As we step into an exciting new year at the Business & IP Centre, we’re excited to continue supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in starting, protecting and growing their businesses nationwide. But before we dive in, let’s take a moment to take a look back on our highlights of 2024.

A year of inspiring events

We were thrilled to hold four Inspiring Entrepreneurs events throughout the year, with over 450 attendees joining us in person for panel discussions on topics including the influence of Black voices in the British music scene, the significant contributions of women in the health and fitness industries, the rise of influencers transforming their online presence into income and a fireside chat with TV Dragon Sara Davies MBE. We are excited for another year of events and to welcome even more people through our doors, you can keep an eye on our schedule here.

The London Network expands

In the summer we launched a new BIPC in Enfield's Edmonton Green Library, with guests including our Chief Librarian Liz Jolly plus new BIPC Enfield business ambassador and founder of Own The Beach, Lisa Johnson. This is part of our BIPC local offering that brings our business support services to the heart of six London boroughs, also including Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth.

It was another year of achievements for these BIPC Locals. To name just a few, a huge congratulations to Bromley, Greenwich and Wandsworth on their annual GLL Start-up Business Week which involved a series of panel talks with the likes of Harry Redknapp, to Lewisham on their second anniversary and involvement at The Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards, and to Waltham Forest for their annual Winter Market that showcased products from small businesses to the local community.

Activity across the National Network

2024 was a very busy year across our National Network of BIPCs. Regional centres across the country offered packed schedules of support programmes, expert advice, photography and videography opportunities, workshops, masterclasses, and so much more. There were many successes across for each and every one of our National Network centres, but to just name a few we want to congratulate BIPC Sussex on proudly launching their new BIPC Local in Worthing, BIPC Glasgow on the appointment of the Network's first expert in residence on menopause, Dana Drzikova, and BIPC Oxfordshire on hosting the UK's largest Start-up Huddle monthly event, which regularly attracts over 100 attendees.

A special mention must go to BIPC Liverpool, which was forced to relocate out of the Spellow Library following the riots in August. However, they were able to continue services by taking to the high street and offering direct in-person support to businesses. Fortunately, they have now been able to resume services in the renovated Spellow Library, even more integrated into the local business community than before. 

Our free BIPC services could be available on your doorstep. Find your nearest centre here.

Celebrating women entrepreneurs

We proudly hosted an awards ceremony during National Women’s Enterprise Week (NWEW) to celebrate the inspiring finalists of the Women’s Launch Lab incubator programme. Founded by BIPC Ambassador Alison Cork MBE, NWEW supports women entrepreneurs through addressing challenges and promoting equity.

Our start-up support continues

Over the year, we hosted more than 70 Kickstart Your Business workshops in both the British Library and our BIPC Locals across London. Supported by JPMorgan Chase & Co, we look forward to continuing to provide grass roots business support and expert start-up advice to aspiring entrepreneurs through libraries throughout the capital.

"The workshops were extremely inspiring and they've helped me focus on the next steps towards my business idea becoming a reality" - Kickstart Your Business programme participant

You can register for the free workshops now.

Championing business growth

Credit: Luca Sage

Our Get Ready for Business Growth scale-up programme, funded by Arts Council England, wrapped up in September, having supported an incredible 203 creative businesses across the last two years of delivery. The programme offers a free, three-month long online course of tailored consultancy to scale-ups and will be relaunching this Spring for businesses in all sectors, so contact [email protected] if you’d like to find out more!

"I feel as if I have been picked up, shaken out and stood on my feet again ready to face [the year ahead] knowing where I'm headed and how to get there." – Sarah McCartney, Founder of 4160Tuesdays, Get Ready for Business Growth alumni 

Start-up Day returns in person

Credit: Abi Oshodi

We ended the year on a high when we welcomed hundreds of aspiring and current entrepreneurs to the British Library to celebrate Start-up Day 2024, in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. With a packed schedule of talks from industry leaders such as Charlie Bigham and Martha Keith, speed mentoring from experts, and plenty of networking, attendees left inspired and energised to take the next step on their business journey. We even had a special recorded address from Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which celebrated the power of libraries as hubs for fostering entrepreneurial spirit and success.

Credit: A Smile A Day Photography

Start-up Day wasn't just celebrated in London, but across our BIPC national network. From Newcastle to Worthing, 17 of our regional centres put on livestreams, in-person events, panels, mentoring, photography and so much more. It was brilliant to see our BIPC community coming together and a real testament to the breadth and depth of BIPC services across the country.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make 2024 such an inspiring and eventful year. Here's to 2025!

As much as we love the festive season here at the BIPC, we don't love the amount of waste it produces. Small businesses supported by BIPCs across the country like Bea Thackeray's Keep This Cracker are leading the sustainability drive to innovate and reduce waste at Christmas. In this blog, we spoke to Bea about how her reusable Christmas cracker business began and how she is working hard to change how we consider consumerism at Christmas. 

Following on from our sustainability themed Christmas gift guide, we caught up with Bea to learn more about what running a sustainable business is really like, how small businesses can lead the sustainability charge, and some key tips and tricks for how to have a less wasteful Christmas.  

1. Tell us about how your business started.

Back in 2000 I co-founded a small graphic design agency. We liked to give our clients festive gifts and one year we decided on bespoke Christmas crackers. We had the designs handmade in Nepal by a Fair Trade project. They were made using beautiful handmade paper which was too strong to tear, so I began to look at making them reusable. The seed of an idea grew and in 2013 I launched Keep This Cracker. The crackers have since evolved and are now made in the UK using sustainable card. My business has steadily grown with the increasing interest in sustainability. My products are sold across various channels: 'Keep This Cracker' webshop, Not on the High Street and Etsy. I also supply galleries, visitor centres and independent retailers across the UK.

2. What inspired you to start a sustainable business?

Social corporate responsibility and ethical principles have long been in my blood. I began my career at The Body Shop in the early '90s, where I progressed to a senior designer role responsible for accessories and gift packaging. I worked very closely with the founder Anita Roddick for 12 years. It's where I developed my passion for Fair Trade and then went on to work as a consultant with Traidcraft for eight years, travelling to Africa and across Asia delivering training programs on marketing and product development to SME's. So when I started Keep This Cracker, I drew on all my past experience and created a product that would tick all the boxes. Here are some of the USP's.

The crackers come flat-packed ready to pop into shape and fill with the customers' own choice of gifts.

Free from single-use plastic.

The packaging is minimal and reusable, designed for customers to keep and store their crackers away for another day.

The ribbons are made in the UK using yarn made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Not only are the crackers fully recyclable, the kraft crackers and card wallets are compostable too.

All component parts and packaging are made by UK based manufacturers and always have been.

The most unique selling point is that Keep This Cracker comes with low-noise ecosnaps designed to be neuro-inclusive. They are pet-friendly too. But for those who like their crackers with a bang they work equally well with noisy snaps.

3. Do you think small businesses are better equipped to tackle sustainability issues?

I have seen some amazing ideas and inventions come from small and micro businesses. Sometimes these can come out of necessity when resources are tight, it forces you to think outside the box and find creative ways to save on materials and cut down on processes. But above all we are more nimble and able to adapt and pivot to meet market needs and most importantly stay ahead of the curve.

4. How do you think customer expectations of ethical purchases have changed?

In the last five years I have noticed a distinct shift in public awareness about the environment and ethical issues in general. When I began my business over 10 years ago, very few people were talking about sustainability least of all reusing anything. The idea of reusable Christmas crackers was a hard sell, but I stuck with it as I believed it was the right thing to do. But conversations are very different now as more people are fed up with waste creating products. With the introduction of more legislation banning an increasing number of disposables and plastics, I believe this is creating a behavioural change across society. Customers are genuinely interested to know how and where products are made and this is changing their purchasing habits. They are more likely to boycott brands that are misbehaving and will actively source alternative solutions.

5. What advice would you give to other businesses looking to become more sustainable?

My most important recommendation is to listen to your customers, ask them questions and get to know their needs and expectations.

We should all be aware of the ever changing landscape and continue to make improvements in the way we run our businesses. Many are not aware that by my making small changes they can help the environment and save themselves money in the process. Joining like-minded organisations and attending targeted networking events is a great way to learn about all aspects of sustainability such as forms of accreditation, the available funding and how to begin the journey to net zero.

6. How has the BIPC helped your business start up and grow?

Before I launched my product, I visited the patent office at the British Library in London. I attended workshops about bringing your invention to market, and went on to file my first patent application. Now that I’m based in Greater Manchester, I was delighted to learn that a similar facility is available here.

I have received expert advice through the BIPC on various aspects of intellectual property including trademark and design registration, which has been instrumental in protecting my designs and the brand. I have also attended, as well as taken part in, workshops and shared my journey with budding entrepreneurs. It's a valuable resource for networking and learning whether you are a seasoned business owner or a start-up.

7. This Christmas, lots of our readers will be looking to make more sustainable swaps. What would be your top 3-5 tips for a more eco-friendly and less wasteful festive period? 

In the UK we discard 30% more rubbish over the festive season than the rest of the year. That's about 3 million tonnes. Here are some tips on how we can save on this shocking amount of waste.

108 million rolls of wrapping paper are used in the UK every year most of which can't be recycled and is binned. Instead, we can;

Keep and reuse our wrapping paper,

Use recyclable kraft paper and jazz it up with coloured ribbon or jute string,

Buy festive gift bags or gift boxes that often get passed on and reused,

Or invest in some fabric wrap and learn about the Japanese art of Furoshiki.

1.6 million advent calendars made of card, including foil and single-use plastic are discarded and if they end up going in the recycling they can contaminate the process. There are many imaginative options on offer that you can keep and use year after year, including;

Fabric wall hangings with mini pockets,

Small wooden chests in all shapes and sizes,

Bunting can be used to hang gift boxes or bags,

These can all be filled with your own gifts instead of the usual cheap chocolates.

6 million Christmas trees are thrown away in the UK equating to 9000 tonnes of waste and high levels of dangerous methane. 80% of the trees sold are Nordmann Firs. A six foot tall tree will take 10-12 years to grow. Buying an artificial tree, although made of plastic and non-recyclable, it can last for well over 10 years, but this needs to be measured against what happens when it is finally disposed of. There are schemes where you can rent a tree from a grower and return it year after year. Increasingly more trees being sold in pots.

£42 million worth of unwanted gifts end up in landfill. On average a child may receive 16 toys each. As we are all looking to spend more wisely this year, we could put our minds to more meaningful choices such as;

Experiences and days out,

Theatre or concert tickets,

Vouchers for classes and fun activities,

Family members could club together and buy a more precious gift that will be cherished.

 

You can find Bea's products at keepthiscracker.com. To find your local BIPC and find out how we can help your business, search for your area on our map here.

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)

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.

Today is Halloween, the spookiest day of the year, when our thoughts tend to turn to the dead and other horrors. It’s the perfect time of year, then, to discuss a fear all of us surely have: taphophobia – the fear of being buried alive. 

Putting aside the very remote possibility of falling afoul of a drugs cartel (your line of work depending), someone could be buried alive accidently if they are mistakenly presumed dead. This is not as farfetched as you may think, and a quick google search will return some very worrying news stories on the subject. 

Being accidently buried alive was probably far more likely before the advent of much of the medical technology doctors employ today, which may explain the abundance of 19th century patents on the subject in our collection. Below are a few of our favourites. 

US 81,437 of 1868 – Improved burial-case 

This patent is for a coffin with a detachable vertical tube, which, while attached, creates a means of escape for any poor occupant not quite ready for the grave. Air inlets allow anyone alive inside the coffin to breathe freely and a sliding glass lid allows those above ground to check for movement. 

If the occupant is too weak to ascend the ladder, they can ring a bell for attention using the cord placed in their hand during burial.  

If, after a certain length of time, it is clear the occupant of the coffin is indeed dead, then the tube can be removed (closing the spring-loaded lid of the coffin) and used in another burial. 

 

US of 329,495 of 1885 – Burial-casket  

This invention consists of two removable pieces of apparatus (an air pump and an alarm system), which are connected to a coffin buried under ground. Both are activated when a wire attached to the occupant’s hand detects movement, flooding the coffin with air and alerting those above ground to come rescue this poor soul pronto. 

The tube of the alarm apparatus also doubles as a way to view the face of the body within the coffin, by means of a lightbulb and a reflector. 

Again, when death is more certain, the above ground apparatus can be removed and used in another burial.

 

US 500,013 of 1893 – Coffin signal 

                               

This invention is intended to alert those above ground that someone is still alive inside a coffin, but it feels a little too easy to miss. But we’re skipping ahead. Mechanisms are placed on the body, hands, and head of the coffin's occupant, and are designed to detect the slightest movement. If movement is detected, a spring-loaded device will raise a signal above the coffin. Looking at the patent illustration, this appears to be a mop. Luckily, this also opens a passageway for air to enter the coffin, as it could be some time before someone happens to walk by. 

 

GB 4,626 of 1896 – Preserving dead bodies from decaying  

No picture for this one (and preventing premature burial is only a side benefit), but it is one of our favourite British patent specifications, that just so happens to be perfect for Halloween, with lines such as: 

 'In fact it will lessen the horror of dying in knowing that when we die our bodies will be preserved and not be a meal for worms, insects, rats, mice and the like. Spirit will also revive the seeming dead.' 

 Anyway, one for the pickling fans out there. 

US 658,247 of 1900 – Apparatus for preventing premature burial 

This invention is unlike the others, as it’s designed to be used pre-burial. 

It’s quite an ambitious patent really, as it describes an ‘observation chamber’ with tracks on the floor (for ease of movement of the coffins) and side rooms for a furnace and an air pump. 

In the centre of the main room sit several airtight ‘observation receptacles’ (complete with glass tops), into which the coffins are wheeled (also complete with glass tops). An air and exhaust pipe ensure a steady flow of fresh air to the potentially still alive occupant. The exhaust pipe leads to the furnace, meaning any ‘obnoxious or infectious gases’ are drawn off and burnt. 

As in other patents, an alarm system is placed inside the coffin to detect any movement. Then it’s a case of waiting. Either for the occupant waking up, or for a clearer confirmation of death. In which case the body can be buried safely. 

 

Bonus patent: US 208,672 of 1878 – Improvement in coffin-torpedoes 

This invention is slightly off topic, but it’s being included as a bonus as it is on the theme of burial and, quite frankly, sounds bonkers. The torpedo (stay with me) is placed inside a coffin prior to burial and is designed to go off if anyone attempts to remove the body – severely injuring or killing the grave robber. Good luck with that one future archaeologists! 

It would probably also be useful for those worried about zombie resurrections as well. 

Happy Halloween! Hopefully no one reading this will wake up wishing you had one of these someday. 

 

 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 Steven Campion, Subject Librarian at the British Library

Secret spells and hidden brews, tricks of the trade make treats anew. Who would have thought IP (intellectual property) could be so magical?

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.

 

What is a trade secret?

 

In a nutshell, a trade secret is confidential business information that has value. Or, to put it another way, anything secret you’ve created that you wouldn’t want to lose to a competitor! It could be something like a hidden process, recipe or even an algorithm that powers the performance of a programme. This is also known as proprietary information.

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).

 

Nearly every businesses will have some kind of commercially sensitive information, so being aware of that and understanding its value can be an important first step to protecting it. A trade secret is the thing that could really provide you with a competitive edge.

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.

 

What are some famous trade secrets?

 

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.

 

 

Trade secrets are actually quite common in the food and drinks industry. Think of all those secret recipes handed down over generations. There is hidden knowledge to making the perfect chocolate brownie, malt whiskey or even a colonel’s secret fried chicken recipe made from 11 herbs and spices. KFC’s original secret recipe is what they claim makes their chicken so ‘finger lickin' good’. For both of these brands, it is magical marketing in its messaging too.

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.

 

Physical and electronic security is an absolute must, depending on how the secret is kept.

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.

 

To celebrate World Food Day we’re spotlighting some inspirational food businesses who have been supported by BIPCs around the UK. Do you need a nudge to start your business? Or have you started but feel like you need support? You are not alone. Here are some wise words of advice from people who have been there and done it before.

 

Test your ideas and refine them before going all in

 

 

"The advice I'd give to someone who wants to set up a food business would be to go for it! But remember, passion is key. You have to love what you’re doing, especially in the food industry, because it’s a lot of hard work. Get clear on your niche – whether it's a specific cuisine, style of cooking, or type of service (like catering, classes, or a product line).

 

Although passion is crucial, it needs to be paired with a solid business mindset. Start by understanding your market and see if there’s demand for what you’re offering. Be realistic about costs and pricing; passion alone won’t pay the bills! Also, start small – test your ideas and refine them before going all in. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s from mentors, fellow entrepreneurs or organizations like the BIPC. Building a strong network can help you avoid common pitfalls and grow smarter. 

 

When I started my business journey I wish I had known how unpredictable things can be. I thought I had it all mapped out, but sometimes plans change and you just have to roll with it. It’s ok to pivot and adapt to what your customers want rather than sticking too rigidly to your original vision. I also underestimated how much time would spend on the ‘other’ side of the business – admin, marketing, social media etc... I wish had been kinder to myself in the beginning. Mistakes happen, and they’re all part of the learning process! 

 

The BIPC has been a game-changer for me.

 

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. The BIPC offers tons of free resources, advice and workshops that are perfect for anyone starting out. They also helped me understand the legal side of things, like protecting my brand and intellectual property, which is super important. Plus, it’s a great place to connect with other entrepreneurs – you don’t feel like you’re going it alone. Honestly, if you’re starting a business, tapping into the BIPC is a no-brainer!"

 

- Suki Pantal, Founder of Suki's Curries and Spices

 

Advertisement is key

 

 

"My advice would be to speak to the environmental health team before your inspection. If you contact them directly and say you are a new business and would like to know all the ins and outs of what makes a good food business, they will certainly help you. I was lucky to have one of the inspectors come to our business when we were setting up and he told me exactly what I needed to do, along with the best and most affordable options. He helped us plan the best place for our sink and what we needed to watch out for.

 

Advertisement is key. If that be having a theme, all the way down to window design. We found that two years on many people didn’t know where we are but knew where the new shops are in town. So, we have invested more into our shop window, so people know exactly what we do and where we are.

 

At the start of my business journey I wish I'd have known that I didn’t need to buy everything new. I wish I had saved thousands buying more second-hand items for my shelving and units as I am stilling paying these off two years later. This would have also been so much better for the environment.

 

The BIPC has been amazing for me. They helped me set up my business and pointed me in the right direction to get it to grow. I wouldn’t be here today with my shop if it wasn’t for the BIPC."

 

- Laura Curling, Founder of Higham Refill

 

Research your product

 

 

"When setting up a food business you have to first of all research your product. Go to your local BIPC and use the resources there to look at food trends and what consumers are looking for. Look at your competitors and what their USP is. Does your product match trends?  If so, what also makes it different and stand out from your competitors? What is your USP? What is your brand about?

 

Contact and register with your local Environmental Health and Trading Standards and work out what it is you need to do in terms of food safety and labelling before you sell anything.

 

Next, work out the aims for your business and where you want to sell it. If retail is your goal make sure you are clear about what percentage the retailer needs from products, then go back and work out your prices. Take some time to test your product out at markets and events and see how sales and feedback goes. Then you can make tweaks accordingly.

 

Get good at social media, it can make a real difference to your sales. People like to get to know who is behind the brand. It is something that I constantly need to improve on!

 

At the start of my business journey I wish I knew the time it can take to get a product to market. Creating a product isn’t the hard part, it is the processes you go through to get that product to market that takes the time, so always allow much longer than you think! Also I wish I had had better business knowledge at the start of my journey in accounting, profit/loss, forecasting etc. I would recommend visiting your local BIPC and getting on as many courses that deal with the business side of things as soon as you can.

 

The support you can receive from the BIPC is amazing. From the free resources at the library, to free events, free consultations with experts and the opportunity to get funding, it really is a fantastic place for start-ups and established businesses. I have been so grateful for the support and people I have met through BIPC who are continuing to help me on my business journey."

 

- Vicky Armitage, Founder of Meraki Cacao

 

Have confidence in your ability and just do it

 

 

"My advice to anyone looking to start a food business would be to ensure you really are passionate about food, then the setting up a of food business where you can bring all the aspects of your food enjoyment together could be the icing on the cake!

 

There are also many non-food related issues to consider when setting up a food business, for example legislative requirements, food hygiene and business insurances. Are you working on your own or shall you employ staff? If so, how many full time or part time and subsequent training needs. Where are your suppliers based? What is your customer base? Spend some time on market research, know the market you are entering - competitors, price and location. 

 

Talk to people, lots of people and not necessarily within the food industry. You don’t have to do it all on your own, there are lots of organisations who can help. Stay positive. Make mistakes and learn from them.

 

Time management is key. Organise yourself to carry out all the business tasks or delegate where you can. It is very easy to let your business run your life and it can become all encompassing. Plan time away from your business, time for friends, family and time for you to recharge your batteries. This is easy to say, but not always easy to put into practice.

 

What is great for anyone setting up their own business that that the BIPC service is completely free. It is accessible online and in person. I live in Glasgow, my local BIPC is located in the Mitchell Library, so it's very handy for me to visit and see the service in action. I found out the range of services of offer and enjoyed the use of their free workspace. The staff are friendly, approachable and nothing is too much trouble.

 

I borrowed some business text books and arranged a one to one session which helped explain more about my business and for me to obtain a set of information tailored to my needs. Packed full of business information, BIPC is an invaluable resource with access to a variety of networks that can assist you. A very helpful and knowledgeable service."

 

- Kirsteen Oliver, Founder of Granny Beaton’s

 

If you're thinking about starting up but aren't sure where to begin, sign up for our free Kickstart Your Business programme that offers tailored, accessible workshops and webinars to help you on your business journey. Topics covered include financing your business, researching your market and protecting your business's intellectual property. Find out more here and sign up today!

We are proud to support a large community of businesses who put sustainability at the heart of what they do through our BIPC services, available in libraries around the UK. This Green Libraries Week we reached out to just a few of them, to find out their stories and gather tips on how you can take your first steps towards sustainability.

 

Start small but start now

"At Poppy Eco Hub we focus on sustainability because it’s essential to reduce environmental impact without compromising business performance or finances. Every business has a responsibility to do its part, and for us that starts with building quick, green websites.

 

The digital world, while often overlooked, contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Our goal is to change that by creating energy-efficient sites that reduce carbon output. Clients benefit not only from eco-friendly websites but also from faster load times and better SEO. By optimising everything from code to hosting, we ensure sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of speed or functionality. It’s about making choices that are good for the planet and great for business.

 

The Get Ready for Business Growth programme and other BIPC services have been instrumental in our journey. The Intellectual Property and Trade Mark workshops were invaluable in helping us protect our brand as we scaled and working with BIPC Northamptonshire has connected us with grants and resources that were vital for our growth. For any business just starting out, we highly recommend getting in touch with them. The advice, support and opportunities they offer can make a huge difference.

 

Our advice to any business working towards sustainability goals is simple: start small but start now. Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin by identifying the areas of your business that have the most environmental impact, then find ways to reduce it. 

 

It’s also important to engage with experts and resources, like your local BIPC, to help you along the way. Sustainable changes not only benefit the planet but can also improve your business performance and appeal to a growing eco-conscious audience.

 

We recommend the following websites to help you on your journey:

 

Sustainable Web Manifesto – Pledge your commitment to digital sustainability, just like we have done.

Your Virtual Carbon Footprint – Data and statistics about global digital emissions.

Ecograder – How green is your website?

Website Carbon Calculator – Test your own website."

- Marie Cox and Daniel Lister, Poppy Eco Hub

Think long-term

"At Cyclehoop we ensure that our business focuses on climate and sustainability because we see it as a key responsibility in shaping a healthier and more resilient future for cities and communities. Congestion, pollution and carbon emissions pose serious health risks in urban areas, which can all mitigated by cycling.

 

We believe that providing secure, accessible cycle parking is a crucial part of encouraging this shift. We are aiming to reach Net Zero by 2050, aligning our efforts with global climate targets and ensuring that we are actively contributing to the solution. For us, sustainability is a long-term commitment to supporting greener cities, enhancing urban mobility, and ultimately making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change.

 

It’s great to have BIPC resources readily available in shaping the development of our carbon reduction plan and environmental policy, providing key information and frameworks that can help us refine our strategies.

 

Our advice to businesses seeking to improve their sustainability is to think long-term. Start by identifying where your environmental impact is most significant and focus on reducing emissions, waste or resource use in that area. Track your yearly progress and ensure transparency both internally and externally. Leveraging partnerships is crucial to discover more sustainable ways to do business. We also definitely recommend seeking out resources like BIPC, which can provide invaluable guidance and support for businesses aiming to build sustainability into their core strategies."

 

- Anthony Lau, Founder of Cyclehoop

 

Look for partners who can help you

 

 

"As a circular clothing company, the core of our business Verte is sustainability. I'm passionate about it because fashion is the third biggest contributor to carbon emissions (more than the shipping and aviation industries combined) which a lot of people aren't aware of. Once you look in to it and hear stats like that fact that a lorry's worth of used or unsold clothing is dumped in the Global South every second, I find it hard to believe you wouldn't become passionate about it. Verte is here to challenge that, encourage people to get more use out of their existing clothes and keep items in circulation for longer.

 

Sustainability is important to me because of the impact fashion is having on the planet, but also because it's only going to get worse as our consumption keeps picking up pace coupled with a growing population. Shopping is something that almost everyone does and there are very few options for ways to shop sustainably and in a nice environment. My mission is to help bring people together, build their confidence and create amazing experiences for people to shop pre-loved.

 

There is over 30 billion pounds worth of unworn clothing hanging in people's wardrobes, so I want to put it work! It's natural for us all to evolve our style, want new things, grow out of things but so much joy comes from feeling good about the clothes you wear that I want people to continue to experience this without feeling guilty or harming the planet any more.

 

The Get Ready for Business Growth programme has helped me drive the clarity I've been looking for in terms of messaging and direction for my business. It reignited my passion for what I was doing because I carved out time to step back and look at why I started the business in the first place. My mentor was brilliant and so helpful and I feel has moved me along in a way I couldn't have done alone.

 

My advice to those working towards their sustainable goals is to not give up, even though the money might be flowing in the wrong direction. There is a greater good you're working towards and if you don't try, we'll never get there. Look for partners who can help you because we can't do it all, and one of them just might be able to do the part you can't. It's ok to not be able to do everything and as the saying goes: 'we don't need a few people doing sustainability perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly'."

 

- Jessica Brunt, Founder of Verte

 

Do your research

"Sustainability is important really to us all. We don’t want ourselves or our children growing up in a world that is getting filled with rubbish so that future generations will have to make hard sacrifices for our selfishness. We all can make better choices, and Higham Refill allows anyone to do so.

 

The BIPC has been amazing for me. They helped me set up my business and pointed me in the right direction to get it to grow. They offered me a chance to win a grant to improve it further and make us more sustainable, and when I was stuck two years later they still offered me advice and help on how to change my business model.

 

I wouldn’t be here today with my shop if it wasn’t for the BIPC.

 

My advice for becoming more sustainable would be to research. There is nothing wrong with asking for advice and guidance, whether that be from your local BIPC or other businesses within your sector. You will often find that people will generally want to help and see you grow towards a more sustainable future. I would also advise to keep an eye out for any sustainability grants available. These help tremendously towards your business becoming more sustainable."

 

- Laura Curling, Founder of Higham Refill

 You can't do it alone

"Layrd Design are a young company that employs young designers and we feel that it is our responsibility to put the planet first and make as much of an impact as we can. We are also asked to meet ESG (environmental, social and governance) targets and show what impact our designs have on our client's carbon footprint.

 

Ensuring we are sustainable is important to us because we are aware that the construction/building industry has contributed a lot to global warming. See extract below:

 

'Buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.' - World Green Building Council

 

We have the ability to change this for the better and it is our duty to do so. For example, 0ur flagship event Future Spaces was born to showcase sustainable and wellness-inspired design solutions to the design industry.

 

The Get Ready for Business Growth programme has allowed me to focus on the growth of our business, set further goals and grow as a team and company. Growing the business has allowed me as the founder to be more focused on sustainable solutions and ensure both Layrd and our projects are fully sustainable-focused.

 

The advice I would you give to businesses who are also working towards sustainability goals would be to keep pushing and being consistent with your aims. When we were first talking and pushing sustainable design our clients were more cost-focused and less interested. This has now completely changed and we're actually being engaged because of our sustainable focus. I would also say you can't do it alone, so look for supporters or suppliers in your network that can help drive the same messages as you."

- William Mayes, CEO and Founder of Layrd Design Ltd.

You can celebrate Green Libraries Week with our panel of small business owners that are pursuing their sustainability goals and get tips on how you can do this too at Start-Up Stars: Championing Green Businesses on Thursday 10 October. Get your free tickets here.

A night of inspiration and achievement 

At the Business & IP Centre (BIPC), we had the pleasure of hosting an awards ceremony to celebrate the incredible women finalists who participated in the National Women’s Enterprise Week (NWEW) Women’s Launch Lab incubator programme. The event was a highlight of National Women’s Enterprise Week, a celebration of women in entrepreneurship founded by entrepreneur Alison Cork MBE, a BIPC Ambassador, run in partnership with the BIPC. 

Meet the winners 

The two cash-prize winners of the programme were Beatrice Larkin (start-up winner) and Jenny Wordsworth (scale-up winner). Both women impressed the judges with their innovative ideas and dedication. We can’t wait to see what more they achieve in the future. 

Beatrice, who has used the BIPC said:  

“The Women's Launch Lab was an intensive brilliant few days filled with workshops and networking, and I met some brilliant, inspiring entrepreneurs on the course. I found out about the opportunity through The British Library and the Business & IP Centre after completing their Growth Mentoring Programme and I am so glad I applied. The BIPC is such a fantastic resource that I will definitely be accessing further as my business grows. In the past I wouldn't have called myself an entrepreneur, always describing myself as a textile designer with my own business. Being part of National Women's Enterprise Week and winning the Start-Up award has given me the confidence to now call myself one!” 

A panel of inspiring women 

To complement the awards ceremony, we hosted a panel discussion featuring four successful women entrepreneurs who have used the BIPC to boost their businesses. The panel was moderated by Alison Cork MBE, the founder of NWEW and Make It Your Business. 

“To have a room filled with so many female entrepreneurs dedicated to creating more opportunities for all female entrepreneurs is quite something and to be one of the panel this year was great!” - Amelia Packham 

Meet the panelists 

• Amina Alkzemi: Founder of Amina AI, an AI-driven solutions brand. 

• Suki Pantal: Founder of Suki's Curries and Spices, a culinary ambassador and storyteller of Indian culture. 

• Amelia Peckham: Founder of Cool Crutches, a company that designs comfortable and stylish walking aids. 

• Esther Soloman-Turay: BIPC Lewisham Ambassador and founder of Authentic Worth Publishing. 

“There is power in unity when we come together and work as a team - we must learn to give others an opportunity to show their skills and serve the upcoming generation of entrepreneurs willing to make a difference in the world, starting with the community one step at a time. With the help of the BIPC and their services, they have helped Authentic Worth with opportunities to talk about my business journey, meet other like-minded business owners and those desiring to start a business. I hope business owners and entrepreneurs will be able to access the resources they offer and utilise it for the growth of their personal and professional endeavours.” 

- Esther Soloman-Turay 

Why National Women's Enterprise Week matters 

National Women's Enterprise Week is a crucial initiative that aims to support and encourage women to start their own businesses. Despite the fact that women are more likely to turn a profit in their first month of trading than men, they still face significant challenges in the business world. NWEW works to address these challenges and create a more equitable environment for female entrepreneurs. 

A night to remember 

The awards ceremony and panel discussion were a resounding success. It was inspiring to hear from so many talented and driven women. We are proud to support the next generation of female entrepreneurs and look forward to seeing what next year’s National Women’s Enterprise Week brings. 

Congratulations to all the participants and the winners of the Women’s Launch Lab incubator programme! Sign up to our workshops to boost your business and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to hear about our upcoming events and next year’s NWEW and Launch Lab.  

 

It’s World Photography Day, so we thought we’d highlight a few notable patents on the subject.

 

Daguerre – English patent 8,194 of 1839.

First up is the Daguerreotype, the first commercial photographic process, which was invented by Louis Daguerre in France. Not only did it produce highly detailed photographs, but it shortened exposure times from hours to minutes. The French government acquired the rights to the process and presented it ‘free to the world’ on the 19th August 1839. Unfortunately, a patent had been filed in England five days before; meaning English photographers were not allowed to use the process without first paying a license fee.

 

Eastman – US patent 388,850.

In 1888, George Eastman patented and released the Kodak, the first successful roll-film hand camera. It was sold with the film pre-installed and, once all the photographs had been taken, the camera was posted back to the company who handled the developing. The camera, with a new roll of film installed, would be posted back, along with the developed prints of course. Hence the slogan ‘You press the button, we do the rest’. Photography had never been so easy.

 

Land – US patent 2,543,181.

 

 

Polaroid founder Edwin H Land held 535 patents over the course of his life, but it is the invention of self-developing / instant film that he is best remembered. Even in the age of camera phones, his Polaroid camera remains an icon.

 

Want to learn more about the importance of patents and why they matter to your intellectual property (IP)? Check out our free webinars and workshops, or book in a free one-to-one with our IP experts today!