About our events
We’re here to help you start and grow your business. We offer a busy programme of free events, workshops and one-to-ones with our team of specialists, as well as access to the largest collection of business and intellectual property (IP) information in the UK, including market research, funding and company information.
Discover more about our resources and services via our webpage.
What's on
Start-up, Start Here in your local library
Starting a business? Start in your local library.
Start-up, Start Here
Starting up? Start with us. Drop in to the British Library on 3 March and find out how to turn your business idea into a reality.
PRECIOUS Nights – The Power of Building What Lasts
An intimate evening for women building businesses, careers and creative lives. A conversation about longevity, care, and what truly lasts.
How to Start and Run a Successful Restaurant, Coffee Bar or Food Business
Explore the best ways of opening and running a viable and profitable food business like a cafe, restaurant, bakery, or cake shop!
Fashion Founder Friday
These informal AMA’s, hosted by Fashion Angel Founder Alison Lewy MBE, give you the opportunity to ask any business related questions.
What is a trade mark and how to search for one
Customers need to be able to identify your business from your competition in a highly competitive market place.
Introduction to Intellectual Property
An understanding of intellectual property and its protection is vital for anyone with an idea.
Introduction to Self-Publishing
Time to learn about self-publishing and see if it's for you.
Kickstart Your Business (Day 1) – Business Research and Information
Business Research and Information is an introductory workshop for entrepreneurs and small businesses to progress their business development.
Getting that new product to market: 1–1 sessions
This is an opportunity to discuss your product idea, in confidence with an industry expert.
Introduction to registered designs
Almost every organisation has intellectual property of some sort – this series of webinars helps businesses to understand and protect it.
Start using the British Library for my Business
Introduction to the British Library's Business & IP Centre and a practical introduction to essential sources of business information.
HMRC – registering for self-employment or registering your business
Your obligation to HMRC whether registering as self-employed or registering your new business.
Kickstart Your Business (Day 2) – Get Started
Get Started is an introductory workshop for entrepreneurs and small businesses to progress their business development.
An Introduction to Patents and Patent Searching
This online webinar will explain the basics behind patents, patent protection and registration.
Introduction to the BIPC for Postgraduate Researchers
Join Research Development and the BIPC team to learn about the Business and Intellectual Property Centre and its collections.
How Cobra can help your business journey
When you're starting out in business, trying to find the right information can seem daunting. Well, we can help!
GRANTfinder – Financial support for your business and community
During this webinar the British Library will show you the GRANTfinder business information database.
How do I research my market?
A guide to using published market research sources and field research to find information on your business sector.Introduction to copyright for business
Learn the basics of copyright and get an introduction to protecting and managing your copyright as well as using the work of others.
Entrepreneurs Guide to Smart Money
Master money with confidence and learn practical strategies to manage cash flow, pay yourself efficiently and build lasting wealth.
Selling Fashion Online
Join us at this practical workshop designed to help fashion brands increase online sales.
Start using social media for my small business
Everyone seems to talk about social media these days, but how can Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok and blogging actually help?Soul Trader: Build your business by heart
Join leading life & business coach Rasheed Ogunlaru author of Soul Trader, to learn how to build an authentic, rewarding business.