Visit the Business & IP Centre

Use our networking area

Drop in to our networking area on Floor 1, open to everyone with a business idea. With comfortable seating and tables, you can use the space to work, meet other entrepreneurs and get inspired by our changing display of businesses who have used the Business & IP Centre.

Browse our open shelves

In the Business & IP Centre Reading Room, we’ve got hundreds of business books, reports and business publications on our shelves. You can come in and read them whenever the Centre is open to get inspired and informed. All you need to access them is a free Reader Pass.

Build your business plan

The best business plans are well researched and backed by data. At the Business & IP Centre, you can access premium market data and intelligence for free via our online databases. Whether you need to research your customers and competitors, understand your industry or find suppliers and funding, our databases can help you start and grow your business.

Protect your ideas

Protecting your intellectual property (IP) is essential for any business. IP covers any creations of the mind, like inventions, designs, logos and more. Download our introductory IP guides and join our regular IP workshops to get started and learn how to protect and commercialise your work.

Free one-to-ones

Got a bright business idea but not sure where to start? Book a free one-to-one session with our Information Specialists to help you find reliable research, resources and support to move your idea forward.

Business workshops and events

We run regular workshops, webinars and events that cover business essentials from trade marks to funding opportunities. Find out what’s on and book your place.

Start-up resources

We’ve got everything you need to take the first step in your business journey. Download our start-up toolkit, catch up on our annual Start-up Day event and read inspiring stories from other entrepreneurs.

Paid research service

Got a business idea but haven't had time to dig into the details? We offer paid market research and intellectual property searches to help you understand the opportunity, explore your market and make informed decisions.

As well as the British Library in London, Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) are based in over 70 libraries in the UK. At many BIPCs you can also find other specialist services to help your business journey, such as podcast studios and meeting rooms. Find your local centre.