This long standing national initiative run by the British Library offers both start up information and high level business support as well as specific training on IP. Free at the point of access to anyone with a library card, both centres will have a business Information advisor who will be able to guide people through a business start up model, or look at how the use high end business databases onsite as well as host webinars and in person talks around specific areas of business support.

The centres will both have access to resources such as Ibis World, Mintel, Cobra and Local Data Online. ‘The fact that all SMEs and start ups will have access to this level of research and high level data is just phenomenal in itself’ say Ben Heslop, BIPC program manager. ‘We aim to become centres of really meaningful help that people can access free of charge with really pertinent use cases to where themselves or their businesses are at, or need to get to next to survive or expand ‘

The BIPC is looking at teaming up with local business right across Cumbria to build a team of ‘Experts in Residence’ who will offer help and guidance in their specific areas in the form of drop in sessions and presentations. The rolling program of help and support will see Cumbrians gain further opportunities to progress and innovate their enterprises.

For further details email Ben Heslop, BIPC Programme Manager, Ben.Heslop@cumbria.gov.uk