2.0 Entrepreneurs
13 August 2009
British Library Business & IP Centre launches new website - www.bl.uk/bipc as part of its ongoing web 2.0 strategy to engage and inspire a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs
Since opening in 2006, the Business & IP Centre has supported over 100,000 aspiring entrepreneurs - providing access to a wealth of research material, a comprehensive workshop programme, and advice from a variety of experts. Constantly seeking to extend this network of support, the Centre's innovative and interactive new website offers users a simple 'how-to' guide on how the Library's services can help businesses conduct market research, develop business plans, and protect their valuable ideas.
The new site forms a key part in the Library's ongoing efforts to embrace technology and connect with existing and potential users in online environments.
- Social networking - with over 1,000 Twitter followers, 2,500 Facebook group members and 640 LinkedIn group members, the Business & IP Centre's online networking efforts have brought together users from a huge variety of sectors, creating new forums for entrepreneurs to share information, learn about the British Library and be inspired.
- BIPC TV - the Centre's YouTube channel has had over 60,000 video plays since its launch, and offers users the chance to hear from some of our success stories and access unique video content full of inspirational advice, from the likes of Stelios (easyjet), Martha Lane Fox (lastminute.com), and the late Dame Anita Roddick (The Body Shop).
- 'Inspiring Entrepreneurs' webcasts - allowing greater access to the Centre's hugely popular 'Inspiring Entrepreneurs' series, in partnership with HSBC Start-Up Stars, users can now log on and put their questions to our star panellists in real time from anywhere in the world.
- Expert bloggers - Manager of the Business & IP Centre, Neil Infield, and resident patent expert, Steve Van Dulken, are both regular bloggers, providing expert advice on a whole range of business issues to around 4,000 entrepreneurs every month.
Frances Taylor, Marketing Manager for the Business & IP Centre said: 'We're continually experimenting with new developments on the web, to reach out to new audiences and improve access to our resources. Social media provides a fantastic platform for us to talk directly with small businesses and to help facilitate networking; an essential task for entrepreneurs.
For any press enquiries or further information please contact Jacob Lant in the British Library Press Office on +44[0]20 7412 7105 or via email on jacob.lant@bl.uk
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest research libraries. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. The Library's collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilisation. It includes: books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, newspapers and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages. www.bl.uk
The British Library Business & IP Centre is supported by the London Development Agency (LDA) to provide a single access point to support entrepreneurs and SMEs in London to gain access to and exploit existing and new business and IP information, and other relevant content and data, guided by impartial Library information experts and associated partners. The Business & IP Centre has been used by over 90,000 people since it opened in March 2006. An independent survey of 230 users in 2007 showed that it helped create 47 new companies, took a further 48 to start-up and helped create 115 new jobs. Access to the Centre is free, but users need a Reader Pass. For more information visit: www.bl.uk/bipc
The London Development Agency (LDA) aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth. www.lda.gov.uk