The British Library Business Centres

By Harry Cole

Did you know The British Library has Business Centres across the UK offering free resources and professional support to UK start-ups?

The UK government is working with The British Library to offer even more than the wealth of knowledge that can be found in books. It’s now a resource for small businesses, offering support and materials that in most instances would only available to major corporations.

Ideal for games, high-tech and apps companies, you could almost set up and run an entire business from your library. We’re talking city centre positions in Liverpool, Manchester, London, etc. With free WiFi, desk space, chill out areas, free research materials and databases worth over five million pounds.   

You can join in sessions with local business representatives and entrepreneurs. Specialists are available to discuss IP Advice and other areas key to running a business. One-to-one sessions are available, or you can attend workshops and mini classes. The business hubs are tied to local government, with MPs and entrepreneurs in the local area backing initiatives. There are also advanced sessions which you can pay for.

There’s a specific team nationally to handle the initiative and representatives at major libraries across the country. In total there are eight national network centres across the UK, available six days a week.

In addition the British Library run a three month scheme worth £10,000 in support for business owners looking to scale up their company, called Innovating For Growth. It’s in partnership with the European Union, so you better be quick.

The remit of the Business Centres is to support ‘small business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors like you.’ So make sure you get in contact and take advantage of this plethora of support.

I was lucky enough to meet the British Library at the International Business Festival in Liverpool, thanks to our friends at UKIE for the invitation.

If you are interested in hearing more then visit http://www.bl.uk/business-and-ip-centre Just no shouting please, this is still a library.