The document summarizes the work of the Business & IP Centre National Network in supporting entrepreneurs and innovators in the United Kingdom. Some key points: 1) The Centre provides comprehensive business and intellectual property resources and expertise to help entrepreneurs and innovators at all stages of starting and growing a business. 2) Between 2005-2011, the Centre helped create over 2,700 new businesses and 3,300 new jobs, with a combined turnover of £153 million for these businesses. 3) The Centre has a large network of over 75 strategic and service partners and delivers thousands of workshops, training sessions, and advisory services each year to support entrepreneurs.

1. Business & IP Centre National
Network: a blueprint for business
support
Isabel Oswell
Head of Business Audiences, The British Library

2. What is economic wellbeing?
“Our idea is to contribute to a better understanding
about what influences a population’s perceptions
about well-being and how that consequently shapes
entrepreneurship indicators. One interesting finding is
that in all regions, entrepreneurs exhibit relatively
higher rates of subjective well-being in comparison to
individuals who are not involved in the process of
starting a business or owning/managing a business.
Another relevant result is that female entrepreneurs in
innovation-driven economies exhibit on average a
higher degree of subjective well-being than males.
This initial assessment opens up possibilities for
exploring the role of women and men entrepreneurs
beyond the traditional notion of development
generally associated with economic indicators.”
José Ernesto Amorós, co-author of GEM 2013 Global
Report
www.bl.uk 2

3. Our Mission
We support entrepreneurs and
innovators from that first spark of
inspiration to successfully launching
and growing a business. We can
also help ambitious London-based
businesses get to the next level with
our business support programme,
Innovating for Growth.
www.bl.uk 3

4. www.bl.uk 4

5. The Business & IP Centre
 Comprehensive Business and IP information
(worth £5m) and expertise
 Workshop rooms and networking area
 Specific facilities for disabled users
 Conference Centre for ‘Inspiring
Entrepreneurs’ and other large-scale events
 25+ strategic partners operating at a national
level, 20+ service delivery partners, with
complementary skills and over 75 marketing
partners
 Strong customer networks built up using
social media and online
(>1m interactions)
 Significant goodwill and pro bono support
from ‘role model’ entrepreneurs and
professional advisors
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6. The London success story to date
Since opening in March 2006, the Centre has
 Developed a highly successful partner
programme
 Attracted over £13 million of in-kind benefits,
including sponsorship, pro bono advice and
support and press coverage
 Between April 2005 and March 2011 we
helped to create 2,775 new businesses and a
further 3,345 new jobs.*
 The combined turnover for these businesses
was £153 million and 84% of their founders
say this success would not have been
achieved without our help.*
 Welcomed over 400,000 people through
the doors
 Of whom over 40,000 have received
direct advice, guidance and training
 Delivered over 6,000 workshops and 1:1
advice sessions, along with established
high profile Inspiring Entrepreneurs sell-out
series of events with role model
entrepreneurs
 Successfully reached out to diverse
audiences: 58% women, 40% BAME, 5%
disabled
* Economic Impact Evaluation of the British Library’s Business & IP Centre, Adroit Economics Ltd, based
on survey of 1, 201 respondents, April 2012
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7. British Library’s ‘Seven Up Census’
We provide a valuable and appreciated service
96% would recommend the Centre to others
94% were satisfied with the service that they received
90% will continue to use the Centre
94% would not have achieved their results without our help
Our service gives entrepreneurs skills and confidence
46% raised their awareness and understanding of IP issues
43% were able to understand their customers and markets better
40% acquired new skills through workshops
33% gained the confidence to set up a business
These skills help them start, sustain and grow businesses
We have created 2,775 new businesses and a further 3,345 jobs
These businesses have increased their turnover by £153 million
The Centre gives people a much better than average chance of success: only 1
in 10 had failed after year 3, compared with 4 in 10 across the UK
Their businesses drive London's economy
£47.1 million of net additional Gross Value Added
Average turnover increase per £1 invested of £8.80
Over £11 million of in-kind contributions generated, including pro bono
support and press coverage
Source: Adroit Economics, May 2012
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8. We increase people’s chances of success
www.bl.uk 8

9. Regular Service - snapshot of workshops
Topic Title Delivered by
Start Up Startup Saturday Enterprise Nation
Introduction to Lean Start-Up (includes webinars) British Library and
Capital Enterprise
IP and Innovation Beginner’s Guide to IP, How to search on patents/trade
marks/designs (includes webinars)
British Library and IPO
What next for your invention? Plan, Prototype, Protect London IP and Bang
Creations
Inventions advice clinics Ideas21
Marketing Marketing Masterclass – developing a marketing strategy Grow
Digital Marketing, including SEO and social media Lucidica
Knowing your Market (includes webinars) British Library
Business Planning How to write a Business Plan School for Startups
Trends workshop – analysis of opportunities in specific markets Insider Trends
Finance & Funding Essential Business Finance Johnny Martin
Funding for Fast Growth The Funding Game
www.bl.uk 9

10. Innovating for Growth Programme
Supporting ambitious SMEs in London to grow, through customised
innovation support:
 £1m of match funding from ERDF over 4 years (including 1 year extension)
 Three-month programme (worth £10k), containing 6 modules, including business
strategy, intellectual property, marketing/branding and new product development
 Companies who have been trading for at least a year, have a turnover of £100k+
and plans to grow through e.g. new products/services, new markets and new
business models
 140 SMEs have completed the programme of which over half started their
company with the help of the Centre
 132 jobs created to date and >£2m GVA
 Finalist in 2014 Regiostars Awards
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11. Business & IP Centre Partners
Delivery Partners
– ABA Design
– Angels Den
– Bang Creations
– Bob Lindsey – product development
– Enterprise Europe Network
– Enterprise Nation
– Expert Impact
– GAP Consulting
– Grow
– Ideas21
– Insider Trends
– Johnny Martin ‘Numbers Coach’
– London Business Support Service
– London IP
– Lucidica
– MakersCo Ltd
– Manufactory Advice Service (MAS)
– Mark Sheahan, ‘Inventor in
Residence’
– Rasheed Ogunlaru
– Red Ochre
– The Funding Game
– Tie UK
– UK’s Affordable Mentors
Strategic Partners
– Arts Council England
– Barclays
– British Chambers of Commerce
– Camden Council
– Capital Enterprise
– Centre for Cities
– Companies House
– Dept for Business, Innovation &
Skills
– Department for Culture, Media &
Sport
– Dept for Local Communities &
Government (DCLG)
– Federation of Small Businesses
– GLE oneLondon
– GrowthAccelerator
– Intellectual Property Office
– HM Revenue & Customs
– Institute of Directors
– Knowledge Connect
– Leonard Cheshire Disability
– London Chamber of Commerce
– National Association of College and
University Entrepreneurs (NACUE)
– National Enterprise Network
– NESTA
– PATLIB UK
– Technology Strategy Board
– The Prince’s Trust
– UK Trade & Investment
– Youth Business International
Network Partners
– Anti-Copying in Design (ACID)
– Bloomfield Associates
– Bright Ideas Trust
– Business in the Community
– Business Scene
– Cass Centre for Enterprise
– Centa Business Services
– Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
(CIPA)
– Company Partners
– Company Shortcuts
– Cooperatives UK
– Croydon Roundtable of Inventors
– Designing Demand
– ecoConnect
– Enternships
– Entrepreneur Country
– E Skills
– Everywoman
– Fashion Angel
– Fredericks Foundation
– Funding Circle
– Getting British Business Online
– Global Action Plan
– Halebury Legal Consultants
– HR Help 4 Business
– Institute of Trademark Attorneys (ITMA)
– Institute for Small Business &
Entrepreneurship (ISBE)
– IP21
– Islington Chamber of Commerce
– Knowledge Dock
– Knowledge Peers
– London Apprenticeship Company
– London Bioscience Innovation Centre
– London Business Angels
– Marks & Clerk
– MessageLab
– New Entrepreneurs Foundation
– PopUp Britain
– Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise
(PRIME)
– Prowess
– Rockstar Mentoring
– Sales Talent Spotters
– Sarsaparilla Marketing
– School for Social Entrepreneurs
– School for Start-ups
– Shell LiveWIRE
– She’s Ingenious!
– Shirlaws
– Social Enterprise London
– Social Firms UK
– Smarta
– SME Academy
– StartUp Britain
– Stelios Philanthropic Foundation
– Techcrunch
– Thames Innovation Centre
– The Book Midwife
– The Hub
– The Small Business Consultancy
– Trademark Direct
– UCL Advances
– UnLtd World
– Workspace Group
– Women Unlimited
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12. Our track record in supporting entrepreneurs
“I am a passionate supporter of the
work of the Centre…to receive solid
support from an organisation with
sparkle and dynamism really makes a
difference. I couldn’t have secured
the supermarket orders without the
IP support on Innovating for
Growth.”
Guy Jeremiah
Managing Director, Ohyo
Ohyo is an eco-friendly collapsible
water bottle. The company has now
secured an order with two of UK’s
largest supermarket chains and
generated enough turnover to
support two new full-time staff.
“I was fascinated by how much
information was here and it was all
free. I spent hours and hours here.
There’s nowhere else I can think of
that I could get that information and
everyone's knowledgeable here,
they’ve all got special skills and are
willing to help. It’s definitely unique.”
Imran Merzan and Taz Basunia
Co-founders, Jealous
Jealous make gluten free, vegetarian
sweets for grown ups. They are now
stocked in the major luxury retailers,
Harrods, Harvey Nicholls and
Selfridges as well as luxury hotels
across the world.
“The Centre helped me write my first ever
business plan, which gave my business a
real structure and chance at success.
When I came to register the trade mark
for the London Jewellery School, experts
at the Library talked me through the
whole process, gave real practical advice
and helped me to find the right lawyers
and make the right decisions for my
business.”
Jessica Rose
Founder, London Jewellery School
In 4 years, the London Jewellery School
has grown to a turnover of £400k, has 5
permanent staff, 30 freelancers,
thousands of students.
www.bl.uk 12

13. Inspiring Entrepreneurs – live screenings and
webcasts
Piers Linney, Kelly Hoppen and Doug
Richard, In the Den with the Dragons,
19 November 2013
Lord Sugar
Richard Reed
Innocent Drinks
Dame Martha Lane Fox
LastMinute.com
Deborah
Meaden
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14. Business & IP Centre Ambassadors
Doug Richard, ex- Dragon and
founder of School for Startups
Stephen Fear, Entrepreneur in
Residence and founder of Fear
Foundation
Shazia Awan, founder of Peachy
Pink
Tim Campbell MBE, winner of The
Apprentice and founder of Bright
Ideas Trust
Lord Bilimoria, founder of Cobra
Beer
Emma Jones, MBE, publisher and
founder of Enterprise Nation
Matthew Rock , City AM journalist and
co-founder of Caspian Media
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15. Our Vision
We will be the ‘front door’ to business support
for SMEs and entrepreneurs, from all walks of
life, across the UK.
By 2020, there will be a network of Centres in
city libraries throughout the UK which provide
trusted face-to-face IP and innovation support.
The Centres will play an essential in local
Growth Hubs and will signpost people to
relevant local and national support services.
The national network will help to expand the
pool of entrepreneurial talent and increase
people’s chance of success, leading to the
creation of robust businesses, more jobs and
thereby contribute to economic growth across
the UK.
www.bl.uk 15

16. Widespread support for the National Network
Libraries play a vital role in
enabling everyone to access
knowledge and these Centres
offer a really positive example of
how that knowledge includes
access to advice, guidance and
support for business…we think
there is a good fit between what
the Centres are doing and their
participation in Growth Hubs.
Matthew Hancock MP, Minister
for Skills and Enterprise
June 2014
When you pick up your library
card in the future, you could be
collecting a card for new career.
Eric Pickles, Secretary of State
for Communities & Local
Government
February 2013
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17. Business & IP Centre Model
Practical workshops
delivered by library
staff and experienced
business partners
Business and
intellectual property
collections and
expertise
Trusted portal to other
local and national
services (part of
Growth Hub)
Mentoring and
1:1 advice,
including
Entrepreneur
and Inventor in
Residence
Networking
events,
including
Inspiring
Entrepreneurs
Accessible and
open to all, including
diverse and
disadvantaged
communities
Central city
location, with excellent facilities
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18. Business & IP Centre National Network
Business & IP Centres
City libraries, which are part of PatLib and have
business libraries:
Birmingham
Leeds
London
Manchester
Sheffield
Liverpool
Newcastle upon Tyne
Enterprising Libraries
Hull
Exeter/Devon
Ealing, Harrow & Hounslow (tri-borough bid)
Enfield
Haringey
Greater Manchester
Middlesbrough
Northampton/Northants
Norwich/Norfolk
Portsmouth
PatLib UK Libraries
Glasgow
Aberdeen
Belfast
Llandudno
Newport (IPO)
Plymouth
www.bl.uk 18

19. Our National Network partners
Leeds Central
Library of Birmingham Sheffield Central
Liverpool Central
Newcastle City
Library
Manchester Central
www.bl.uk 19

20. Enterprising Libraries
• Grants of £45,000 awarded to 10 library authorities
to deliver targeted business support activities to
local communities
• Each project works with the closest Business & IP
Centre geographically in a hub and spoke model
• Centrally co-ordinated by the British Library who
provide training, marketing support and advocacy.
• Creates a pipeline for Business & IP Centre National
Network expansion and brings new areas of
expertise to the Network, e.g. a FabLab ‘maker
space’ in Exeter.
• Key metrics and economic impact study to be
reported at the end of the project, March 2015.
• Exeter
• Greater Manchester
• Hull
• Middlesbrough
• Northampton
• Norwich
• Portsmouth
• London Borough of Enfield
• London Borough of
Haringey
• Tri-borough of Ealing,
Harrow & Hounslow
www.bl.uk 20

21. National Network Supporters
• £100k seed funding from the Intellectual Property Office (2012)
• Subsequent funding of £1.1m through Enterprising Libraries programme
and Barclays sponsorship (April 2013-March 2015)
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22. The British Library’s role
• Overall coordination of the network
• Initial consultation/hand-holding
• Workshop and events formats and
materials
• Shared marketing campaigns and
collateral, including ‘Brand Book’
• Partnership programme and
selection
• Access to the Business & IP Centre
blueprint
• Training and secondments
• Assistance with bid-writing and securing
public and private funding
• Help with selecting databases and
possible ‘piggyback’ licences
• National PR campaigns and stakeholder
relations/advocacy (e.g. hosting the LEP
Summit)
• Monitoring and reporting systems, as
well as national impact studies
www.bl.uk 22

23. Benefits of the Business & IP Centre National
Network
• Unlocks the potential of city libraries to support IP exploitation and
innovation in their local economies and take part in Growth Hubs
• Takes advantage of existing assets in central city locations and leverages
libraries’ unique position as trusted and accessible places
• Provides economies of scale and makes the most of shared resources and
expertise
• Enables the delivery of much greater social and economic impact and
wellbeing than any one library could achieve on its own
• Supports the Government’s national and local growth agenda
www.bl.uk 23

24. What next?
• Plan to sustain the current National Network and add 3-4 pilots
• In discussions with DCLG, BIS and DCMS about securing additional
development funding to support our aims
• In discussions with LEPs about supporting city library partners through
ERDF/ESF funding and/or local growth deals
• Creating a pipeline of potential corporate partners
www.bl.uk 24

25. Q & A