MEMBERS NEWS Geraldine Fuller centre with (left) lawyer Francis McEntgart one of the BIPC Entrepreneur in Residence team and (right) Miguel Doforo with course participants of the Spotlight on You Programme
BIPC LIVERPOOL CITY REGION:
HARNESSING INNOVATION EVERY DAY Over 2600 innovators have benefitted from BIPC services over the last three years. BIPC Liverpool’s Geraldine Fuller explains why.
From new ideas to creative thinking, advancements in technology to groundbreaking innovations, innovation is at the heart of all economic and societal development. Whether you are a sole trader, or a multinational plc, survival and growth is only possible with a mindset that embraces advancement and progress. Across the UK, the network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres led by the British Library in London is harnessing and nurturing new ideas every day. BIPCs are making libraries everywhere engines of economic growth and BIPC Liverpool City Region now has a national reputation as one of the best performing in the country. Every month over 120 individuals utilise the extensive range of BIPC services which are delivered from Liverpool Central library as well as in libraries and other locations across the City region. Protecting new ideas and business assets is crucial for everyone at every stage. Failure to get this right can result in expensive, lengthy and potentially legal challenges. People come to us for free specialist legal advice on intellectual property. They can
28
access expertise on registering a trademark, filing a patent, design rights and ask us general questions about protecting their assets which could be on everything from domain names to customer databases.
This vital service has proved a lifeline for many and has had a transformative impact on thousands of people since it started.
These clinics are staffed by a team of professionals who all give up their time and expertise to help businesses. This vital service has proved a lifeline for many and has had a transformative impact on thousands of people since it started. All innovators are welcome to attend BIPC Liverpool events and use our services. People from all walks of life from all sectors including food, design, music, gaming, manufacturing as well as CICs and charities can benefit from the unique and valuable package of support available.
We also offer a rich programme of high quality online and physical events designed to help people improve their business knowhow, connect with others and develop skills. The Business and IP Centre in Liverpool Central Library offers a huge amount of business resources including powerful databases containing vast amounts of up -to the minute industry information, market trends for conduct research and due diligence all at no cost.
Earlier this year we were invited to the House of Lords to launch the latest BIPC economic impact report. ‘Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0’ revealed we have supported over 2600 business and helped create over 1000 enterprises over the last three years. Our range of services is continuing to expand and we look forward to working with many more Liverpool Chamber members over the next year and beyond.
Our weekly Entrepreneur in Residence Clinic takes place every Thursday and is run by former Lord Mayor and successful business owner Gary Millar FLJMU.
For more information email libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk Follow us on LinkedIn - BIPC Liverpool City Region
