPO’s priorities is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups by making access to IP guidance easier. The aim is to empower them to make informed IP decisions that boost their ability to manage their IP effectively for growth. The British Library's Business & IP Centre (BIPC) network is a significant partner in this work.
This year, the BIPC at the British Library is celebrating twenty years of supporting small businesses to start and grow. Together with Amy Miller, Business & IP Centre National Network Co-ordinator, we take a look at the work of the BIPC and how the BIPC network has grown during this time and the ongoing partnership with the IPO.
We asked Amy to start by telling us about the BIPC journey:
“This year, the BIPC at the British Library turns 20, and what a journey it's been! Since opening its doors in 2006, the BIPC has helped hundreds of thousands of people turn their ideas into thriving businesses, and we're delighted to be part of that story”.
Amy told us how expansion over the 20 years has led to a network of Business & IP Centres in more than 70 libraries across the UK. As a result, IP business support is now freely available in the places where small businesses thrive – our towns and cities.
What sort of help is available at the British Library’s Business & IP Centres, and how has the IPO been involved?
IPO support for the development of the centres has seen the provision of training and resources to ensure that entrepreneurs, businesses and innovators can access IP guidance locally, allowing them to make informed decisions in respect of their IP assets.
Whether you're just starting out, trying to protect your brand with a trade mark, find funding opportunities, or wanting to sharpen your business skills, the BIPC is there to help at every stage of your journey.
Each year, the BIPC successfully supports more than 40,000 people, through workshops, webinars and one-to-one sessions with specialists. The results speak for themselves: over 90% of entrepreneurs supported by the BIPC are still trading after three years.
Support covers everything from market research and intellectual property (IP) guidance to marketing, finance and networking. Whatever stage you're at, there's something for you.
Free resources to get you started
Not sure where to begin? BIPC's free Start-up Toolkit is a great place to start, it walks you through all the key aspects of running a business in plain, jargon-free language.
If you're based in London, you can also join the Kickstart your Business workshops, run through local libraries. And wherever you are in the UK, you can download free industry market intelligence resources, alongside guides explaining the types of IP (trade marks, patents, copyright and designs) and how they can be used to protect a business’ brand and products.
All of these resources are available at the British Library's BIPC website.
Visit the Reading Room in London
As well as accessing a range of resources and workshops, Amy tells us that those based in or near London can visit the BIPC Reading Room at the British Library in person.
"It's open six days a week, with open-access shelves covering everything from starting up to marketing and finance. Staff at the enquiry desk are on hand and happy to help you find what you need! You'll need a free Reader Pass to use the Reading Rooms. Find out how to get one in our guidance page."
Workshops and events throughout the year
If you're looking to learn more about trade marks, designs, copyright and patents, you're in luck - every month, the BIPC runs free workshops, as well as sessions on how to make the most of the market intelligence resources available through the British Library.
There are special events throughout the year too, including Inspiring Entrepreneurs evenings with successful founders, the annual Start-up Day every November, and quarterly Start-up Stars panel discussions featuring entrepreneurs who've grown their businesses with BIPC support. All are free to attend - learn more on the events page.
Research services
The BIPC also offers a range of paid research services. These include:
- A market intelligence service providing bespoke reports on your business sector, insight into potential new markets and the competitive landscape.
- A patent search service for inventors wanting to assess whether a similar product already exists before pursuing an application.
- Public access date declarations (PADs) and historical IP searches, which can be useful for the legal community.
These services are charged at an hourly rate. To find out more or make an enquiry, email bipc-research@bl.uk
Join the celebrations, and find your local centre
As you can see from this blog, the BIPC deliver a range of fantastic services, events and resources - and they've been doing this for two decades. To mark 20 years of the BIPC, there are special events taking place across the country throughout March. You can find events at the British Library's What's On page for your local BIPC centre, and events at the British Library in London. It's a brilliant opportunity to discover what your local centre has to offer!
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