Right: Isabell Oswell at BIPC events.
790,737 people
visited a regional
panel exhibition.
Celebrating 20 years of
generating small businesses
It’s been two decades since we launched
the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) – now
one of the UK’s most vital services for
entrepreneurs.
Every day founders across the UK turn to the BIPC for impartial,
trusted support – a rare combination in today’s world.
We offer one-to-one guidance and specialist workshops,
inspiring events and access to premium market data and
intelligence, alongside a thriving community of entrepreneurs
from all walks of life.
We spoke with its founder Isabell Oswell BEM, Director of
Business Audiences, to reflect on the journey so far.
women, people from global majority backgrounds
and people with disabilities.
Any standout moments?
Our expansion into a national network of BIPCs
is a major highlight. Today we can be found on
over 70 high streets. All based in libraries: trusted
accessible spaces at the heart of our communities.
Any favourite success stories?
Brands like Tangle Teezer, Trunki and Ella’s Kitchen
stand out as they’ve become household names.
But there are thousands more – creating jobs,
adding millions to our economy, and developing
innovative solutions. One example is Naked
20 years of the BIPC. What are you most
proud of?
It’s the scale and impact of what we’ve
been able to achieve. We’ve helped
over half a million people start or grow
a business, many fulfilling a lifelong
dream of becoming their own boss. And
businesses supported by the BIPC are more
likely to succeed, with 90% still trading
after three years, compared to the national
average of around 50%.
I’m also proud of our huge impact on
groups that are traditionally under-
represented in UK start-ups, including
Energy, who went on to deliver the UK’s largest
solar heat project – right here at our St Pancras site.
What’s next?
We’re evolving to reach even more businesses –
whether in person across the National Network,
or online. And we’re excited about the proposed
redevelopment of the Library at St Pancras, which
will include co-working and maker spaces to spark
the next wave of innovation.
We’re grateful to all of BIPC’s funding partners
over the last 20 years. If you would like to support
our impactful work with entrepreneurs, please get
in touch.
Looking forward
Building on the work shared here, we’re
creating even more opportunities for people
of all ages to develop their skills, feel inspired
and learn.
There has never been a better time to join us. Whether you’re
passionate about culture, young people, communities or
innovation, there’s a project that will align with you.
We’re seeking partnerships
and support for:
Cultural
• Major exhibitions wil l explore fairy
tales (for children and families),
Agatha Christie and the Normans
• A vibrant pr ogramme of live events
will include Literature at the Library
and history-themed talks.
Collections and curators
• W e’ll be saving more precious items
for the nation and providing them
with expert care
• W e will share more treasures from
the collections with communities
across the UK and around the world
– in person and online.
Left: An artist’s impression of the St Pancras building extension.
© Miller Hare.
New spaces north and south
• W e’re expanding the Library in London,
transforming our iconic home with new
and cutting-edge exhibition, learning
and event spaces
• A major new home in the heart of Leeds
will deepen our roots in Yorkshire. It
will create opportunities for over ten
million people and provide a catalyst for
regeneration.
Business and entrepreneurs
• W e’re celebrating 20 years of the BIPC
and helping more people to turn their
great ideas into thriving businesses.
From top left: The National Newspaper Building at Boston Spa, photo
by Peter Carr; conservation work, photo by Sam Walton; the Story
Explorers exhibition; Trinny Woodall at an Inspiring Entrepreneurs event.
[email protected]
support.bl.uk
Charitable Status
The British Library is a charity under
the 2006 Charities Act. However, as an
Exempt Charity we are not regulated
by the Charity Commission but instead
by the Department for Culture, Media
and Sport. We are registered with the
Fundraising Regulator, and act in line
with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
A gift to us attracts the same tax
benefits as to any other charity.
Cover: Children visiting the Library.
Photo by Sam Walton.
Right: Inspiring Entrepreneurs Fireside Chat.