New figures confirm BIPC Liverpool City Region is engine for economic recovery and growth

The national report (Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0) identifies the city region’s BIPC as one of the top three best performing centres in the UK, supporting a total of 2,628 businesses and helping to create more than 1,000 new businesses during the period.

Between April 2020 and March 2023, BIPC Liverpool City Region has:

• Helped to create 1033 new businesses and 239 additional jobs
• Supported a total of 2,628 businesses
• Generated £11m Gross Value Added (GVA)
• Supported a range of entrepreneurs, of which 
  • 62% women
  • 27% identified themselves as from a minority ethnic community
  • 15% disabled
  • 21% aged 35 and under 
  • 54% from the most deprived areas
• Been among the top three performing BIPCs in the UK

A new report published by the British Library has revealed the significant economic impact of the Business & IP Centre in the Liverpool City Region over the past three years. 

It shows that BIPC Liverpool City Region has boosted 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 report also highlights the breadth of support for female entrepreneurs, as well as those who are disabled, from an ethnic minority background or more deprived areas.

The Business & IP Centre Liverpool is based at Central Library, William Brown Street. Its services are delivered through Central Library and other libraries across the city as well as in St Helens, Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton and Halton.  It is part of a national network led by the British Library, providing anyone wanting to start or grow a business with information, resources and advice around protecting and commercialising their idea. 

Val Jones, acting head of Libraries and Information Service, said:

“Over the last few years, demand for BIPC services has risen sharply and we have adapted and expanded our range of services to reflect the needs of the business community. The BIPC is often a lifeline for people starting and growing a business. These figures reflect the quality of our offer and the hard work and dedication of the BIPC team. 

“Our Entrepreneur in Residence Clinics led by Gary Millar and his team of professional volunteers have also played a critical role in providing people with quality advice and support to entrepreneurs. Their support and that of the wider business community has been invaluable and we are looking forward to continuing to help many more people turn their business ideas into a commercial reality.”

Services at BIPC Liverpool City Region include:

• Free access to powerful database containing up-to-the-minute, high-quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data (worth over £5m), combined with intellectual property advice and guidance;
• A rich programme of online and physical events designed to help people learn, be inspired, connect and share ideas
• One-to-one support and mentoring delivered by library staff and public/private sector business experts and partners;
• Accessible and welcoming spaces with access to PCs, desks and Wi-Fi;
• 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.

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. This 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.”

The full Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0 report, including a range of case studies, can be downloaded from the British Library’s website

Find all the latest Liverpool news here