Start-up, Start Here

Our network of Business & IP Centres has helped over 300,000 innovators, inventors, creators and sole traders in the 20 years since we opened our doors – you could be next!  

On the day, you can:

• meet our team and put your burning business questions to our experts
• hear from successful founders who started up with us at the Business & IP Centre (see agenda below)
• shop at our indoor market where you’ll find products from successful start-ups businesses in our network
• explore the incredible free resources on offer at the British Library and find out how they can help you get your business off to a flying start.

This event is for everyone interested in starting a business. Whether you want to start something, or have recently started, we’re here to help. 

Tickets

Please book a ticket for each of the sessions you are interested in attending. 

This event (excluding Meet the Experts) will also be screened online. Please book an online ticket to receive the link to watch live. 

Programme

9.30 – 15.00 Browse and shop our market of BIPC-supported small businesses 

11.00 – 11.30 Welcome and introduction 

11.30 – 14.00 Meet the Experts 

Meet our team and ask our experts your burning business questions. This session will run all day and you can drop in any time from 11.30 – 14.00. Please be aware that this session could be very busy and we cannot guarantee you will be able to meet everyone. 

11.30 - 12.00 Best business lessons with Alison Lewy and Rasheed Ogunlaru 

Two of our longest standing BIPC experts, who have supported thousands of founders to start up and grow, share the real-world lessons they’ve learnt about entrepreneurs and what truly makes a business succeed.   

12.05 - 13.00 Let’s Talk Business – panel discussion 

For 20 years, we’ve been at the forefront of helping businesses to start and grow. This session will cover how to start a business today and how the BIPC can help. Be inspired by businesses who have been exactly where you are and experts who are supporting new businesses to start up every week. 

 13.05 - 13.45 My start-up story and why every founder should use the BIPC with Martha Keith  

Join our BIPC Ambassador Martha Keith, founder of Martha Brook stationery and the Business Secrets Club, interviewed by Vee Roberts. Find out how Martha built her brands from the ground up, hear her insights on the future of entrepreneurship and discover why she thinks the BIPC is one of the best kept secrets in business!   

13.45 - 14.30 Networking  

Connect with successful and aspiring entrepreneurs and explore the free resources that the Business & IP Centre has to offer. 

Timings and programme subject to change.