20 years of supporting small businesses

This year, the Business & IP Centre at the British Library turns 20. Now a network of over 70 centres across the UK, we support over 40,000 small businesses to start and grow every year.

Tapestry hanging in the British Library main foyer: "Starting a business? START HERE. 20 years of helping businesses start and grow. Find the Business & IP Centre on Floor 1 and in over 70 libraries across the UK."

Start-up, start here!

Pop into the British Library or your local Business & IP Centre during our birthday month of March to find out what we’re all about. Meet our teams, be inspired by founders who started their businesses at the BIPC and discover the free resources available to help you start and grow your business.

New dates for events across the UK are being added all the time.

What's on

Woman looking at green satchel for sale in shop. — Sam Walton

Coming soon…shop Start-up Stars

Shop our new Start-up Stars range. From socks to perfume, a showcase of just some of the creativity and innovation we've seen over the last 20 years. Whether a treat for you or a gift for someone else, feel good about supporting small businesses when you buy.

At the British Library and online soon.

Shop now

Start-up stars

We have helped over 300,000 innovators, inventors, creators and sole-traders over the last 20 years (including some very famous brands you might not know started at their local BIPC…)

William Arinze pointing to a drone hovering by his head.

William Arinze – The Drone Rules

William accessed BIPC Oxfordshire services and support for his start-up journey.

Business

Suman Hanif standing with photography equipment.

Suman Hanif – Pageful Productions

Suman attended the BIPC's social media workshops and a two-day workshop. The BIPC also referred her to a specialist for legal advice.

Business

Natalee Onyeche holding a tub of Skin Solace.

Natalee Onyeche – Skin Solace

Natalee went to BIPC Nottinghamshire looking for funding opportunities to upscale her business.

Business

Amelia Christie-Miller – Bold Bean Co

Amelia used the British Library’s Business & IP Centre to look at Mintel and Passport (Euromonitor) reports.

Business

All success stories

For every bright idea everywhere

Join a thriving business community in your local library.

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

Got a brilliant business idea?

Did you know with the support of a Business & IP Centre, you are almost two times as likely to succeed? Whatever stage your business is at, the Business & IP Centre can help you take it to the next level for free.

Find out how can help you start and grow your own business.

Get started

How can the Business & IP Centre help me?

Intellectual property

Learn how to protect and monetise your intellectual property (IP), book a one-to-one session with our IP specialists, search for patents and more.

Business

Market information

Explore our world-leading collection of business resources. Research your market, customers and competitors. Find funding and suppliers.

Business

Business resources

Start-up toolkits, industry guides, research guides, intellectual property guides. All the essentials online and available to download.

Business

Find your local BIPC

As well as at the British Library in London, Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) are based in over 70 libraries in the UK.

Business

Contact us

Address
Business & IP Centre (BIPC)
Floor 1, The British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB

Or find your local business centre.

Email bipc@bl.uk

Instagram @businessandipcentre

LinkedIn @Business & IP Centre

Tiktok @businessandipcentre

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