- Start-up Day returns to the British Library on Tuesday 19 November, full of inspiring talks and practical sessions
- There will be a number of in-person events that will be streamed online, featuring speakers as varied as food brand founder Charlie Bigham, entrepreneur of Dragons' Den fame Sara Davies MBE, AI expert Cien Solon and keynote speech from Sir Chris Bryant MP
- This event forms part of Global Entrepreneurship Week at the British Library
Starting a business can offer people both personal fulfilment and financial rewards, but with around one in five businesses failing in their first year in the UK, support and skill-sharing for prospective founders has never been more vital.
On 19 November, the British Library Business & IP Centre will host Start-up Day, a day filled with talks with guest speakers from across sectors, including: Charlie Bigham, the eponymous food brand founder; Martha Keith, founder of stationery brand Martha Brook; Cien Solon, founder of Launch Lemonade and AI advocate; Helen Eastwood founder of East End Prints; Sara Davies MBE, business founder and ‘dragon’ on Dragons' Den; Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant and many more.
Whether just starting up, looking to grow, or simply have a brilliant business idea, attendees will hear from experts and industry leaders about the first steps to setting up a business and growing one sustainably, the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and the impact the latest consumer trends could have on their plans. Alongside talks, speed mentoring sessions and the opportunity to enhance their profile with free headshots taken by a professional photographer, the event will also provide the chance for attendees to meet others at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, share expertise and explore how to stay motivated and set attainable goals.
Isabel Oswell BEM, Director of Business Audiences at the British Library, said: 'We are thrilled to be hosting Start-up Day, part of Global Entrepreneurship Week at the British Library, as it offers an amazing opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to meet other like-minded people and hear from a fabulous line-up of experts. From consumer and tech trends to food and stationery our panellists cover a wide variety of industries and will help attendees feel inspired to launch or develop their business idea.'
Martha Keith, BIPC Ambassador and founder of Martha Brook, said: 'I know first-hand from building my own business how daunting it can be. When I was first starting out the British Library's BIPC offered fantastic free support for me as a budding entrepreneur. Through a mix of expert panel events and Q&A’s with business founders Start-up Day at the BIPC will help give you the confidence and tools to begin establishing your own business and the opportunity to connect with others who are also embarking on their own business journey.'
The BIPC at the British Library and BIPCs at city libraries across the country run events throughout the year to support and inspire entrepreneurs; you can find our more on the British Library's website.
Book your tickets to Start-up Day.
For further information, or to request images of speakers, please contact Freya Barry at freya.barry@bl.uk.