Between August 2022 and March 2023, Cumbria BIPC
- Helped to create 23 new businesses and 18 additional jobs.
- Contributing to a payback of £6.63 for every £1 of public money spent.
- Supported a range of entrepreneurs, of which 55% were women, 19% identified themselves as from a minority ethnic community, 17% were disabled, 29% were aged 35 and under.
Published by the British Library, Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0 reveals the national impact the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Network has had over a three-year period from April 2020 to March 2023. The report shows how Cumbria BIPC has helped support entrepreneurship and economic recovery at a local level, contributing to a payback of £6.63 for every £1 of public money spent across the BIPC Network.
The BIPC centres in Carlisle and Barrow Libraries are physical hubs where people can learn, network and access free and low-cost information and support in protecting and commercialising a business idea. The service comprises:
- Free access to high-quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data (worth over £5m), combined with intellectual property advice and guidance.
- Free and low cost workshops, one-to-one support and mentoring delivered by BIPC staff and public/private sector business experts and partners.
- Topical and inspirational networking events, featuring role model entrepreneurs.
- Accessible and welcoming spaces with access to PCs, desks and Wi-Fi, Co working space and meeting pods.
- A comprehensive package of online support; including webinars, one-to-one business and IP advice sessions and screenings of our programme of inspirational panel discussions.
Anyone wanting to know more about the range of services offered by Cumbria BIPC can visit cumbriabipc.org.uk.
Cumbria BIPC also has an 'Experts in Residence' programme, in which they work with local service experts to provide additional advice and support to business owners, start-ups and entrepreneurs. One of these experts, Carlisle based design and marketing agency CreativeHutch, also took part in this year’s British Library's 'Get Ready for Business Growth’ programme. The programme is especially designed to help small creative businesses grow.
CreativeHutch Co-owners Vicky Hutchinson and Carol Wallace said;
“The 'Get Ready for Business Growth’ programme, accessed through Cumbria BIPC, has led to CreativeHutchs’ accelerated growth in the last six months. The programme really helped us to understand not only where we should focus, but about finances, growing and hiring more staff and lots more as a business as a whole. It really helped to level us up and feel like a grown-up business.”
Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Executive Member - Vibrant and Healthy Places, said;
“Cumbria BIPC has developed and grown to meet the needs of residents and local businesses since its launch last August. The numbers through the door prove that it was definitely needed, and I am very proud of the diligence and adaptability of the team to offer such varied and tailored support to all who need it.”
Isabel Oswell, Head of Business Audiences at the British Library, said;
“This month marks 50 years since the British Library first began operations and helping businesses to innovate and grow continues to be one of the Library’s core purposes. The Democratising Entrepreneurship report reiterates the unique power of libraries as engines of innovation, economic growth and social mobility in the heart of diverse communities. Whether you consider yourself an entrepreneur, freelancer or just have an idea, the Business & IP Centre Network provides accessible, free and impartial support, delivered by dedicated informed professionals and trusted business experts, both online and in person across the UK.”