BIPC Worcestershire launches in libraries across the county

BIPC is now accessible at six libraries across the county: Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern, Redditch and The Hive in Worcester.

BIPC Worcestershire has been available online throughout the pandemic and has already provided support to over 200 businesses and over 1000 people. Now 6 local BIPCs have launched in 6 libraries, providing free business support services to local businesses and anyone with a new business idea.

Each library has a dedicated BIPC officer who is able to explain how the BIPC team can help business.

The library launches gave attendees a chance to try out the unique set of free online business resources, as well as an opportunity to book a free one to one session, in person or online, with a friendly BIPC Business Advisor.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills said: “Business & IP Centre Worcestershire is a fantastic addition to the range of services provided by the County Council to help our local economy to continue to grow and develop. Our library teams have worked hard to make it as easy as possible for anyone thinking of starting a business or wanting to take their business to the next level, to get the help they need. BIPC Worcestershire breaks down barriers for people who have a bright idea for a business but no idea where to start.”

Councillor Matt Dormer, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Our libraries teams have been working hard to expand the services that our library network offers to their local community, and this is an really great example of that. We’re really hoping that BIPC Worcestershire can continue the success it has had so far to help local businesses either take that first step or figure out what step to take next, and I’m looking forward to seeing the scheme continue to develop after today’s official launch.”

The launch also welcomed local caterers at each launch, to showcase what the local food and drink sector has to offer:

• Worcester, Francini’s and Good Roots
• Bromsgrove, Lady Platterley
• Evesham, Jodie Smith’s cakes
• Redditch, Refujuice + Magicakes
• Kidderminster, Siobhan’s Kitchen
• Malvern, Bluebird Tearooms

The BIPC Service has already been working with local businesses ahead of the official launch, to offer support and guidance to improve businesses in both the short and long term.

We have worked with over 220 businesses one to one, as well as supporting over 1200 entrepreneurs at our events, workshops and webinar series. The Reset. Restart programme supporting recovery from Covid worked with over 100 businesses.

The Business & IP Centre provides:

• free business support and training delivered by expert partners and BIPC Business Advisors on a 1:1 or group basis, online and in-libraries
• free access to high quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data via a range of specialist business databases
• intellectual property information and guidance
• signposting and referral to business support programmes available in the county
• business networking events online and in-libraries

The six library hubs will provide dedicated, easily accessible business community space which includes PCs, desks, Wi-Fi and meeting rooms.

For more information about BIPC Worcestershire on their website or follow @bipcWorcs on Twitter or Facebook.