Free industry and IP guides
We have handpicked the best information for understanding intellectual property (IP) and for researching key industries. These guides highlight useful databases, publications and websites. You'll be able to find all this information for free in the Business & IP Centre. To use it, you just need to get a reader pass.
Some of the resources within the Guides will be available as part of our National Network, located in 13 local libraries around the country, however resources vary in each location, so please check with the library you are planning to visit if you wish to access anything in particular.
Can't see what you are looking for? If there is an industry report which you would like us to develop please email us.
A brief introduction to registered designs and registered design searching
Understand how registered designs searching can help your businesses succeed.
Read moreA brief introduction to copyright
An essential guide to understanding how copyright can help your business succeed.
Read moreA brief introduction to trade marks and trade mark searching
An essential guide to understanding how trade marks can help your business succeed.
Read moreA brief introduction to patents and patent searching
An essential guide to understanding how patents can help your business succeed.
Read moreAdvertising
Find information on the marketing and advertising industry, including trends and new formats such as online advertising.
Read moreBooks and publishing
Find directories of publishers, lists of books in print and market research on trends in the publishing industry.
Read moreBusiness and finance
This guide covers business advice, management/marketing consulting, public relations and financial advice services.
Read moreConstruction and property
Directories of builders, scaffolding suppliers etc as well as trends and forecasts for the construction and property industry.
Read moreDigital Communications
Details on emerging technologies, such as developments in mobile phones, and trade magazines such as 'Mobile monthly'.
Read moreFast food and snacks
Pizza, frozen food, savoury snacks and fast food outlets are all covered in these reports.
Read moreGraphic design
All the latest reports from the fast-changing world of graphic design as well as directories, small business help and market research.
Read moreHealth and fitness
This includes gyms, complimentary/alternative health, nutrition and health clubs.
Read moreHospitality & event planning industry guide
This guide will be useful to anyone starting a business within the Hospitality & Event planning industry and also for those wanting to further their knowledge within this area.
Read moreIntellectual property protection for board games
An essential guide to understanding how you can protect your board game and intellectual property.
Read moreInternational Trade (Export and Import)
Get economic information about other developing countries, statistics and resources for exporting and importing.
Read moreLondon business
This guide is a list of selected internal and external resources that contain London statistical and general information to assist doing business in London.
Read moreOrganic food
Directories of organic food suppliers, the growth of the organic food market and reports on health foods and healthy eating.
Read moreRecruitment and training
Information on recruitment, training, management, human resources, including specific information on IT training.
Read moreRoadmap to getting online
A guide on how to create a fully functional and optimised website helping you realise long-term commercial goals.
Read moreToiletries and cosmetics
Details on hair and beauty, skin care and makeup and reports on shopper behaviour and trends.
Read moreToys, games and gaming industry
Find trends for toys and games, including video games, outdoor games, giftware, and reports on marketing to children.
Read moreTravel and tourism
Holiday trends, specific reports such as caravanning and duty free, and trade publications such as 'Bed and Breakfast News'.
Read moreTV and film
Directories of media companies, production companies etc. and market research on trends in TV and film.
Read moreVegetarian, Vegan and Free From
Directories, books, internet sources and more on the vegan, vegetarian and free from industry.
Read moreWebsite builder tools
Ecommerce or website builder: Which tool is right for your business?
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