28 November 2024
A Sustainable Christmas - BIPC Gift Guide
As the festive season approaches, we know it can be hard to find unique, high-quality gifts for your loved ones. Luckily, our incredible BIPC businesses are here to help! By choosing something from our gift guide, you'll not only surprise someone with a great present, but you'll be supporting our vibrant community of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Many of our featured gifts are designed and sustainably made in the UK, so you'll be looking after the planet too.
The most punderful time of the year
Looking for unique Christmas gifts that make everyone smile? Look no further! Mister Peebles, who used our scale-up programme Get Ready for Business Growth, make cards, prints and other paper goods with a sense of pun. Every product begins as a hand-painted watercolour by founder Helen, inspired by her love of animals and playful wordsmithing. Whether it's a card featuring a punful penguin or a whimsical wall print, Mister Peebles' creations are as thoughtful as they are charming. And the best part? These gifts are planet-friendly. Their Christmas cards are printed on recycled coffee cup paper, and everything is made in-house or by local, independent UK printers using sustainable materials.
Cost: £3.50 - £60. Use the code 'BRITISHLIBRARY' for 10% off orders over £10 until the end of Jan 2025.
Where to find: Mister Peebles
Designed for joy
This festive season, choose gifts that make a difference. Designs in Mind are a not-for-profit studio in rural North Shropshire where creativity empowers artists that have been referred from mental health services. Once part of Designs in Mind, their artists use their talent to create high-quality products like cards, prints, tea towels, cushion covers, aprons and more. Through their involvement in the Get Ready for Business Growth programme Designs in Mind were able to develop a marketing strategy that is now being supported by the Baring Foundation.
Cost: £3.50 - £20. Code 'LARKTEN' will give you 10% off the whole store until 21st December.
Where to find: Designs in Mind
Shine bright this season
This Christmas, let your gifts tell a story. Aquila Jewellery brings wanderlust to life with handmade designs inspired by the world’s most captivating corners. Crafted with care from recycled silver and gold, each piece reflects a journey of discovery. The designs come to life in their Brighton shop and are carefully brought into being by talented artisans in Asia and Indonesia. From eco-friendly packaging to partnerships with Responsible Jewellery Council-approved artisans, Aquila Jewellery ensures that every detail, down to the recycling of precious metals, aligns with a vision for a brighter, sustainable future.
Cost: £30 - £300
Where to find: Aquila Jewellery
A sustainable surprise
Surprise your loved ones with unique homeware and lifestyle products from our Get Ready for Business Growth graduate Jessica Anderton. Inspired by Jessica’s original hand-painted artwork, every piece is crafted with care and a commitment to sustainability. From beautifully designed kitchen accessories to statement pieces for the home, Jessica’s collection is perfect for those who love to add a touch of creativity to their living spaces. Each product is made in the UK using environmentally conscious processes and ethically sourced materials, making it a thoughtful choice for eco-conscious gift-giving.
Cost: Various (starting from £5.00). Use code: 'BRITISHLIBRARY' for 10% off your entire order.
Where to find: Jessica Anderton Designs
A crafty little Christmas
Bring elegance to your holidays with Cambridge Imprint’s distinctive patterned papers, stationery and homeware. Through specialist one-to-one sessions during our Get Ready for Business Growth programme, founder Ali was able to formulate a detailed action plan to grow her business and gain confidence to start making changes. Now known for its vibrant colours and hand-stencilled designs inspired by English traditions like the Bloomsbury Group and mid-century modernism, every Cambridge Imprint product adds a touch of timeless charm, perfect for gifting or decorating sustainably.
Cost: Various (From £2.75 to £190).
Where to find: Cambridge Imprints
Deck your halls
This Christmas, give the gift of modern luxury infused with West-African vibrancy. Eva Sonaike’s stunning range of home textiles, soft furnishings and tabletop collections combines bold colours, intricate patterns and African traditions to create truly unique pieces handmade in the UK with the highest attention to detail. Available in prestigious stores like Liberty and Selfridges, Eva Sonaike’s collections bring her design ethos of 'Bringing Colour to Life' to every space. Celebrate the season with designs that radiate warmth and joy, perfect for transforming any home.
Cost: Various
Where to find: Eva Sonaike
Merry and bright
Make your gift-giving truly special with Delmora’s unique jewellery collection, founded by Judy, our BIPC Local in Bromley's business ambassador. Each piece blends luxury with purpose, offering not just beauty but a meaningful story. Their Tree of Life set is adorned with traditional multi-coloured glass beads known in Colombia as chaquiras and is handcrafted to inspire and empower. Plus, their Recycling and Repair Service helps reduce waste and keeps treasured pieces in pristine condition, combining elegance with sustainability.
Cost: £45 - £160
Where to find: Delmora
Unwrap some creativity
Add a touch of festive fun and creativity to your celebrations with Sweet Paper Creations, our wonderful business ambassadors for BIPC Waltham Forest. Perfect for all ages, these kits come in a variety of seasonal designs, making them a memorable present or activity for the whole family. When you buy from Sweet Paper Creations, you’re giving more than a gift: you’re also supporting their interactive workshops and helping them bring mental health support to their local community.
Cost: £25
Where to find: Sweet Paper Creations
'Tis the season to sparkle
Give the gift of timeless elegance this Christmas with Emma Holland’s exquisite fashion jewellery. Designed in the heart of Surrey and crafted by skilled artisans in Thailand, each piece blends modern design with classic sophistication, creating the perfect accessory to express individuality and style. With over 15 years of experience and a dedication to quality, Emma ensures every piece is meticulously crafted to be both beautiful and enduring. To avoid becoming overwhelmed with the strains of running a small business with limited resources, Emma often seeks expertise and support from our Get Ready for Business Growth programme, enabling her to focus on driving her business forward and planing for the future. Support a passionate small business this festive season and make your gifts shine!
Cost: £25 - £120
Where to find: Emma Holland Jewellery
Snap, cracker, pop!
Do you love Christmas crackers but hate all the waste? Keep This Cracker has the answer. Bea Thackeray began her business a decade ago after visiting the BIPC at the British Library to ask about how to commercialise her invention. Keep This Cracker are sustainable alternatives that pull like standard crackers but can be reused by simply replacing the snap. You can fill the crackers yourself with treats your loved ones will actually enjoy and reuse them year after year. They come with ribbons and low-noise ecosnaps that pull with a gentle pop, ideal for those with neurodiverse conditions and pet owners. If you're a fan of pulling a cracker with a bang, Bea sells noisy snaps too.
Cost: £22 for a pack of 6 flat-packed low-noise crackers (noisy snaps sold separately)
Where to find: Keep This Cracker (also available on Not on the High Street and Etsy)
07 November 2024
Why should you attend Start-up Day 2024?
With less than two weeks to go until Start-up Day, the chance to boost your business for free, we reached out to some of our delivery partners who you can expect to meet on the day to find out more about what you can expect, as well as get some business insights and advice.
Whether you're just starting up, looking to grow or simply have a brilliant business idea, Start-up Day is for everyone. Find out more and book here.
Become informed, inspired and empowered
"Starting your own business – and succeeding in it - can be both daunting and lonely, but also really rewarding. Start-up Day is the ideal opportunity to become informed, inspired and empowered. You can enjoy a day of talks and advice from entrepreneurs and business specialists, plus it’s a great way to meet and network with like-minded, budding business owners like yourself.
I will be co-hosting the event, which means I’ll get to welcome everyone, introduce our amazing speakers and get to meet and talk with many of the wonderful attendees between sessions throughout the day.
My advice to someone starting out is to pick a business that is related to your passions, talent and heart. This will ensure that you really have that energy and drive that you will need to succeed. It is also vital that you research, attend events, get informed and test the water of your ideas.
The Business & IP Centre is the ideal way to do that with all sorts of resources, information, one-to-ones, webinars and events to help you. Finally, take care of yourself and your health and foster a healthy mindset – see it as an ongoing learning journey, not a short sprint."
- Rasheed Ogunlaru, Coach, Speaker and Author
Fresh ideas and unique approaches
"Start-up Day is an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from a diverse group of industry experts in an engaging and inspirational setting. I strongly encourage you to attend sessions led by professionals from sectors outside your own, as their perspectives can provide fresh ideas and unique approaches to your business or concept.
As a business advice partner of the BIPC, I’ll be participating in the speed-mentoring sessions, where you’ll have the chance to connect with a variety of experts and receive tailored guidance and inspiration specific to your goals. This fast-paced format is designed to be dynamic, enjoyable, and highly creative.
So what are you waiting for?"
- Peter Schonbeck, Founder of Productschön Consulting
Turn your potential into performance
"Start-up Day is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to gain valuable insights, network with like-minded individuals and access resources that can significantly boost their business growth.
I'm excited to offer a dynamic speed mentoring session on Start-up Day, where I'll delve into the intricacies of marketing, sales, and business growth. With a focus on practical, real-world strategies, attendees will leave with personalised insights and actionable plans designed to propel their businesses to new heights. It's all about turning potential into performance!
If you're looking to start-up, my advice is that consistency is key. Develop a clear marketing strategy and stick to it, while remaining adaptable to changes in the market."
- Rebecca Thomson, Director of Local Marketing Made Easy
A raft of free business support
"Start-up Day is an amazing opportunity to access a raft of free business support and guidance from industry experts, including inspirational talks and speed mentoring, all in one place
I will be taking part in the two speed mentoring sessions where entrepreneurs will get the chance to seek advice from myself and a team of mentors. We’ll be covering areas such as intellectual property, business strategy, routes to market, marketing and finance.
My advice to someone starting up would be to develop a business plan that is underpinned by market research. Your research should help you to understand the market segment you plan to operate in, identify any problems/pain points that you can provide solutions to, identify your target customers and key competitors. The BIPC is a great start with access to sector specific market research databases, free of charge."
- Alison Lewy MBE, Founder of Fashion Angel
Entrepreneurial inspiration
"Start-up Day is an event of entrepreneurial inspiration and practical advice. On the day I'll be hosting a session focused on food and hospitality businesses. Whether you're thinking about selling homemade cupcakes or opening a full-scale coffee shop or restaurant, I'll answer your specific questions.
One key piece of advice I always emphasise is to start small and test your ideas in the market before launching on a larger scale. This approach allows you to refine your concept and minimize risks."
- Vasken Jermakian, Foodication Restaurants Ltd
It's fast, fun and very creative
"Start-up Day is the perfect chance to hear from multiple experts in a fun and inspirational way. Definitely make sure to check out experts from industries that are not your own, as they might give you a new way of looking at your business or business idea!
I will be part of the speed-mentoring sessions, where you get to meet all kinds of experts and get inspired by their advice and ideas related to your business. It's fast, fun and very creative.
My advice to someone just starting out is to set aside time every week to think strategically, maybe an hour or so, then every month a whole day. So many people get caught up in the doing-doing-doing without giving themselves time to think about the big picture or learn more so they can do even better. Start-up Day is a great opportunity to think and learn for a day."
- Melissa Addey, Author and Writer
Network as much as possible
"At Start-up Day you'll meet new people, share ideas and learn something too. No matter what stage of business you're at, networking and getting out and about are key!
I will be on hand to help guide entrepreneurs and share some of my 20 years of business experience.
My early stage business advice is firstly to network as much as possible with potential partners, funders, suppliers and of course customers. Secondly, test your idea before officially going to market as it can save a lot of time and money in the long run."
- Michael Murdoch, Founder of The House
Start-up Day takes place at the British Library on Tuesday 19 November. You can discover secrets to success from renowned industry leaders like Charlie Bigham, network with like-minded entrepreneurs and get a professional headshot to enhance your brand. Plus, you can explore our dedicated BIPC area in the British Library and connect with industry experts at our speed mentoring sessions. Book now.
You can also join us later for an inspiring evening with TV Dragon and business mogul, Sara Davies MBE. You'll hear about her journey to success and get the chance to ask her your burning questions. Book your tickets here.
24 October 2024
From Coca-Cola to KFC: uncovering a spooky intellectual property secret
One type of IP is more unknown and mysterious than all the others. Its hiddenness makes it special and used in the right way can be just as powerful. It’s called a trade secret and is a type of IP protection that can be pure business alchemy.
Trade secrets are different from patents in many ways, although both need to be kept confidential (for patents until the patent application is eventually filed).
In the UK, trade secrets come under two types of law; the common law of confidentiality and information that by definition falls under the Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018.
Common law confidentiality arises when ‘information with the necessary quality of confidence is imparted in a situation imposing an obligation of confidence’.
You can see them both as mutually complementary with some overlap. Both aspects carry a strength, just like a two-headed hydra. Think of a witch’s brew, filled with spooky secrets and bubbling with powerful potential.
There are so many trade secrets concealed around the world, but some are more famous than others.
Does anyone really know the secret formula for Coca-Cola? Apparently not (although it hasn’t stopped other brands from trying to work it out). In the company’s own words, ‘the formula for making Coca-Cola is a trade secret. We have protected the special taste of Coca-Cola for more than 130 years. Only the Coca-Cola Company knows how to make Coca-Cola’.
The mystique behind the Coca-Cola formula is so famous, that the company has it locked away inside a vault on display in the Coca-Cola museum, Atlanta, USA.
However, what if your trade secret isn’t cooking, but computing? Yes, there are plenty of secrets in technology too, especially software. Search engines such as Google (parent company Alphabet) have built an entire business model on algorithms that effectively rank information for ease of finding.
The algorithm has been developed and refined over many years of testing and trading. Recent news of a leak of an AI related trade secret have sent the company into a tailspin resulting in a criminal case been filed. Part of a secret was out.
Any leak of a highly guarded secret can bring major consequences for any company and so protecting these secrets becomes paramount. Once the witch’s secret cat is out of the bag, it’s out. Therefore, businesses will do everything to protect their secrets with the legal equivalent of an ancient curse.
Woe will to any soul who breaks the secret seal on any trade secret! The curse will come through prosecution.
How to protect your trade secret
Which raises a pressing question, how does a company or individual protect themselves from having their secrets stolen?
The answer will depend on the circumstances, and professional legal help is always advisable. Generally the secret is best protected in-house by firstly limiting exposure to a set number of individual(s) on a need to know basis only. Therefore, every company should have a confidentiality process in place backed up in employment contracts.
Furthermore, before any sharing of a secret to a third party it is highly advisable to protect it with a non-disclosure agreement.
Trade secrets are unregistered intellectual property rights. This simply means there is no register of them or requirement for application. This is unlike patents, designs and trade marks. Controlling access to the secret is through contracts based on the law of confidentiality and specific regulations covering trade secrets.
This in some circumstances can be an advantage over patents. A patent, although initially secret will eventually be published before it can be granted to the inventor. The quid pro quo is then a monopoly on the technology or technique for twenty years. If you want to look at alternative ways to protect your process, then exploring trade secrets as a viable alternative could be the way to go.
If you’d like to find out more about the magic combination of all the different types of IP, then our Introduction to Intellectual Property workshops and webinars will do the trick.
Spook your competition and keep your trade secrets close
Your trade secret is truly a magical thing that spooks your competition. It has all the mystique you need to creates an aura of mystery in your business and spellbind your customers. They will want to keep coming back for more, hooked on the power of your hidden magic.
So this Halloween, do not be scared to find and use your business’s secret spell. The treat is always in a secret trick.
16 October 2024
How to set up a food business: hear from the experts this World Food Day
01 August 2024
Who owns the Olympics? How Intellectual Property supports Olympic excellence
The greatest sporting show on Earth has begun, as Paris has now officially launched the XXXIII Olympiad, the third time the City of Light has hosted the summer Olympic Games. The expected hype that goes with the most famous sporting spectacle in the world has not disappointed. Nor yet are the hopes of the many Olympians eagerly awaiting their chance to mount the podium in gold and glory.
The image of the Olympics has attained the true status of iconic - a word that is entirely accurate for the values and memories of millions. How can its magic be bottled or valued? We all have experienced that uniqueness, and we even own a tiny part of it. Who would not buy a badge or a memento to mark the celebration?
The ‘bottling’ and ‘packaging’ of sporting stardust is down to one thing, its intellectual property (IP). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) who oversee, organise and promote the games worldwide understand this entirely, and harness IP for the broader movement’s benefit: it is their own powerful asset, monetised to benefit sporting participation around the world.
So, what exactly is it? How do you ‘sell’ the Olympics?
Olympic IP Rights
The most recognisable emblem of the Olympics would have to be the five famous Olympic Rings. First created in 1913, they represent the five continents of the world, incorporating all the colours of the flags of nations who compete. Pierre de Coubertin, one of the co-founders of the modern Games, drew and coloured the original by hand.
Today the rings are a trade mark, and visually represent all that the Olympics stands for. Being able to use them is to be officially associated with the IOC and its movement. That has real value.
However, it is not only the famous rings that are owned and carefully managed; there are Olympic phrases too. Would you like to use the word Olympian in your marketing campaign? Best not to, because the IOC owns the commercial usage of that word. As well as the words: Olympic(s), Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games and Olympic torch, among many others associated with the games.
Many more even include slogans. Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together, the most famous phrase for the games.
Olympic ‘Property’
These trademarks among its many other designs and creations are regarded as the IOC’s properties. The IOC defines its properties in its Olympics Charter as those things that ‘refer to the Olympic symbol, flag, motto, anthem, identifications (including Olympic or Olympic Games), and any musical, audio-visual or creative works created in connection with the Olympic Games.’
It’s not only the trade marks it owns, but emblems, mascots, torches, posters and pictograms (an image or symbol used to represent words or ideas). The peripheral design assets also carry the spirit and memory of each Olympiad. I know this myself, as I owned a badge from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that my dad brought back on a business trip. That’s the reason I remember those games being so young (as well as the 84 glitzy grand pianos playing in unison at the opening ceremony – one to look-up).
The other IP rights of copyright and registered design are part of the IP package of protection and utilised fully by the IOC. Another piece of favourite memorabilia is old Olympic Posters. Looking at how the designs have changed over the 20th century and into the 21st is a visual lesson in the evolving look and styles of the advancing decades.
These are just a few of the multiple properties that are utilised for best commercial impact. You can see the various kinds they own on the IOC’s page, dedicated to managing their IP assets.
Laws and treaties supporting the Olympics' IP
There is also something unique about how the IP rights of the Olympics are enforced. Many countries around the world (the UK included) have adopted IP protection for Olympic assets in its own statute books. We have the Olympic Symbol, etc (Protection) Act 1995 and subsequent amendments for the London 2012 Olympics.
Other countries may opt to be a signatory to the 1981 Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol.
This is a recognition of the unique cultural value of the games: its non-partisan and unifying ethos that many countries recognise value and sign up to in principle. It adds to its specialness.
Income in licencing
All these Olympic properties are able to benefit others, but under the strict conditions of a licence. This is typical of every other form of intellectual property, it can be ‘rented out’ to others for commercial or non-profit use.
The World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) has some helpful information on IP and the Olympics. On merchandising, it states that ‘by maintaining high merchandising standards, they act as creative and pro-active custodians of the Olympic brand, enhancing the Olympic image and ensuring quality goods for the public.’
This partnership with the private sector helps to keep the Olympic image current and relevant. It is a very convenient two-way street as sponsors will pay top dollar to have rights and association with the sporting movement. Sponsorship revenue for the Paris games is estimated to exceed £1.08 billion.
Having official sponsors and licences is also a safeguard against anyone trading off the image and rights of the IOC. The problem can range from the serious issue of counterfeit goods or even businesses large and small trying to cash in on the mood. Infringement takes potential revenue away from supporting sports and participation around the world.
Olympian IP direct to your home
As you watch and enjoy the incredible, inspiring feats of sporting brilliance, there is a single reason why we can all enjoy it: the Olympics has retained its value for everybody. This is only because of IP and its effective use by the IOC and its affiliates. They have been highly effective and successful in how it has managed and controlled its ‘property’.
The Olympic brand has such high esteem because of intellectual property. It will continue to do so as it builds on its legacy of heroes and Olympic hopefuls of the future.
If you want to find out more about how the different kinds of IP can benefit your business, you can sign up to our online webinars or attend our Kickstart Your Business workshops.
Written by Jeremy O’Hare, Research and Business Development Manager at the BIPC.
09 April 2024
National Siblings Day: On building businesses together with Cultureville
To celebrate National Siblings Day we caught up with Ronke Jane, who founded fashion business Cultureville in 2018 with her sister Adeola. The African-inspired fashion brand specialise in hand-crafted clothing and accessories that feature bold African wax prints in contemporary designs. Cultureville utilised BIPC Greater Manchester to get support for their business, particularly through their social media workshops, and have also been receiving mentorship on our Get Ready For Business Growth programme.
What made you decide to set up a business with your sister?
Getting into business with my sister was a very practical decision: Adeola was in Nigeria and could be really hands-on with our production team and I was living in the UK and could take charge of our distribution. Our skills were also very complimentary - I was great with the technology aspects of our business which was invaluable for digital marketing and e-commerce whilst Adeola's background as a lawyer was vital for managing the commercial side of things, so it worked out well!
What is it like having a sibling as a business partner?
Like most things, it comes with its benefits and challenges, but for us the positives far outweigh the negatives. I get to work with my best friend which is amazing and even in the difficult times I know she will always have my back. On the flip side we spend a lot of time together which can be overwhelming and it's hard to switch off from work when we're together. Furthermore, family issues can really impact the business because they impact you both at the same time. Ultimately working together has actually brought us closer, we understand each other better and our conflict resolution has improved.
Is it hard to separate family time and work time?
Definitely! I'd say separating work and family time is one of the most challenging parts of going into business with your sibling, you have to make sure you're spending quality time just as siblings outside of work which can be hard because you already spend a lot of time together.
What advice do you have to anyone who is looking to go into business with a family member?
Communication is really important, don't make assumptions on what they are thinking, feeling or doing based on your relationship - having regular meetings where you can lovingly and honestly address your grievances really help with this. Keep it professional - you may be family but work is work so don't bring personal issues into the mix. Understand that you're a team: don't spend energy fighting each other when you can spend it on pursuing your goals.
Sound like something you could do? If you'd like to look into setting up a business with a family member, a friend or even on your own, visit your nearest BIPC and find out how they can help today.
12 January 2024
2023: Our business journey continues
As we embark on another exciting year at the Business & IP Centre, we are looking back at just some of the highlights from 2023, both for the Centre and among our network of users, supporters and partners. From the launch of our Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0 report to the opening of more BIPCs across the UK, it certainly was a busy year!
The London Network continues to grow
January saw the launch of Start Up Wandsworth in York Gardens Library, who also opened another business hub in Putney Library later on in the year. This is part of our BIPC local offering that brings our business support services to the heart of five London boroughs, also including Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Waltham Forest.
Start-Up Day never goes out of style
Start-Up Day returned in February with events taking place across the National Network. This jam-packed day consisted of speed-mentoring, informative talks, free IP support and networking opportunities aimed at helping creative businesses thrive in the arts and culture sector. We finished off the day with our Inspiring Entrepreneurs - The Changing Face of Fashion event at the British Library, in which a panel of industry experts, including Patrick Grant, discussed the latest trends in the fast-paced fashion industry.
Kickstart Your Business is born
In February we also launched Kickstart Your Business, our programme designed to deliver grass roots business support and expert advice in libraries across London through two-days of free workshops, supported by JP Morgan. We delivered over 30 workshops in 2023, and we look forward to continue to support entrepreneurs across the capital this year.
Championing women in business
We celebrated International Women's Day in March across our network of libraries. BIPC Devon launched their 12-week Women in Business programme, delivered by Devon-based Business Women to empower others to realise their full potential and pursue their dream careers. Our Inspiring Entrepreneurs - Disruptors and Influencers event took place at the British Library and focused on the 2023 Women's Month theme of Embracing Equity; topics discussed included shifting the image of women in business, and how we can best embrace and encourage diversity and inclusion in business for colleagues and peers from marginalised communities.
Success for the National Network
In April several of our National Network BIPCs, made up of 22 regional and 90 local BIPCs across the UK, secured additional funding from UKSPF, ensuring they continue to be a vibrant hub of support to small businesses until March 2025. Entrepreneurs and innovators in various regions can count on continued access to resources, expertise, and opportunities provided by their local BIPC, find yours.
Serving up more events
Our Inspiring Entrepreneurs - The Business of Food: From Farm to Fork event took place in May, as part of the British Library’s Food Season celebrations. We were joined by culinary experts Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, The Black Farmer, and Thomasina Miers OBE, founder of Wahaca, who discussed emerging trends in the food industry, the changing image of food on the high street and the ways we can be more sustainable with our food choices.
Honouring women's enterprise
We held an event in June to honour National Women's Enterprise Week, led by our ambassador Alison Cork. The panel discussion featured four exceptional women we have supported throughout their entrepreneurial journey - Cultureville, #ChalkandBlade, Pageful Productions and Skin Solace. They shared their first-hand experiences, discussing the realities, benefits, and challenges of being women in business and provided invaluable insights to empower other women navigating similar journeys. We are immensely proud to have supported not only these extraordinary women but also over 92,000 individuals since 2020. Among them, 63% are women, 32% of whom were from a Black, Asian and ethnic minority and 13% disabled - reflecting our commitment to fostering gender equality in entrepreneurship.
Double celebrations
July gave us lots to celebrate as the British Library turned 50, and we launched our independent Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0 report at the House of Lords. The report shows that Department for Culture, Media and Sport funding between April 2020 and March 2023 has helped grow our Network from 13 to over 100 libraries.
Art meets business
BIPC Liverpool City Region teamed up with Liverpool Art Fair throughout the summer in support of businesses in the art industry, in which they held Entrepreneur in Residence Clinics and hosted a number of events which gave support and advice to artists and others in creative industries. The 6-week exhibition culminated with an interview with BBC Radio Merseyside’s Claire Hamilton and Faith Bebbington, nationally renowned sculptor who is living with cerebral palsy and has survived cancer. She has since become a BIPC Liverpool client, and we have provided her with one-to-one support on her legal contracts and marketing.
Our BIPC local turns one
September marked the 1st anniversary of our BIPC local in Lewisham. To celebrate we ran an out of home awareness campaign, supported by Lewisham Council, with over 50 outdoor placements to promote the BIPC services in Lewisham. We also published this blog where we caught up with our Lewisham business ambassadors and heard about their journey with us.
Black History Month celebrations
To celebrate Black History Month in October we hosted our seventh Inspiring Entrepreneurs event of the year: Saluting our Sisters, honouring Black women in business. Our panel of visionary women shared their journeys to success, how they overcame challenges and discussed the evolving business landscape. We ended the evening with a fireside chat with Sabrina Dhowre Elba, CEO, Model and Activist.
The National Network expands
In November BIPC Nottinghamshire opened a business hub in Nottingham Central Library, and enjoyed a launch event to celebrate their new space. Our interactive map also went live this month, which allows users around the UK to locate their nearest BIPC: you can find yours here.
BIPC takeover
Throughout November and December we ran a large scale out of home campaign in London to promote our overall BIPC services at the British Library and the Kickstart Your Business workshops taking place in our London Network libraries. This involved advertisement at bus stops, underground and rail stations, and other outdoor placements across the capital.
Wrapping up the year
We ended the year on a festive high with Winter Markets taking place in some of our libraries around the UK. This featured local businesses coming together to showcase and sell their products just in time for Christmas. We also curated our annual BIPC Festive Gift Guide, sharing gift ideas from small businesses around the UK who have used BIPC services.
12 September 2023
BIPC Local Lewisham's one year anniversary
This month we are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Business & IP Centre Local in Lewisham. Building on the legacy of Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL), our previous programme in partnership with local boroughs that helped many start-ups throughout the capital, our BIPC London Locals makes this support a permanent offering. Over the past year Lewisham Libraries have played a major role in supporting over 100 aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses in the borough through expert led workshops, one-to-ones and networking events. We are proud that since opening, they have welcomed people from all walks of life, including 67% women, 73% from a Black, Asian and ethnic minority background and 13% who are disabled, demonstrating the BIPC's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
'I thoroughly enjoyed supporting businesses on a local level through SiLL, and I am proud that Lewisham Libraries continue to build on the positive working partnership with the British Library to deliver business support, developing exciting and dynamic ways to engage and provide the community with information as proud members of the BIPC network. Through BIPC Local Lewisham's business forums, one-to-one support sessions and digital market research tools it has increased access to resources for local businesses and residents. This success will continue to grow the local business support offer and expand reach for an inclusive economy. As we celebrate BIPC Local Lewisham's first anniversary I’m proud of everything that’s been achieved in the past year and I'm looking forward to what’s coming next.' - Mark Berbeck, Principal Business Officer at Lewisham Council
Meet our BIPC Local Lewisham ambassadors
These are business owners based in the borough. Some of them benefited from business support during SiLL, as well as BIPC services in Lewisham and the British Library, and we are now passing on their experience to local entrepreneurs.
'When I first came across the SiLL offer in Lewisham and attended one of their workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs I was lucky to meet with other aspiring business owners, engage with them and find out more about their businesses. It was a great opportunity to network, expand and build relationships with each other. Fast-forward and I am now a Business Ambassador for BIPC Local Lewisham and my business Authentic Worth Publishing continues to increase in legacy, awards, influence and inspiration for creatives, authors and business owners to authentically share their stories and turn them into published books.' - Esther Solomon-Turay, founder of Authentic Worth
'The workshops we attended through SiLL helped us take the right steps to position ourselves for success. Ongoing access to business support and networking opportunities through BIPC Local Lewisham has expanded our coaching business's reach, allowing us to connect with a diverse client base and share our expertise more effectively.' - Jennifer McLean and Fiona Wedderburn-Graham, founders of Amaze Associates
'BIPC Local Lewisham has provided such valuable support for my business over the last year. Through my work as one of their Business Ambassadors I've been able to connect with a wide range of other local small business owners, who I wouldn't otherwise have had the opportunity to meet and it's great to know that thanks to their network of libraries across the borough, access to meeting rooms and other business resources is always available to me in a convenient location, whenever I need them.' - Hannah Drakeford, founder of Hannah Drakeford Design
'BIPC Local Lewisham has helped me build awareness for my business, Buddies for All, throughout the Borough. I have been able to access the various services they offer such as the Cobra database and GrantFinder, which has definitely been beneficial for my business journey. Buddies for All has also benefitted from being promoted on the BIPC website as well as being featured on their bookmarks, posters and flyers.' - David Bourroughs, founder of Buddies for All
'BIPC Local Lewisham has me helped connect with other inspiring business owners and community project founders pan-London, and has also provided vast business resources such as financial planning tools as well as finance to do various activities with the book club. The funding we received from the BIPC also helped 4 of the boys complete an aviation short course, followed by flying lessons.' - Mel Nichols, founder of CHAYSES BOYS BOOK CLUB
Part of our National Network, now in over 100 regional city or local libraries around the UK, our BIPC London Locals are based in Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth, and we aim to have 10 boroughs offering BIPC services through their high-street libraries by 2025. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to develop your business, they offer tailored support, free resources, training and events, both online and in-person to help you on your journey. In addition to that, you can take advantage of two days of free workshops that will give you the insight and skills to kick-start your business, supported by JP Morgan.
You can find the BIPC Local in Lewisham in their hub libraries in Catford, Deptford, Downham and Lewisham. They're free to join and open to everyone, so come by and say hello!
24 August 2023
BIPC Oxfordshire – helping young people to succeed in business
It’s been a whirlwind year for our Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Oxfordshire. Although it’s still relatively new, we’ve already supported over 1,500 people with their start-ups and ideas, and all of our hard work was recently recognised in the form of an award from Libraries Connected.
We’re delighted that our work helping young people in enterprising activities and supporting them into business has been recognised by Libraries Connected - a membership organisation representing the public library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - in the form of the Children's Promise Award.
Of course, the BIPC doesn’t only support young people, but we’ve been particularly focused on younger generations here in Oxfordshire, partnering with local and national organisations to nurture their ambitions, and give them the skills to build their enterprise.
For the past two years we’ve been partnering with Oxfordshire Young Enterprise to host the end of year showcase. Last year alone, we had 75 students from 14 schools all over the county attend a special learning event where they pitched, exhibited and were interviewed on their projects.
We’ve additionally hosted individual school visits, including those for children special educational needs. This includes introductions to resources including our free market research databases including COBRA, which provides how-to guides on starting hundreds of different types of businesses.
For people making the first steps into business, we appreciate there can be barriers to accessing the knowledge that is mostly gained from experience. Having the tools to navigate the market is critical in so many sectors, and being able to offer access to some of these is something that makes us unique here in Oxfordshire. This is also why we’re also looking at cross-organisational approaches to link up with colleagues in Target Youth Support services to help young people who may not ordinarily have this access to get involved and gain skills they need, while also signing them up to benefit from a library membership more widely.
Beyond this, we’ve also been looking at how we can support companies or help people to create companies that support young people in education, wellbeing and other related activities.
Among the organisations to benefit from our services is GetFED. GetFED provide barista and business training for young people at risk of exclusion and exploitation. Through bespoke training sessions, the organisation supports young entrepreneurs with the basics of running a small business, developing barista skills and even project managing their own events.
The Drone Rules is another organisation that has been working closely with the BIPC. This unique organisation provides education for individuals and educational providers on all things drone-related – a technology that will be no doubt of interest to a lot of people.
BIPC Oxfordshire is certainly opening the doors for many young people and we hope we can continue to tap into the undiscovered skills of many more.
If you want to find out more about the work of BIPC Oxfordshire visit their website or head to the Centre, you can find them on the second floor of the Oxfordshire County Library in Oxford, with Locals in Bicester and Blackbird Leys Libraries.
Ryan Johnson – BIPC Engagement and Marketing Manager at Oxfordshire County Council
22 August 2023
An innovative history of the historic patent collection at the British Library
Sir Isaac Newton, once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” A few generations after, the Newtonian revolution in physics along with other discoveries of the time heralded in a new age of innovation, engineering and industry. Patents are the primary records of that step process in innovation. They’re a fascinating and invaluable ‘time capsule’ of brilliance (and occasional eccentricity).
Today, the British Library’s historical patent collection has become a world leading collection of historical IP documentation; not only from the UK, but from over 150 countries worldwide. No other collection at the Library captures better the progress of technology and commerce from the early 17th century to the present day.
And now, the British Library’s Business & IP Centre also sits on the shoulders of this gigantic treasure trove of patent, design and trademark information. In fact, it’s almost 170 years since it was first made available to the general public as the Library of the newly formed Patent Office. It really is a library within a library. The history and development of the collection offers us an intriguing insight into how much this information was prioritised managed valued, for researchers then as it is now. One report, by the US Commissioner of Patents in the 1860s described it as a ‘technological library unequalled by anything in America’.
I believe it still is.
Why a patent library?
From a practical point of view, a patent library is an essential part of being able to find (and provide evidence) that a new patent application is indeed an innovative step on what’s preceded it. One can view the history of these patents almost like a family tree of technical steps and developments, each building on the other.
Hot off the heels of the Patent Law Amendment Act of 1852, establishing what we know as the Patent Office (the Intellectual Property Office today), came the Patent Office Library. It opened on the 5th March, 1855. Its formal title was ‘The Library of the Great Seal Patent Office’. To be clear, there were patents and records of them before 1852, managed by Court of Chancery, but the nucleus of the library were 388 books from Bennet Woodcroft, the Superintendent of Specifications and Indexes, and 707 books from Richard Prosser, an engineer closely associated with the Act.
The site was on 25 Southampton Buildings, off Chancery Lane. A site it would occupy in various forms and alterations until the 1990s. In 1891, due in part to an increase in the number of visitors to the Library, plans were drawn up to rebuild the entire site. This was undertaken in stages between 1893 and 1912, with the Library moving to temporary accommodation in 1898. A full library service was maintained during this time. The new Patent Office Library was designed in the cathedral style of library architecture by Sir John Taylor.
War and Post-war
The Library continued to offer reading room services during the First World War, albeit with reduced hours and staffing levels. Visitor numbers predictably fell. And with the later onset of the Second World War, the library experienced a few near misses from incendiary bombs and a V1 flying bomb in 1944.
All during the war years, the need for a comprehensive scientific and technological network in the UK was apparent. And post-war, while widespread support was seen for a national library of science and technology, there was considerable debate on whether the British Museum or the Patent Office collections would form the basis of the new library. The debate was settled in 1959, when a Working Party on the issue recommended the new library should be based on both collections, and put under the control of the British Museum Trustees. And this, in hindsight, was what took it a step closer to the custodianship we have today.
In April 1966, the Patent Office Library formally transferred from the control of the Board of trade to the British Museum and became the National Reference Library of Science and Invention, (NRLSI Holborn division). In the late 1960s it was decided that there was a need to create better links between the UK’s major lending and reference libraries. To that end, the National Libraries Committee was formed in 1967, which recommend the creation of a national library system in 1969.
The British Library is founded
And so, the British Library was created on the 1st July 1973 as a result of the British Library Act which was enacted in 1972. Under the Act the following institutions were administratively combined to form the British Library: the library departments of the British Museum (including the NRLSI), the National Central Library, and the National Lending Library for Science and Technology.
The NRLSI was renamed the Science Reference Library upon joining the British Library and then in 1985 it was restructured to become the reference arm of the Science Technology and Industry Division (being renamed the Science Reference and Information Service (SRIS) in the process).
1998
The next most significant turning point was the opening of the St Pancras site of the British Library and the rehousing of the patent collection. The collection had its own floor (level 2 where the Newsroom currently is). But it wasn’t until 2006 that the Business & IP Centre as we know it today was formally opened. It was a unique opportunity to merge two distinct, but related collections; business & intellectual property under one umbrella. And so came a physical alteration to the space that included meeting rooms and the well-used networking area space.
All this was with an aim to offer a comprehensive range of resources, workshops events and services to support small businesses from the first spark of inspiration to forming and growing their business. Inspired by how the New York Public utilised its Science, Industry and Business collection it was a model that resembles how the Centre operates today at the British Library and now across a national network of over 20 Business & IP Centres.
But today, there is a very special merger that’s not only about business and intellectual property. It’s connecting the past with the present. Our current intellectual property advice and expertise would likely not exist were it not for the historic patent collection. So as we look ahead to what a tumultuous 21st century could bring, it’s somehow reassuring that the firm anchor of the past will continue to guide the innovators, problem solvers and entrepreneurs of the future.
Co-written by Jeremy O’Hare Research and Business Development Manager at the BIPC and Steven Campion, Subject Librarian at the British Library
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