2 minute read
BIPC
How could my business benefi t from desk research?
Using reliable data to make key business decisions; BIPC can help
It doesn’t matter if you’re at the idea stage or if your business is more established, desk research can help your business growth and development.
Getting stuck into the analytics and research might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but at the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Sussex, we get a little excited about helping customers fi nd their perfect stat, report or consumer analysis nugget.
With our free business databases, a little training, and us to call on when things get tricky, desk research at BIPC can become (dare we say it) a little bit enjoyable. All you need to access the databases is a library card.
WHAT IS DESK RESEARCH?
It’s important to know that you don’t have to begin with a blank sheet of paper. Desk research is all about using other people’s fi ndings and analysis to get to your answers quickly.
You might want to know if your idea for vegan dog treats has – er – legs. Before you go out and ask your prospects what they think, it would pay to know how the global market on dog food is doing, the forecasts for dog food purchase over the next few years, and who the key players are in the market.
Desk research allows you to gather this information from a range of reports, databases and statistical tools. It’s a strategic advantage putting you ahead of your nearest competitor, before you’ve even got out of your seat. WHAT’S SO IMPORTANT ABOUT DATA?
Having a data-led approach starts to look really appealing when it comes to investors, fi nance and funding. Allowing you to pitch with accurate information gives you, and your investors, confidence. By using the BIPC Sussex’s nine business databases, you get all of this without having to pay a penny.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
At the BIPC, we tend to start with COBRA, an easy-to-use encyclopaedia of information for starting, running and managing a small business. It includes over 4,000 factsheets, local area profi les and business profi les to help you get off the ground.
Beyond COBRA we have industry and market databases that give you the inside track on your industry not just in the UK, but internationally too. These are Mintel, IBIS World, Statista and EMIS.
When it comes to getting to grips with suppliers, partners, investors, clients and competitors, our company databases – FAME, Kompas Easy Business and Local Data Online, are a great source of information, contacts and statistics.
Arguably one of our most searchworthy databases is GRANTfinder, which can help you put your plans into action by giving you information on various fi nancial support options.
In summary, considering desk research may not sound too glamorous, but we at BIPC Sussex fi rmly believe that doing a little tabletop strategy can give your business the edge and we are here to help.
