The British Library’s Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Network
British Library
The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) network supports startups and small businesses through free, high-quality resources and services delivered from libraries across London. The British Library acts as the central hub, with local delivery in public libraries.
Locations include:
- British Library Business & IP Centre (central hub).
- BIPC Lewisham (Catford, Deptford, Lewisham).
- BIPC Bromley (Bromley Central, Orpington, Startup Bromley).
- BIPC Wandsworth (York Gardens, Putney – Startup Wandsworth).
- BIPC Waltham Forest (Leytonstone Library).
- BIPC Enfield (Edmonton Green Library).
- BIPC Greenwich (Woolwich Centre Library, Startup Greenwich).
Support available:
1. Startup and growth programmes
- Kickstart Your Business – free two-day programme covering business essentials.
- Get Ready for Business Growth – tailored support for early-stage growth businesses.
2. Expert advice and one-to-one support
- IP protection guidance (patents, trademarks, copyright).
- Business planning, market positioning, customer targeting.
- Legal structure and financial basics.
3. Access to premium resources
- Free use of databases (e.g. COBRA, GrantFinder, IBISWorld).
- Market research reports and sector guides.
- IP databases and patent search tools.
4. Workshops and events
- Regular in-person and online sessions on business topics.
- Networking opportunities and local business forums.
5. Library facilities
- Business lounges, meeting rooms and co-working spaces in selected boroughs.
- Free wifi and PCs for business use.
All services are free of charge and designed to help individuals start, sustain or grow their business from within their local area.
British Library
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