Business & IP Centre: Your Ideas, Our Support
We support small business owners, start-ups, sole traders, inventors and anyone with a business idea, from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and growing a business.
We’re free to join and open to anyone, offering tailored support and free access to resources, training and events on subjects ranging from setting up your business to protecting your intellectual property (IP).
Whether you’re just starting out, need specific advice, or are ready to take the next steps in your journey, we’re here to help.
BIPC Reading Room opening times
- Monday
- 10.00 – 20.00
- Tuesday - Thursday
- 09.30 – 20.00
- Friday - Saturday
- 09.30 – 17.00
- Sundays and holidays
- Closed
Where to find us
The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) and Reading Room is located on Floor 1 in the British Library St Pancras site.
We also have a growing network of BIPCs offering business support in local libraries across London and the rest of the UK.
Contact us at bipc@bl.uk and see how we can help you today.
Business support services
We offer one-to-one expert advice, research and support for all stages of your business journey, in person or online.
Our onsite business databases are currently unavailable, but you can still access our free industry guides, attend workshops and events.
Free business events
Our programme of free events, workshops and webinars will help you build a successful business. We cover a wide range of topics including intellectual property, funding, marketing, business planning and more, and there are plenty of opportunities to network with like-minded individuals.
London Network
We deliver free grass roots business support across five London boroughs (and growing). We also offer a two-day start-up programme to help you start and develop your business. You can join BIPC events, workshops and webinars in person and online via BIPCs in borough libraries across London.
National Network
You can find our National Network of BIPCs in regional and local libraries across the UK. With a range of small business support services, and a growing collection of helpful tools available online, we'll meet you wherever you live and whatever your ambition.
Read our annual report
Find out how we are driving economic recovery and growth through our Network of over 100 libraries around the UK.