Skip to content

Find your local BIPC

Our National Network of BIPCs brings business support to you, wherever you are. With 20 regional centres and over 50 local hubs in libraries across the UK, find your nearest centre here.

Free business support local to you

As well as at the British Library in London, Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) are based in over 70 libraries across the UK. BIPCs offer free access to market intelligence and data, one-to-one clinics and workshops led by staff and experts-in-residence with knowledge of your local area and business landscape. At many BIPCs you can find other specialist services, such as podcast studios and maker spaces. Find your local centre and check out what they have to offer below.

Regional centres

Birmingham

Birmingham has one regional centre in the Library of Birmingham and three local hubs.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Birmingham
Library of Birmingham
Centenary Square Broad Street
Birmingham B1 2ND

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Birmingham website

Contact

Email enquiries@libraryofbirmingham.com
Phone
0121 242 4242

Local centres

Acocks Green Library, Shirley Rd, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7XH

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Handsworth Library, Soho Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 9DP

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

South Yardley Library, Yardley Rd, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8LT

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Bristol

Bristol has one regional centre based in Bristol Central Library and three local hubs.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Bristol
Bristol Central Library
Deanery Road, College Greem
Bristol BS1 5TL

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Bristol website

Contact

Email bipc@bristol.gov.uk
Phone
01179 223 999

Local centres

Junction 3 Library, Baptist Mills Court, Easton, Bristol BS5 0FJ

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Knowle Library, Broad Walk, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2QU

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Southmead Library, Southmead House, 256 Greystoke Avenue, Bristol BS10 6BQ

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire has one regional centre based in Cambridge Central Library and three local hubs.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Cambridgeshire
Cambridge Central Library
7 Lion Yard, Grand Arcade
Cambridge CB2 3QD

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Cambridgeshire website

Contact

Email bipc@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Phone
0345 045 5225

Local centres

Ely Library, 6 The Cloisters, Ely CB7 4ZH

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Huntingdon Library & Archives, Princes Street, Huntingdon PE29 3PA

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Wisbech Library, Ely Place, Wisbech PE13 1EU

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Cumbria

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Cumbria
Carlisle Library
11 Globe Lane
Carlisle CA3 8NX

Services

  • Prototyping equipment
  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Cumbria website

Contact

Email cumbria.bipc@cumbria.gov.uk
Phone 01228 227 312

Devon

Devon has one regional centre based in Exeter Library and two local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Devon
Exeter Library, Castle Street
Exeter EX4 3PQ

Services

  • Prototyping equipment
  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Devon website

Email bipc@librariesunlimited.org.uk
Phone 01392 384 218

Local centres

Barnstaple Library, Tuly St, Barnstaple EX31 1EL

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Newton Abbot Library, Passmore Edwards Centre, Market Street, Newton Abbot TQ12 2RJ

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Glasgow

Glasgow has one regional centre based in the Mitchell Library.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Glasgow
Mitchell Library, North Street
Glasgow G3 7DN

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Glasgow website

Email business@glasgowlife.org.uk
Phone 0141 287 2919

Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has one regional centre based in Manchester Central Library and nine local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Greater Manchester
Manchester Central Library
St Peter’s Square, City Centre
Manchester M2 5PD

Services

  • Podcast studio
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Prototyping equipment
  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Greater Manchester website

Email businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Phone 0161 234 1966

Local centres

Altrincham Library, 2 Pott St, Altrincham WA14 1AH

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Ashton Library, Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6BH

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Blackpool Central Library, Queen St, Blackpool FY1 1PX

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Bolton Central Library, 20-21 Hotel St, Bolton BL1 1DA

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Bury Library, Manchester Rd, Bury BL9 0DG

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Eccles Public Library, 28 Barton Ln, Eccles, Salford M30 0TU

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Oldham Library, Greaves St, Oldham OL1 1AL

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Rd S, Stockport SK1 3RS

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Wigan Library, Wigan Life Centre, The Wiend, Wigan WN1 1NH

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Humber Partnership

Humber Partnership has one regional centre based in Hull Central Library and four local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Humber Partnership
Hull Central Library, Albion Street
Hull HU1 3TF

Services

  • Prototyping equipment
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Humber Partnership website

Email reference.library@hcandl.co.uk
Phone 01482 223 344

Local centres

Beverley Library, Champney Rd, Beverley HU17 8HE

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Bridlington Central Library, 14 King St, Bridlington YO15 2DF

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Goole Library, Carlisle Street, Goole DN14 5DS

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Grimsby Central Library, Town Hall Sq, Grimsby DN31 1HG

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Leeds City Region

Leeds City Region has one regional centre based in Leeds Central Library and two local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Leeds City Region
Leeds Central Library
Calverly Street
Leeds LS1 3AB

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Leeds City Region website

Email bipcleeds@leeds.gov.uk
Phone 0113 378 6010

Local centres

Bradford City Library, Centenary Square, 9 Aldermanbury, Bradford BD1 1SD

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Shipley Library, 2 Well Croft, Shipley BD18 3QH

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Liverpool City Region

Liverpool City Region has one regional centre based in Liverpool Central Library and 4 local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Liverpool City Region
Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street
Liverpool L3 8EW

Services
  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Liverpool City Region website

Email libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk
Phone 0151 233 5835

Local centres

Allerton Library, Allerton Rd, Liverpool L18 6HG

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Newton-le-Willows Library, Crow Lane East, Newton-le-Willows WA12 9TU

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Spellow Library, 125 County Rd, Liverpool L4 3QF

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

St Helens Library, The World of Glass, Chalon Way E, St Helens WA10 1BX

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

London

London has one regional centre based in the British Library and six local centres.

Regional centre

British Library BIPC
The British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB

Email bipc@bl.uk
Phone
020 7412 7901

Local centres

Bromley
Bromley Central Library
High Street, Bromley
Greater London BR1 1EX

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business advice
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Co-working Space

Email startupbromley@gll.org
Phone 074 8530 7968

Enfield
Edmonton Green Library
36-44 South Mall
Edmonton Green
Edmonton
London N9 0TN

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one support
  • Workshops
  • Business information resources
  • Events
  • Bookable meeting rooms

Email bipc@enfield.gov.uk
Phone 020 3833 0873

Greenwich
Woolwich Centre Library
35 Wellington St
Greenwich
London SE18 6HQ

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business advice
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events
  • Co-working Space

Email StartupGreenwich@GLL.ORG

Lewisham
Lewisham Library
199-201 Lewisham High Street
Lewisham
London SE13 6LG

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business advice
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Events

Email BIPC@lewisham.gov.uk

Waltham Forest
Leytonstone Library
6 Church Ln
Bushwood
Waltham Forest
London E11 1HG

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business advice
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Email startups@walthamforest.gov.uk

Wandsworth
York Gardens Library
34 Lavender Rd
Wandsworth
London SW11 2UG

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business advice
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Co-working Space

Email Startupwandsworth@gll.org

Norfolk

Norfolk has one regional centre based in Norfolk & Norwich Millenium Library and six local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Norfolk
Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain
Norfolk NR2 1AW

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Norfolk website

Email bipcnorfolk@norfolk.gov.uk
Phone 01603 774 708

Local centres

Cromer Library, Prince of Wales Rd, Cromer NR27 9HS

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Great Yarmouth Library, Tolhouse St, Great Yarmouth NR30 2SH

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

King's Lynn Library, London Rd, King's Lynn PE30 5EZ

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Thetford Library, Raymond St, Thetford IP24 2EA

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Wroxham Library, Norwich Rd, Wroxham, Norwich NR12 8RX

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Wymondham Library, Back Ln, Wymondham NR18 0QB

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

North East

North East has one regional centre based in Newcastle City Library and seven local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC North East
Newcastle City Library, Charles Avison Building
33 New Bridge Street West
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AX

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC North East website

Email bipcnortheast@newcastle.gov.uk
Phone 0191 277 4100

Local centres

Berwick Library, Walkergate Building, Walkergate, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DB

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Blaydon Library, Wesley Court The Precinct, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 5BT

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Hexham Library, Queens Hall, Beaumont St, Hexham NE46 3LS

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Morpeth Library, Gas House Ln, Morpeth NE61 1SR

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

North Shields Library, Northumberland Sq, North Shields NE30 1QU

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

The Word Library, Market Pl, South Shields NE33 1JF

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Sunderland Software Centre, 1 Tavistock Pl, Hendon, Sunderland SR1 1PB

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire has one regional centre based in Northamptonshire Central Library and four local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire Central Library, Abington Street
Northampton NN1 2BA

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Northamptonshire website

Email bipc@westnorthants.gov.uk
Phone 01604 527 346

Local centres

Brixworth Library, Spratton Rd, Brixworth, Northampton NN6 9DS

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Kettering Library, Sheep St, Kettering NN16 0AY

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Towcester Library, The Forum, Moat Ln, Towcester NN12 6AD

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Wellingborough Library, 7 Pebble Ln, Wellingborough NN8 1AS

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire has one regional centre based in Nottingham Central Library and one local centre.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Nottinghamshire
Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street
Nottingham NG1 7FH

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Nottinghamshire website

Email bipc@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Local centres

Bulwell Riverside Library, Main St, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8QJ

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire has one regional centre based in Oxford Westgate Library.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Oxfordshire

Oxford Westgate Library
228 The Westgate
Queen Street
Oxford OX1 1PE

Services

  • Digital marketing and audio-visual equipment
  • Coworking desks and meeting booths
  • Makerspace with specialist equipment (e.g. 3D printer)
  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Oxfordshire website

Email bipc@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Southampton

Southampton has one regional centre based in Southampton Central Library.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Southampton
Southampton Central Library, Civic Centre
Southampton SO14 7LW

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Coworking space and bookable meeting rooms
  • Content creation space and podcast studio
  • Photography equipment
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Southampton website

Email bipc@southampton.gov.uk
Phone 02380 833 007

South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire has one regional centre based in Sheffield Central Library and one local centre.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC South Yorkshire
Sheffield Central Library, Surrey Street
Sheffield S1 1XZ

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC South Yorkshire website

Email bipcsheffield@sheffield.gov.uk
Phone 0114 273 4712

Local centres

Doncaster Central Library, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BZ

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Sussex

Sussex has one regional centre based in Jubilee Library, Brighton, and four local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Sussex
Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street
Brighton BN1 1GE

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Sussex website

Email BIPC@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Phone 01273 296 944

Local centres

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley RH10 6HG

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Eastbourne Library, Grove Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4TL

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Hastings Library, Brassey Institute, 13 Claremont, Hastings TN34 1HE

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Worthing Library, Richmond Road, Worthing BN11 1HD

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Tees Valley

Tees Valley has one regional centre based in Stockton Central Library.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Tees Valley
Stockton Central Library, Church Road
Stockton TS18 1TU

Services

  • Prototyping equipment
  • Bookable meeting rooms
  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Tees Valley website

Email bipc@stockton.gov.uk
Phone 01642 528 079

Worcestershire

Worcestershire has one regional centre based in The Hive, Worcester, and five local centres.

Regional centre

Address

BIPC Worcestershire
The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts
Worcester WR1 3PD

Services

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • One-to-one business support
  • One-to-one intellectual property advice
  • Bookable meeting rooms and co-working space
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Business information resources
  • Events

Visit the BIPC Worcestershire website

Email BIPC@worcestershire.gov.uk
Phone 01905 822 866

Local centres

Bromsgrove Library, Parkside, Market St, Bromsgrove B61 8DA

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Evesham Library, Oat St, Evesham WR11 4PJ

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Kidderminster Library, Market St, Kidderminster DY10 1AB

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Malvern Library, Graham Rd, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 2HU

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Redditch Library, 15 Market Pl, Redditch B98 8AR

  • Reference/enquiry service
  • Business information resources

Business & IP Centre National Network – what is the BIPC?

Join a thriving business community in your local library.

This video is embedded from Vimeo and requires cookies to function. To view this content, please enable analytics cookies using the cookies opt-in at the bottom of your screen.

Audio-described version of What is the BIPC? video.