The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7412 7901
For enquiries about our business resources and collection email our Reference team.
We support small business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors like you. Our team are on hand all day, six days a week, to help you take the right steps to start up, protect and grow your business.
Develop your ideas with our market research and company databases, learn new skills at a workshop or mini-masterclass, have a confidential one-to-one and put your questions to some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs at our inspiring talks.
If you’re an ambitious business owner, with plans to scale-up, we also offer £10,000 worth of free support through our Innovating for Growth programme. What’s more we have eight National Network Centres around the UK - so visit us today and increase your chances of business success.
Upcoming workshops & events
Getting that new product to market
One-to-one advice meetings to help you take the next big step and secure your place on the high street.
How to grow your business in Europe
During this workshop you will also hear about upcoming opportunities, which will make it easier for businesses to access funding across Europe.
Writing a successful business plan
Taking you through the process of writing a business plan
Google webinar: tell your story online
Learn from Google how to use the power of the internet to reach more customers
Resources to help start, run and grow your business
Starting your business
Practical advice to help get your business off the ground, from business plans to market research.
Protecting your ideas
Make sure you understand the basics of intellectual property and how to protect your product, website and brand.
Growing your business
Want to go international or expand your product range? Get top tips for taking your business to the next level.
Databases and publications
Over £5m worth of current market reports from top publishers Mintel, Frost & Sullivan, Passport and more.
Free industry and IP guides
Up-to-date quality information on intellectual property and for researching key industries, handpicked by our experts.
Our research service
Pay our experts to do research for you.
Ask an expert
For established businesses, get extra help from our IT, marketing and invention experts.
Case studies
…I was just fascinated by how much information was here and it was all free…
Imran Merza and Taz Basunia, Jealous Sweets
…One of the most invaluable things about coming to the Centre is networking with other budding entrepreneurs…
Jessica Rose, London Jewellery School
Blog posts
Is your best content above the fold?
18 July 2016In today’s age you need to catch the eye of your customer, before they get a chance to scroll down the page. UK2 tell you how.
Celebrating British IP Day – get IP savvy
05 July 2016Today is British IP Day – but what does Intellectual Property (IP) mean for you and your business?
Spotlight on … Ed Salt, MD of Delamere Dairy
13 June 2016We caught up with Ed Salt, Managing Director of Delamere Dairy. Ed tells us what makes the company unique and what it takes to be successful at exporting.
How much is William Shakespeare worth today?
09 June 2016After four centuries Shakespeare continues to be recognised as the greatest writer in the English language. And in fact Shakespeare himself was quite a savvy businessman, amassing enough money to acquire the one of the largest houses in his home of Stratford-Upon-Avon. But how much is his literary legacy worth today?