Guest article

Access over £5M worth of online resources through your local library

Starting or running a business can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be extremely challenging. You may require support to help your venture thrive but be unsure where to turn. The good news is that help is at hand. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business & IP Centre (BIPC) offers a wide range of free services and support, which has already assisted over 700 entrepreneurs. The Centre is part of a national BIPC network founded by the British Library, with public library partners across the country. The British Library is expanding the network from 14 to over 100 regional and local libraries including new local Centres in Ely, Huntingdon and Wisbech. These new Centres will build on wider support already available at Cambridge Central Library and Peterborough Central Library. Offering vital insights, confidential advice and access to free resources, training and events – both online and in-person – the BIPC can help you imagine, start or develop your business. Wherever you are in your business journey, it’s important to stay informed about your market so that you can continue to offer something that customers want. We provide access to over £5M worth of resources that can help. The network’s resources include: • Online market reports from top publishers • Company data for over 144M UK and global companies • Start-up books and business directories • 700,000 historical annual reports • Over 60 million patents available for you to access. These can help to answer some of the following questions: • How has Covid-19 impacted my customers? • Is there demand for my product or service? • What are my competitors doing? • Have my customers buying habits changed? • What funding is available for my business? The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough BIPC provides free access to the following resources: COBRA - a complete business reference adviser providing critical business facts, compliance and trading details covering hundreds of small businesses. EMIS - a comprehensive information platform with over 25 years of experience as provider of emerging markets intelligence. Euromonitor Passport - a global market research database providing insight on industries, economies and consumers worldwide. GRANTfinder - Europe’s leading and most advanced grants and policy database, bringing together funding opportunities and related policy across the UK. IBISWorld - provides easy-to-read and comprehensive analysis on over 400 UK industries. Kompass EasyBusiness - provides detailed and up-to-date business contact information. Mintel - As the world’s leading market intelligence agency, Mintel’s analysis of consumers, markets, new products and competitive landscapes provides a unique perspective on global and local economies. NewsBank - helps explore diverse perspectives and stay informed. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources from more than 200 countries. All resources require the user to sign up to a free library card membership via their library (either Cambridgeshire Libraries or Peterborough Libraries). Councillor Tom Sanderson, Chair of Cambridgeshire County council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, said: “The BIPC offers free proven advice which can make a vital difference. If you’re an entrepreneur or thinking of starting a business, you really have nothing to lose by contacting them.” Councillor Steve Allen, Deputy Leader of Peterborough City Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Communities, added: “Over 700 local entrepreneurs have already benefitted from the invaluable support offered by our local BIPCs. They offer unique and valuable resources which can help a business get off the ground and thrive.” For more information on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough BIPC visit https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/bipc

Case study

I started my business, Very Craftea, in January 2017. My business sells craft kits and loose leaf tea with a focus on conscious sourcing and sustainability. Our mission statement is: “Very Craftea exists to help all people create moments to feel comforted and included, by curating the best products, accessible to everyone without compromise ever.” I found out about the BIPC via my mum who volunteers at the Peterborough Central Library - she saw their leaflet and suggested I paid them a visit. I then met a member of library staff at a business event who told me all about the facilities and the company databases, which really interested me. I couldn’t believe all this was available for free! The first time I went to the centre I was nervous. I was still new to business - but I needn’t have worried. One of the staff booked me in and showed me to the centre. I was shown how to use the company database system, along with a step by step written guide. The company databases are like gold dust - you can search businesses from all over the country based on industry, location and turnover including documents on future trends in different niches. I couldn’t believe that I had access to this valuable information for free. I even posted on Instagram about it to raise awareness. After the uncertainty of last year, having access to these incredible resources, the services from the library staff and corporate partners, I believe a lot of businesses would have been able to pivot, look for additional revenue streams, or keep trading with greater success. I know that not being able to access these services during lockdown slowed the growth of my business, so I can’t wait to get back in to access it all again soon. If you want to find out more on me and my business, please feel free to connect with me. My website is www.verycraftea.co.uk and you can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as Very Craftea.

Natalie Taylor Founder of Acacia Facilities

Access over £5M worth of onlIne resources

Market reports, company data, historical annual reports and patents

BIPC are hosting a free webinar to support Chamber members to access these free resources:

HOW DO I RESEARCH MY MARKET? Tuesday 28 September, 10.00-11.00am

Access over £5M worth of resources to help you research or better understand your market before starting or growing your business. Register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/161081445941/ or follow the link on the Chamber website on the event pages.