New Business support service in Worcestershire will launch this week

Businesses and budding entrepreneurs across Worcestershire are being invited to the launch of a new business support service that aims to create a thriving business community in Worcestershire libraries.

The Business & IP Centre, Worcestershire (BIPC) will officially launch in six local libraries on 15 October.

The launch will be a face to face event between 10am and 12pm, accessible at six libraries across the county: Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern, Redditch and The Hive in Worcester.

All members of the community are invited to come along. Anyone with an interest in setting up a business, or already running a business, is encouraged to join us and to find out more about how the BIPC can make a difference to their business success. Our friendly and supportive staff will be on hand to chat with throughout the launch

The event will feature the formal opening of the BIPC centre in each library at 11am with locally sourced hot drinks and snacks provided for attendees. It will give people the opportunity to talk to BIPC library staff about the service, as well as a chance to try out the unique set of market information databases that are free to access and explore the library facilities. There will also be an opportunity to book a free one to one session, in person or online, with a friendly BIPC Business Advisor.

BIPC Worcestershire is part of a national BIPC network funded by The British Library. It provides free and accessible business support and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses through public libraries.

The BIPC is part of a wider business support landscape available from Worcestershire County Council and will work closely with Enterprising Worcestershire and the Worcestershire Business Central Growth Hub to ensure businesses can access the support they need.

The Business & IP Centre provides:

• free business support, mentoring 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.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills / Councillor Matt Dormer, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Business and IP Centre Worcestershire is a fantastic addition to the range of services provided by Worcestershire libraries. It is now easier than ever 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.”

“I’d encourage anyone interested in helping their business prosper to attend the launch event which will be a celebration of business voices across the county and introduce the invaluable range of free business services offered by BIPC Worcestershire”.

For more information about BIPC Worcestershire and to register to attend a library launch event near you on 15 October go to the BIPC Worcestershire pages of the County Council website.

You can also follow BIPC Worcestershire on Twitter and BIPC Worcestershire on Facebook.