Business & IP Centre

Start and grow your business with us! Access free events, workshops, one-to-one support and the UK's largest collection of business and IP information. At the British Library and 70+ UK libraries.

For whatever stage you're at

Starting your business

Build your confidence, skills and business plan to turn your idea into action.

Running your business

Improve day-to-day management of your business to boost success.

Growing your business

Refine your strategy to unlock long-term growth and new opportunities.

Free business support near you

As well as at the British Library in London, Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) are based in over 70 libraries in the UK. At many BIPCs you can also find other specialist services to help your business journey, such as podcast studios and meeting rooms.

Find your local BIPC

Meet our team

Our team of experts in residence are experienced business owners and entrepreneurs offering workshops and webinars on sales, marketing, funding and more. Explore their industry expertise and find the right support for your business.

Find out more

Speaker delivering a talk to an audience at at BIPC event.

What can I do at the Business & IP Centre?

Three women talking at the BIPC with Intellectual Property digital display in background.

Protect your ideas

Find out how to protect and make money from your intellectual property (IP), get help from our IP specialists and search patents and trade marks.

Business

Research your market

Use our world-leading collection of business information to understand your customers, competitors and find funding.

Business

Join workshops and events

Learn new skills, build your network and find inspiration through our regular programme of events to help you start and grow your business.

Business

Visit us

Find workspaces, community and friendly business support at the British Library and over 70 libraries nationwide.

Business

Starter guides and toolkits

Not sure where to start? Download our step-by-step toolkits and guides.

Starting your business: a toolkit for start-ups

If you are thinking of starting a business or have just begun, this guide is for you.

Business

Introduction to patents

A simple introduction to patents, designed to help you understand, protect and commercialise your intellectual property (IP).

Business

Fast food and snacks industry guide

Overview of key resources available for free at the British Library Business & IP Centre.

Business

Democratising Entrepreneurship: impact report

This report reviews the impact of BIPC services over the past three years.

Business

All guides

The number 20 containing a montage of images of entrepreneurs.

20 years of helping small business

300,000+ people supported
70+ centres in libraries UK-wide
68,800 businesses created
28,300 additional jobs created
2 x more likely to succeed
£6.63 payback for every £1 of public money invested.

Find out more

Our supporters

Contact us

Address
Business & IP Centre (BIPC)
Floor 1, The British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB

Or find your local business centre.

Phone 0207 412 7454

Email bipc@bl.uk

Instagram @businessandipcentre

LinkedIn @Business & IP Centre

Stay up to date with the Business & IP Centre 

Hear about our latest events, workshops and resources in our monthly newsletter.  

By clicking 'Sign up' you agree that you wish to regularly receive news and update emails from the British Library. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

If you encounter any problems subscribing please contact us.