Throughout October, four Business and IP Centres locals will be opening in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire libraries. Bulwell Riverside has opened their Business & IP local centre during this Libraries Week, and additional centres at Beeston, Mansfield Central, Sutton-in-Ashfield libraries will follow in coming weeks. At these locations, entrepreneurs and business owners can meet with BIPC Advisors to discuss their business and access online reports and resources which have a combined worth of over £5 million. The expansion of new sites beyond the Nottingham City area is part of a wider expansion of the British Library’s Business & IP Centre national network, made possible due to £13 million Treasury investment.
Linking into the theme of Libraries Week this year, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire libraries, and the British Library’s National Network of Business & IP Centres (BIPC) supports aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors to start or develop their business.
BIPC Nottinghamshire offers insights and access to free resources, training and events – both online and in-person. The new Fit for Business programme, taking place through October to December, features webinars, one-to-ones and a Business Club to bring business inspiration and showcase practical advice. Businesses and entrepreneurs can also access free online accountancy support and advice on how to protect their intellectual property.
In 2021, Libraries Week takes place between the 4th and 10th October, celebrating the nation’s much-loved libraries and the central role that libraries play in their community as a driver for inclusion, sustainability, social mobility and community cohesion.
Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Eunice Campbell-Clark, said: “We are thrilled that local Nottingham and Nottinghamshire business owners and entrepreneurs are able to access a wealth of free resources through our libraries. Showcasing our Business & IP Centre and its business support offer during Libraries Week is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the wide-ranging impact libraries have as centres for continued learning, regeneration and development.”
Peter Gaw, Chief Executive Officer of Inspire libraries commented on the opening of BIPC local sites – three of which are in the Nottinghamshire county region:
“We are delighted to collaborate and partner with Nottingham City Libraries through the Business & IP Centre. This is an incredibly important initiative to support business communities throughout our county and city. The opening of the BIPC local sites marks an important step for our libraries, generating momentum for new connections and new opportunities for local businesses who can now access high-quality information and resources in local libraries.”
The Business & IP Centre is free to join and open to everyone.
Whether located in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire or in neighbouring East Midlands areas, entrepreneurs can visit nottinghamcitylibraries.co.uk/bipc to find out more about when sites will open, or email bipc@nottinghamcity.gov.uk to request more information and speak with an Advisor.
Business & IP Centre Nottinghamshire services are free for start-ups and small businesses due to funding from the British Library and Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
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