Part of the BIPC Kickstart Your Business Programme
Business Research and Information is an introductory, full‑day workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses develop their ideas and strengthen their business development skills.
If you have never attended a Kickstart Your Business workshop before, please complete the required registration form in advance. This is essential for project funding purposes.
Delivered by the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Reference Team at the British Library, this workshop covers two core areas: Business Research & Information (AM) and How to Protect My Business Idea (PM).
Morning Session – Business Research and Information (AM)
This session introduces the key resources, research tools and frameworks needed to build a strong, informed business strategy.
You will learn:
How to use the BIPC and library resources to create a strategic roadmap
Introduction to databases, industry guides, external resources and research tools
How to assess trends, sustainability and wider value‑based propositions
Customer segmentation and understanding your target audience
How to research competitors using company information
Key resources for researching intellectual property and funding
How to make informed business decisions based on reliable data
Afternoon Session – How to Protect My Business Idea (PM)
A practical introduction to intellectual property (IP) and how it applies to your business.
You will learn:
The four main types of IP: patents, trademarks, registered designs and copyright
Which types of IP may apply to you and your business
Everyday examples of IP and how it shapes business value
Practical details including time limits, registration, unregistered rights and real‑world scenarios
This event is Day 1 of a two‑part course. To gain the full benefit of the programme, please also register for Day 2 – Get Started Webinar.