Happy Small Business Day! We are proud that supporting small businesses is at the heart of what we do here at the Business & IP Centre (BIPC). This year we reached out to some of our BIPC London business ambassadors, as well as entrepreneurs who received help on their business journey through their local BIPC resources and our Get Ready For Business Growth programme, to provide advice on coping with the inevitable stresses of starting up. 

1. Celebrate the small wins

"Celebrate every small win. When you’re motivated your creativity improves and it’s easier to develop new solutions for business-related problems or invent new products. The connection between physical and mental health is stronger than I thought. It’s important to exercise both mind and body to fully use all your skills on your business. Female entrepreneurs can often face a wider range of challenges: in my case I’ve started my pre-menopause at 42. This brings short periods of depression and lack of sleep, some mornings I don’t want to even get out of bed. It’s difficult, but exercise helps a lot."

- Judy Chicangana, Founder of Delmora and BIPC Local Bromley business ambassador

2. A SMART tip

"It is so common to experience stress if you're a small business owner: it's practically inevitable, unfortunately. To cope with the pressure, I recommend setting SMART goals for your business (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely). I always reassess priorities and break down tasks into manageable steps. It's also crucial to ask for help when you need it - reach out for support from mentors and professional networks as they will help you to see the bigger picture. For example, the Get Ready for Business Growth Programme helped us to put things into perspective when it comes to diversifying our revenue streams and organising internal processes. It's worth remembering that challenges are only a natural part of growth!"

- Dana Storo, Co-founder of Codex Anatomicus and Get Ready For Business Growth graduate

3. Visit your local BIPC

"Running a business is a challenging endeavour, especially in the beginning, and new business owners have a lot to learn. My advice would be to visit your local BIPC for business support instead of struggling to work things out for yourself. This, in turn, will reduce your stress levels and give you breathing space. When things feel too much it's important to take some time out to think and do something that excites you. Spend time with good friends and loved ones. That experience will boost your mood and confidence."

• Nevo Burrell, Founder of Nevo Concept and BIPC Local Waltham Forest business ambassador

Find your local BIPC here. 

 

4. Networking is key

“If we were to give any advice to small businesses it would be to invest in and harness the power of your network. When we started TwelveTwentyFive we secured our first clients through our network and quickly learnt that we needed to develop it and curate it. Through the support of BIPC Northamptonshire and their in-person and online sessions, events and training we've been able to grow our network of like-minded small and start-up business owners. Through their Build Your Business grant we have been able to invest in our podcast 'Building' and are now featuring many guests who we met through the BIPC network.”

- Harry and Brendan, Founders of TwelveTwentyFive

5. Put yourself first

"In the whirlwind of entrepreneurship, prioritising yourself is essential. Remember our guiding principle: 'Put Yourself First.' Your wellbeing is the cornerstone of your business's success. Feeling stressed? Just pause, breathe and prioritise self-care. Lean on support networks like BIPC; you're not alone. Be courageous in reaching out for assistance in areas causing stress. As coaches, we know this will help you navigate challenges, ensuring both you and your business thrive."

• Jennifer McLean and Fiona Wedderburn-Graham, Founders of Amaze Associates and BIPC Local Lewisham business ambassadors 

 

6. Get out there and grow

"Immerse yourself in as many events and exhibitions as possible. This exposure not only fosters business growth but also provides a wealth of motivation from observing fellow entrepreneurs. The most significant support from BIPC Northamptonshire wasn't just the grant I received, it was the networking opportunities that really made a difference. Although the financial support was a bonus, it was the connections that proved invaluable. The guidance on constructing a robust business plan and continued support from the BIPC were true game changers for me."

- David Sikharulidze, CEO of Mavis Technologies 

7. It's a marathon, not a sprint

"Slow progress is better than no progress. Always think about the compound effect when starting a business: doing small things frequently adds to the big achievements over time. Your business journey is a marathon, not a sprint, so stay focused on your lane and compete with nobody but yourself. I recommend using the business tools and networking events that the BIPC offer to equip you with the knowledge to navigate your start-up journey and meet other like-minded business owners with whom you can share ideas and gain inspiration from. Whenever you feel stressed in your business journey, remember why you started: when you find your why, you'll find your way!"

- Mel Nichols, Founder of Chayses Boys Book Club 

8. Ask for expert advice at your BIPC

"It can be really overwhelming when you start off as a business, especially for a grassroots not for profit like us at WIILMA that doesn't quite fit into a particular box. However, my BIPC consultant really helped to identify and break goals down into small, manageable steps. They revisited these with me, and also checked in on how life commitments were going too, so I didn't feel alone through the process."

• JJ Khun, Founder of WIILMA and BIPC Local Waltham Forest business ambassador

9. Rome wasn't built in a day

"When starting a business, it's important to understand the purpose behind it before thinking about scaling. When your business provides solutions to problems, your business success will speak for itself through your clients. Remember the organisations and brands you buy from did not scale in one day; it took centuries and decades of hard work, dedication and the willingness to persevere amongst the delays they encountered. As a book publishing company, we continue to emulate gradual growth as we understand the needs of creative writers and use our platform to represent and support other local businesses. Our role as a BIPC Business Ambassador is to give value and support first-time and established business owners on their building journey. We are aware that running a business is not an overnight success but takes patience, tenacity and the willingness to come out of your comfort zone."

Esther Solomon-Turay, Founder of Authentic Worth and BIPC Local Lewisham business ambassador 

 

Kickstart Your Business

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!

There is no denying that the world faces ever increasing environmental challenges for the 21st century: from climate change and energy consumption, to clean water, population growth and the sustainable use of our earth’s finite resources. How we meet and overcome these challenges is largely dependent on new innovations and the successful launch of products and services that are global game changers.

Did you know that intellectual property (IP) protection and commercialisation is the key to these innovations working? It’s no exaggeration to say that IP can save the world.

That’s why the World Intellectual Property Office’s (WIPO) World IP Day theme this year is sustainability and why the British Library’s Business & IP Centre is playing its own role in supporting IP and innovation.

How can IP save the world?

Every country, institution, industry and individual can make changes to make a difference.

In 2015, the United Nations set 17 sustainable development goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all member states, which underpins much of the focus and resourcing from governments and industry.

WIPO’s role is to “encourage and amplify the innovative and creative solutions that are so crucial to building our common future.” They work with these Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and have provided some fascinating data around which areas of technical innovation are making a major contribution.

In their Innovation Maturity Matrix for SDG-related patents, it won’t be a surprise to see significant numbers of new technologies in Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action, Affordable and Clean Energy and Responsible Consumption and Production that are the current hot topics. You can read the analytics here.

There are thousands of new patents (a protection given to new technical inventions or processes) being granted all around the world that can potentially help in overcoming these global challenges, but there are other forms of intellectual property that can be just as important for any new invention or product, big or small.

To provide a tiny taster of some fascinating new ideas and businesses that are making waves, here’s a small sample of what’s happening right now that shows us how IP can save the world.

Fancy a flight on an electric powered plane?

Battery powered flight is the holy grail of aviation innovation. If the aviation industry, along with sea and road, can drastically reduce its carbon emissions it will go a long way to meeting global carbon reduction targets.

One significant step toward that is the ‘Spirit of Innovation’, which is claimed to be the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft, travelling at a top speed of "555.9 km/h (345.4 mph) over 3 kilometres, smashing the existing record by 213.04 km/h (132mph)". Rolls Royce was a partner within the 'Accelerating the Electrification of Flight’ project, part funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK. 

An important part of securing and reinvesting in innovation is patent protection. A company such as Rolls Royce will invest significantly to do this, with thousands of patents filed in scores of different technical areas and advances.

One such example of a patented technology by Rolls Royce to do with electric powered flight is 'Combined AC and DC Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion System'. All the technical details can be found here: EP3318492A1. By contrast, another company Aurora Flight Sciences Corp has a patent for a ‘Hybrid Propulsion Vertical Take-off and Landing Aircraft’. (Patent number WO2017123699A1), proving beyond doubt that the sky is no limit to sustainable innovations in aviation.

If you think you’ve a world changing invention, you can sign up to our patent searching webinar every month on our listing of workshops and webinars.

Solar energy innovation is a walk in the park

Reimagining the everyday things around us and converting it into a sustainability solution is the perfect example of innovation at its finest. That’s why the product 'PlatioSolar', created by a Hungarian firm, Innovatív Térburkolatfejlesztő Kft. (PLATIO Solar), is a fascinating step forward (literally).

It uses the pavement where we walk as photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. The product is itself made of recyclable material and is heavy duty and scratch resistant, essential for its outdoor use. The composite frame and shape of the product is certainly interesting and it may explain why it has a registered design protection for the United States. You can view that protection here.

A product like this has the potential for other uses and applications, strengthening the business model of the company behind the innovation. Customers could be local authorities but also home users too, so it’s not a surprise to see the product marketed for residential homes and gardens as well as smart cities. The company picking up awards along the way certainly helps as well.

Could the future of solar power by under our feet as well as up in the sky?

Carbon foot prints and paw-prints

The thought of eating insects for protein is not exactly everyone’s idea of cordon bleu, but there has been an undeniable shift in our awareness of what we eat and where it comes from. The move away from meat to more plant-based foods and the increasing take up of vegetarian and vegan options is a consumer shift that’s likely to stay. As with humans, so too with pets.

Pet food sales are a major part of meat usage, estimated to be at a quarter, and this of course has an environmental impact too. This is why award winning UK firm Mr Bug has come up with a completely different product and solution to the use of meat and dairy in pet products.

Theirs are insect-based dog treats, packed with the protein your dog needs. Mr Bug bases its product on veterinary science and studies that support that their mealworm product is as beneficial as other alternatives: with of course the added benefit of being environmentally sustainable.

With such a memorable brand and a product that people no doubt will share and talk about, protecting the brand name 'Mr Bug' as a registered trade mark is essential. You can see their trade mark on the UK trade mark register here.

Every business will build a brand and a reputation around their name, which is why registering a trade mark is of potential interest for every business start-up and even sole trader. Trade marks are another form of intellectual property protection.

New product innovations such as Mr Bug, with IP protection and a sound sustainable business plan, go a long way to not just reducing our carbon footprint but also our paw-print too.

If you’d like to find out more about trade marks and the importance of owning your own brand when starting up, then sign up to our free Kickstart Your Business workshops.

The future is always innovative…

One certain thing in our time is change. Governments, industry and citizens make choices to invest, spend and create things that can help or hinder our life and environment on this precious blue jewel we call earth. Innovation will be central to how we overcome these challenges. So today, being World IP Day, provides us a chance to rethink, redo and reinvent for the future.

With so much change and inventiveness, the planet’s future sustainability that we hope and work towards, can certainly be saved with IP.

Written by Jeremy O’Hare, Research and Business Development Manager at the BIPC.

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.

We're extremely proud of all the businesses we support, but did you know that 66% of them are owned by women? Two of them recently caught up with The Gender Index to discuss their business journeys and give tips to fellow women who are on the same path.

Kate McKenzie is the founder of Word Window, a device for parents and teachers to use when reading to children. Kate was one of the BIPC Northamptonshire SME Grant winners and has used the BIPC's resources to propel her business forward. From invaluable one-to-one sessions to comprehensive market research reports, she’s gained crucial insights to fuel her growth. With our expert intellectual property support, Kate has safeguarded her innovative ideas and met with a vibrant community of like-minded small business owners.

Kate's tips for start-ups include:

Head to your local library

"I’d gone from working full time in a college to setting up my own business. I didn’t know anything about the world out there for entrepreneurs or the help available. For me, the library was a place to get a book, it wasn’t a place where I could be signposted towards business specialists or IP experts. Most local libraries will be connected to a central library so speak to yours to find out more."

See what you can get for free

"Lots of companies will offer an hour’s advice for free. And if you need market research data, don’t just assume you have to pay for it. BIPC holds all sorts of data and resources that are free to access so have a good look through to see if they’ve got what you need. It’s surprising what information and help you can get for nothing."

Accept it won’t be perfect at first

"You can’t think too much and you can’t make it too perfect before you go for it. You have to just believe in yourself, even when it seems things aren’t working, and keep the faith."

Most importantly…

Keep quiet

"If you’re launching a new product, don’t tell anyone about it! To register your own Intellectual Property (IP), you have to declare you’ve not shared your concept with other people. Luckily I’d heard about that, so kept my idea to myself."

If you need any intellectual property support, head to your nearest BIPC.

You can read Kate's full interview with The Gender Index here.

 

Susan Widlake was an IT Auditor with a passion for hats, who travelled the world with a sewing kit and a collection of treasures in her suitcase. After spending years learning and honing her craft, Susan hung her corporate hat and turned her passion into a business when she founded Mill House Millinery.

 

Susan's journey:

 

"Early on I went to a Start your Creative business Day at the British Library in London. That was really helpful, and if you go up the stairs at the library you’ll find the Business & IP Centre. I didn’t even know it existed! They run a whole range of courses and workshops and the majority are free or very low cost. It was an excellent introduction to starting your own business."

Use your skills

"It was a real bonus when I realised I had the knowledge, I just needed to scale it down. My background really helped me when doing things like drawing up the business plan and targeting customers and messaging. That’s exactly the sort of thing I had been auditing."

Everyone makes mistakes, and that's ok!

"I’ve also learnt that you shouldn’t be scared of making mistakes. That’s been a big mind change for me coming from an audit background where everything has to be perfect."

Find your business family

"One thing that was completely different though was networking. I was used to being in a very male orientated, and dominated, field. In hat making, suddenly I was having to network with a totally different set of people. And actually, I felt much more comfortable."

You can read Susan's full interview with The Gender Index here.

Everyone's journey to entrepreneurship is different. Looking back, I realise mine began with a stubborn determination to prove that there's nothing wrong with a creative business idea and has been shaped by being a woman at every step along the way.

I've always been obsessed with stationery. The first blank page of a new notebook holds as much magic to me as the first page of a great novel: the excitement and possibility about where it will take you. I tried to start my first stationery business at age ten. It was a greeting card company with a little self-designed logo and range that I was rather proud of. As a teenager, my dream was to start a proper creative business, but my parents and teachers insisted there were better career options.

I studied hard and was lucky enough to be the first person in my small convent school to get an offer from Oxbridge in many years, which threw any chances of pursuing something creative out of the window. I read Natural Sciences at Cambridge and entered a graduate job at GlaxoSmithKline, combining my love of marketing and science. I hoped to make a difference to people, but I found that the more senior I got, the more removed I felt from being able to do so. After eight years, I was appointed a Director within the UK business. I loved the people I worked with, but hitting 30, I knew it was now or never.

I took a week off work and wrote a business plan for a personalised stationery brand, nervously walking in on the Monday with my resignation letter clutched between sweaty palms. People said I was crazy. My mum was dismayed: "you'll never make a living from selling cards", she reminded me, but that only made me more determined.

I'm proud that my business, Martha Brook, has grown from those small beginnings into a much-loved lifestyle brand with offices in London and Melbourne and a thriving worldwide community of stationery lovers. The early days involved bootstrapping and long hours. Many times, I've found, as a woman running a creative business, that people tend to underestimate your ambition and capability. This was at its most stark when I set out to raise our first round of investment in 2020. It's a sad fact that only 1% of investment capital goes to female-founded businesses in the UK, and spending time in this male-dominated environment really showed me why. One angel investor quipped during my pitch, "At your age, I don't understand why..." Can you imagine them saying that to a man?

It was then that I first discovered the British Library's Business & IP Centre, a fantastic free support for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Using their resources, I turned to crowdfunding and was blown away when we hit our target in 24 hours, which was a real turning point for our business.

Also, as a woman, you have to juggle so much other 'life stuff'. A year into starting Martha Brook, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and told I couldn't have children naturally. While growing the business, I have quietly had seven rounds of IVF and four miscarriages. When my miracle daughter was born last year, I had to work out how to manage some time off and then balance childcare and CEO responsibilities.

My experiences have made me a passionate ambassador for the creative industries and women in business. I mentor other business owners, regularly speak at and run events for female founders, and was proud to be awarded Consumer Goods Businesswomen of the Year at the Great British Businesswomen Awards last year.

Since 2022, I have sat on the British Library's Advisory Council, and I am thrilled to be appointed as an Ambassador for the British Library's Business & IP Centre. I have seen first-hand the impact the Centre makes to drive economic growth and help the aspiring SMEs that need it most. 72% of the aspiring entrepreneurs that the Business & IP Centre has helped are women, 26% are from a minority ethnic group, and 10% have a disability. This is a significant impact in disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, delivering a notable return on investment of £6.63 for every £1 of public money spent.

It feels fitting that it is International Women's Day. There's nothing wrong with a 'girly' or creative business idea. Women are not less serious about their goals or dreams and are every bit as capable of achieving them. I am delighted to help widen the Business & IP Centre's reach to new audiences and champion its entrepreneurial goals.

 

Ready to kickstart your business journey, just like Martha did? Connect with BIPC for expert support and advice!

February is a month in which high street shops are adorned with hearts and flowers, and products are often tailored to reflect the theme of love. However it can be more than just a time for romantic gestures, and also a chance to treat yourself and your loved ones while also showing your local business community some love.

Below you can find a selection of luxurious products from the entrepreneurs supported by our Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) across the UK. Whether you're looking for self-care treats, or thoughtful gestures for friends and family, you’ll also help support our vibrant community of small business owners.

Give something scent-sational

Sarah McCartney, who used our scale-up programme Get Ready for Business Growth, has always had a passion for making her own scents. Her award-winning fragrance, Goddess of Love & Perfume, is dedicated to Aphrodite and how she imagined the perfume she would be wearing if she descended to the North York Moors. Treat yourself or your loved ones to this luxurious perfume, a blend of all the fruit and flower materials we love best: rose, violet, raspberry, blackcurrant, bergamot and Mandarin.

Cost: £60 for 15ml,  £150 for 50ml

Where to find: 4160 Tuesdays

A sweet surprise

Vicky Armitage used BIPC North East to research the trends in healthy eating and chocolate, and her business produces raw cacao bars made from organic and nutritious ingredients. With flavours ranging from roasted almond to orange and raw caramel, these bars create a healthier alternative to chocolate that is just as delicious. All ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced and the packaging is recyclable, so you can give a gift that does good!

Cost: £4 each (10% off if you buy 4 or more)

Where to find: Meraki cacao

Wrapped up in elegance 

Get Ready for Business Growth participant Rory Hutton's products are perfect if you're looking for some luxury. Rory is an award-winning, Cambridge-based artist, print maker, and historian. Drawing upon many inspirations, including architecture, theatre, opera and dance, his collections of silk scarves are testament to the strength of his passion for beautiful things and creative flair. With designs inspired by Shakespeare's First Folio and beautiful manor gardens, these scarves hold a timeless beauty that will add a touch of elegance to any outfit. 

Cost: £45 - £200

Where to find: Rory Hutton

Good enough to eat 

Amarachi Clarke completed our Innovating for Growth programme (which has now been succeeded by Get Ready for Business Growth) and used the BIPC resources to research the chocolate market. After teaching herself to make chocolate at home she learned that the bean-to-bar quality chocolate could be much better than that available in the mass market, even than perceived luxury brands. From a selection of tasty chocolate bars to Belize cacao infused gin, Lucocoa offer high-quality, delicious products that will make the perfect gift.

Cost: Chocolate bars start at £2.75

Where to find: Lucocoa Chocolate

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.

This festive season discover a variety of delightful Christmas gifts from the entrepreneurs supported by our Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) across the UK. From handmade crafts to one-of-a-kind creations, each item carries the hard work, dedication and passion of individuals who have embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship. We shine a spotlight on the extraordinary accomplishments these small businesses have achieved with the support of their local BIPC.  

By choosing something from our featured gift guide, you’ll not only surprise your loved ones with a gorgeous gift, but you’ll also support and celebrate our vibrant community of small business owners.

Let it shine  

One business who received support from BIPC Leeds is Thanks to Her. Eliza attended their Start-up Leeds programme, a series of workshops focused on the foundations of starting and running a business. Their sterling silver jewellery is not just a gift; it's a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary women who inspire and uplift us. Each piece of jewellery is specially selected to symbolise the special bonds you share, with opportunity for personalisation. All adorned with beautiful Thanks to Her gift box and gift bag for the ultimate gifting experience that recognises and celebrates the women who make our world brighter, kinder, and more beautiful.   

Cost: £16.95-£44.95  

Where to find: Thanks to Her   

Elevate Your Accessory Game 

Fed up with fast fashion? Elle for Leather was created to offer good quality, stylish bags without the designer price tag. With the planet and the slow fashion movement in mind, Elle for Leather only use top quality raw materials, with a classic aesthetic and are handmade and built to last. Emma’s business was supported by BIPC Leeds and attended their two-day creatives workshop, covering all aspects of running a creative business, from choosing the right platform to protecting copyright. 

Cost: Prices of products vary, belts start at £35 and bags range from £100-200  

Where to find: Elle for Leather  

All that glitters  

Lily & Roo (who used our scale-up programme Get Ready for Business Growth) was founded in 2018 by Brittany Preston from her kitchen table, with a vision to create timeless everyday jewellery, made & sourced responsibly. The majority of pieces they create are made to order and hand-crafted in London with recycled precious metals, and designed to capture a special moment or emotion. This Christmas, their range of new personalised and pearl pieces make meaningful gifts, designed to be treasured.  

Cost: £55-£300+  

Where to find: Lily & Roo  

Wrap up warm  

Embrace your love for nature and style by gifting your loved ones this festive, eco-friendly scarf this Christmas. Made from 95% recycled faux silk satin featuring the stunning Formby red squirrel, this design was created from original watercolour art by artist Rebecca Christian, whose business was supported by BIPC Liverpool. This scarf is the perfect addition to any winter wardrobe and uses British manufacturing and sustainable materials.  

Cost: £45   

Where to find: Rebecca Christian  

Give the gift of a Christmas tipple  

Wine Chateau are one of BIPC Northamptonshire’s Kick-Start grant winners. Be part of their journey, and discover the unparalleled craftsmanship of Milestii Mici Winery, holding a Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection in the world. Give this exclusive gift set featuring two exquisite wines: a luscious Chardonnay, showcasing a perfect blend of fruity and floral notes, and a rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, with its bold flavours and elegant finish. Elevate your gifting experience with this exceptional duo that embodies the essence of Moldovan winemaking excellence.   

Cost: £26.61  

Where to find: Wine Chateau, Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine Chateau, Chardonnay   

Pure festive joy 

Mayajoy, a home and lifestyle brand, has been supported by BIPC Devon through their Woman in Business programme which aims to empower women to realise their full potential and pursue their dream careers through upskilling, coaching and business resources. Mayajoy  has an incredible range of products that would make ideal Christmas gifts. The Christmas Poinsettia and bird festive tea towel is hand painted in Maya Lawrence's Devon-based studio and digitally printed and manufactured in the UK to limit waste.  Their handmade affirmation velvet zip pouches feature Mayajoy's slogan, metallic lettering, water repellent lining and a contrasting gold zip and come in navy, olive and blush.  

Cost: Teatowels are £14 for one or £25 for two, Velvet pouches are £20 

Where to find: Mayajoy  

‘Tis the season to sparkle 

Using gold, recycled sterling silver and stainless steel, Delmora offers a collection of unique and meaningful jewellery pieces that will add some luxury to your gift-giving this year. They have a Recycling and Repair Service, meaning you can reduce personal waste of unwanted or broken jewellery, as well as ensuring your beloved accessories remain in perfect condition. For a more personal touch, you can also engrave your gifts: from dog tags to necklace pendants, ensuring no-one is left out this festive season. Founder Judy is a business ambassador for our BIPC Local in Bromley. 

Cost: Prices of products vary, with jewellery ranging from £18-£150 

Where to find:DELMORA®

Give the gift of inspiration 

Esther used our Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL) programme to help build her business, Authentic Worth Publishing, which helps creatives, authors and business owners authentically share their stories and turn them into published books. Covering topics ranging from identity and self-confidence to grief and moving forward, Esther has published a variety of books that could be just what your loved ones are looking for this Christmas. Esther is now a business ambassador for our BIPC Local in Lewisham.  

Cost: Books range from £10-£19.99  

Where to find: Books by Author Esther Jacob

Make Christmas dreams come true 

Naila is a business ambassador for our BIPC Local in Waltham Forest and her best-selling, handmade lavender sachet is the ideal gift to offer some calm to the chaos of the festive season. Made from aromatic dried UK grown lavender, this product provides a long-lasting aroma perfect for calming and relaxing practices. You can also explore Naila's wide range of other products, including handmade cushions that can add some comfort to your celebrations this year.

Cost: £12.50 plus postage (will come gift wrapped) 

Where to find: Naila Ahmad London

Get creative at Christmas  

Sweet Paper Creations are a not-for-profit business who support their local community through their Mental Matters piñata workshops, and are also business ambassadors for our BIPC Local in Waltham Forest. Add some festive fun to your celebrations with their winter piñata DIY kit that provides fun for all the family. Choose from a range of seasonal designs and gift something memorable this year. 

Cost: £25 

Where to find: Sweet Paper Creations 

Winter warmers 

Up ’N’ Mellow’s delicious, ready-to-eat nut and fruit porridges are a unique gift this Christmas. Their Instant Peanut porridge is a rich and creamy blend of Ground Peanuts and Oats with a warming and fragrant selection of spices and is a great source of protein and fibre, suitable for vegans. Up ‘N’ Mellow attended a range of in-person and online sessions with BIPC Norfolk, including networking and social media webinars, as well as attending one-to-one sessions with their IP specialist to understand the importance of protecting their intellectual property to kick-start their business.  

Cost: £1.65 

Where to find: Up 'N' Mellow  

Build your own gallery 

Lucy Pittaway used our scale-up programme, Get Ready for Business Growth, to grow her business. Lucy’s award-winning vibrant and colourful art makes a fantastic gift idea for art enthusiasts and those seeking unique presents, offering a touch of delight and charm. Mounted prints are versatile, easy to display, and add a pop of colour to any room.  

Cost: from £75.00 

Where to find: Lucy Pittaway

Unlock a world of creativity  

Get Ready for Business Growth alumni Matthew Wright and Melvin Wright created Playpress because they wanted to help children create new stories with toys that were affordable and eco-friendly. The sets are designed for children to follow instructions, build and play out stories, time and time again. They range from sets for 3-6 year olds such as the Gruffalo, up to the challenging Tower Bridge or Space Station, delivering lots of challenge for 7-11 year olds. They are easy to store and post and they even have Christmas sets or stocking-sized toys! 

Cost: £5.99-£17.99 

Where to find: Playpress Toys 

Save the planet one gift at a time 

Bare Kind used Get Ready for Business Growth to help scale their business. They are on a heartfelt mission to make a difference for animals, one pair of socks at a time. They proudly support various global animal conservation and rescue organisations, uniting fashion with compassion to create a better world for all and each purchase of bamboo socks contributes 10% of the profits towards the protection of the animals featured on the socks. This year Bare Kind are bringing you animal-saving socks with a Christmassy twist, the perfect stocking filler or secret Santa gift! 

Cost: £7.95-£12.95 

Where to find: Bare Kind 

Every quarter, the Get Ready for Business Growth programme carefully selects 25 high-growth creative businesses to embark on an exciting journey. This initiative, funded by the Arts Council England, is specifically designed to empower entrepreneurs to re-evaluate critical aspects of their business, from marketing strategies, innovating products/services to the entire business model.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Sonal Keay, the brilliant mind behind This Is Silk, who has recently completed this transformative program. Sonal graciously took us on a compelling journey, sharing the inspiring story behind her business's inception and her ambitious vision for its future.

"I’m Sonal, Founder of This Is Silk, a company that harnesses the healing and renewal properties of Silk for our skin and hair. I started the business with silk pillowcases in 2018 after experiencing these healing powers for my own rare skin condition and in 2022 we launched silk skincare and haircare after working with a leading cosmetic scientist.

It represented a personal and professional highlight for me to be back at the British Library for their Get Ready for Business Growth programme, because I had spent many happy hours researching there when I first started the business.

Our youngest daughter had just been born and every spare hour was dedicated to research and reading about Silk. It was at the British Library that I first poured over dermatological and scientific literature detailing the use of Silk as a wound-healer and it was through a mentor there that I’d obtained a start-up loan to start the business.

Five years after that time, This Is Silk was now the UK’s most awarded silk company, winning prestigious beauty industry awards for ‘Best New Luxury Skincare Product’ for our Silk Overnight Oil, coveted Beauty Bible awards and more. When the application for the programme caught my eye, we had just finished working with a leading university to develop a proprietary silk protein. As a sole, largely self-funded founder with no prior business or corporate experience, it is critical that the decisions I make to deploy our precious resources are well thought through and researched, especially on the cusp of scaling the business.

So when I found out I had been accepted onto the Get Ready for Business Growth programme I was overjoyed - it felt like I was coming back home. It was a tough deep dive into both the business and into my own strengths and weaknesses and I took something very valuable and very personal to the business away from all the sessions with the experts. I will implement at least one headline recommendation from each of the experts.

Some of those sessions opened my mind up to possibilities, some emphasised the urgency of making changes and others gently corrected conventional thinking and challenged the status quo.

One of the best things I learned was about myself. There is a lot said about authenticity in the industry, and I had always assumed that as I had come to the power of Silk through my own, painful skin condition that that was the end of the matter. But Mike Waller, Professor of Design & Innovation at Goldsmiths University, helped me to realise that what I had done, and what I feel most comfortable doing is innovating. I am obsessed with the science of Silk and what it can do for our skin and hair, and that is my ‘happy space.’ Mike made me realise that the ability to innovate is a rare thing and that I should comfortably inhabit this space and that the multiple awards the silk skincare has won is a sign I am good at it. So I should make the most of it! To that end, I am hiring to free up more of my time to focus on this.

Mike also encouraged me to use lateral thinking when approaching issues in the business. We are in the middle of applying for B Corp certification and Mike had some incredible ideas about how to weave social good into the company’s foundations.

Another wonderful expert, Uday Thakker, urged me to focus on export and PR as significant levers for growth and I am treating his advice as a business plan to be actioned. Silk has traditionally always been an internationally desired product (the ancient trading routes known as the Old Silk Roads are so called because Silk was desired so much it crossed continents to reach its devotees) so looking abroad, especially in countries that already have an understanding and appreciation of Silk, whilst I build that education here in the UK.

Suzie Campbell urged me to keep a very close eye on my numbers, especially during a growth period, and to keep an open mind for the right investor, who would suit both the business and me and I received excellent advice from Andy who reminded me to communicate everything I know and love about Silk not only to my customers but also to retail buyers at trade shows.

This is an amazing programme I would recommend to anyone looking to scale their business. The roster of experts there take their time to research and analyse your business and their 121’s are stuffed full with incredible advice and the support from Rosie and the team is wonderful.

It is now for me to implement all of this advice and I will report back from the next stage of business growth. I hope to do the programme and the experts proud."

 

Applications for the next intake of our Get Ready for Business Growth programme are now open, if you'd like to get involved email us at [email protected]

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!