Business and IP Centre National Network
The British Library’s National Network of Business & IP Centres is transforming the way ideas grow into successful businesses. We’re supporting a thriving community of bright and inspiring people by partnering with local libraries all over the UK.
Key information
Profile
Business and IP Centres offer insights and access to free resources, training and events – both online and in-person. We’ll help you imagine, start or develop your business. Whether you’re just setting out, need advice on protecting your intellectual property, or simply have a brilliant idea you want to discuss, we’re here to guide you.
The centres provide provide a comprehensive collection of databases and publications plus a programme of practical workshops, one-to-one advice sessions and inspiring talks. Users of the London centre at the British Library rated our intellectual property (IP) information as the most valuable part of our service and 99% of them would recommend the Business & IP Centre to others.
Available resources include:
- Over £5m worth of online market reports from top publishers Mintel, Frost & Sullivan, Euromonitor and more
- Company data for over 144 million UK and global companies
- Start-up books and business directories
- 700,000 historical annual reports
- Over 60 million patents
The national network is expanding across the UK. There are currently (2023) 22 centres in all, with one in Scotland (Glasgow) and none yet in Wales or Northern Ireland.
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.
Get in touch
The Business & IP Centre national network currently (2023) includes 22 centres, whose contact details are at the link below. The social media links are for the London centre, operated by the British Library.