Start-up toolkit: how to start your business
Thinking of starting a business or just getting underway? Download our step-by-step toolkit to launch with confidence and build strong foundations.
What’s inside?
- Business planning: crafting a solid strategy and Unique Value Proposition
- Intellectual property protection: protecting and monetising your patents and trade marks
- Legal structure: choosing between Sole Traders, Ltd, LLP, CIC or CIO status.
- Market research: free access to world-class market databases at the Business & IP Centre
- Finances and funding: managing cash flow, grants, loans and crowdfunding
- Marketing strategy: finding the right promotion channels for your brand.
And much more!
Did you know?
Businesses that start with the support of the BIPC are far more likely to succeed, with over 90% of them still trading after three years (national average is 50%).
DISCLAIMER: This publication is for guidance only. This publication does not constitute legal or financial advice; you should undertake your own investigations. Reliance should not be placed upon it and nor should action be taken, without obtaining advice in respect of the specific circumstances applicable.
You might be interested in
Market information
Use our world-leading collection of business resources. Research your market, customers and competitors. Find funding, suppliers and more.
Intellectual property
Understand and protect your intellectual property (IP), book one-to-one sessions with our IP specialists, search for patents and more.
Success stories
Every year we help over 40,000 people to start and grow their businesses. Be inspired by their stories.
Starting a business
Start-up toolkits, free workshops, friendly support. All the essentials you need to start your own business.
Growing your business
Explore our scale-up programmes, mentoring opportunities and resources to help you take your business to the next level.
Business support in your local library
Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) are based in over 70 libraries across the UK, as well as at the British Library in London.
Business events and networking
Meet other small business owners, book one-to-ones with our business information specialists, and learn from industry leaders on funding, marketing, finance and more.
Our supporters
Contact us
Address
Business & IP Centre (BIPC)
Floor 1, The British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB
Or find your local business centre.
Phone 0207 412 7454
Email bipc@bl.uk
Instagram @businessandipcentre
LinkedIn @Business & IP Centre
Stay up to date with the Business & IP Centre
Hear about our latest events, workshops and resources in our monthly newsletter.
By clicking 'Sign up' you agree that you wish to regularly receive news and update emails from the British Library. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
If you encounter any problems subscribing please contact us.