The British Library’s Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Network

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.