THE BUSINESS & INTELLECTUAL CENTRE: A LIFELINE FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Our region has a proud history of world leading innovation and groundbreaking inventions dating back hundreds of years. Today, more new ideas are being brought to life as a result of a unique source of business support.

The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Liverpool helps hundreds of people every month who are trying to get a business off the ground, growing a company or wanting to solve a business problem. A wide range of valuable services are available at no cost to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. These are designed to give people practical and accessible help in all sorts of areas.

Intellectual Property (IP) is relevant to all early stage and established business. Every founder needs to know how to protect their ideas, register their domain and company names properly and look after their assets. BIPC staff are trained in this area and work with specialist IP lawyers who can provide expertise on patents, trademarks, registered designs, licenses and contracts for example.

Geraldine Fuller of BIPC Liverpool says, “Harnessing innovation is vital to our economy and society as a whole. Nurturing entrepreneurs and providing people from all walks of life with the highest quality support to enable viable, quality ideas to fly is at the heart of our purpose and drive. All the team share a genuine passion for helping people succeed in business.”

The national network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres (BIPCs) is led by the British Library in London. Liverpool has established a reputation as one of the best performing in the country.

People contact the team in person or remotely seven days a week. Requests for help can include specific problem solving and advice or signposting to trusted partners who can provide advice on finance, company formation, becoming a sole trader, marketing, taking on staff as well as business planning and sales. There is a rich programme of high quality online and physical events designed to help people improve their business know-how, connect with others and develop skills. BIPC events have become increasingly popular. Networking events are usually packed with people keen to be part of the growing BIPC Community.

A recent rooftop networking morning with Federation of Small Businesses was a great success. Phil Adams, CEO of Professional Liverpool was welcomed as guest speaker alongside Mark Bryan who gave everyone a fascinating insight into the value of FSB membership. Phil McCabe of the FSB did a superb job chairing a lively panel discussion which saw Phil Adams joined by angel investor/entrepreneur and founder of Talk on to Walk on Michelle Walters, George Wright of LCR Finance Hub and Tim Barnes from the Centre of Entrepreneurs. Sue Chambers of River Capital gave a very useful overview of Powerhouse funding whilst Gavin Sherratt officially announced the launch of his new business, GoodShip during the proceedings. Social Media Marketing continues to be a massively popular topic. Ste Devaney’s second session at Everton Football Club was again fully booked with five-star feedback. Peter the Speaker a former Dragons’ Den winner delivered an event called ‘Pitch Perfect’ which was another hit with a spellbound audience captivated for nearly four hours. BIPC resources include powerful databases containing industry information and market trends to allow people to conduct research and due diligence. There is no charge and a lot of data and information can be produced without the need to visit the library in person.

The Entrepreneur in Residence Clinic takes place weekly in Central Library. Former Lord Mayor Gary Millar FLJMU is the BIPCs official Entrepreneur in Residence. This drop-in service has proved a lifeline for many.

The latest BIPC economic impact report. ‘Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0’ highlights over 2900 businesses supported and states that BIPC Liverpool helped create over 1000 new enterprises over the last three years. Liverpool’s figures showed that 62% of those who have benefitted from BIPC services were women, 27% were from a minority ethnic community and 54% were from deprived areas.

Follow BIPC Liverpool City Region on Eventbrite to book on events. For more information email libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk or call 0151 233 5825