Since opening in 2006, the Business & IP Centre has supported over 100,000 aspiring entrepreneurs - providing access to a wealth of research material, a comprehensive workshop programme, and advice from a variety of experts. Constantly seeking to extend this network of support, the Centre's innovative and interactive new website offers users a simple 'how-to' guide on how the Library's services can help businesses conduct market research, develop business plans, and protect their valuable ideas.
The new site forms a key part in the Library's ongoing efforts to embrace technology and connect with existing and potential users in online environments.
* Social networking - with over 1,000 Twitter followers, 2,500 Facebook group members and 640 LinkedIn group members, the Business & IP Centre's online networking efforts have brought together users from a huge variety of sectors, creating new forums for entrepreneurs to share information, learn about the British Library and be inspired.
* BIPC TV - the Centre's YouTube channel has had over 60,000 video plays since its launch, and offers users the chance to hear from some of our success stories and access unique video content full of inspirational advice, from the likes of Stelios (easyjet), Martha Lane Fox (lastminute.com), and the late Dame Anita Roddick (The Body Shop).
* 'Inspiring Entrepreneurs' webcasts - allowing greater access to the Centre's hugely popular 'Inspiring Entrepreneurs' series, in partnership with HSBC Start-Up Stars, users can now log on and put their questions to our star panellists in real time from anywhere in the world.
* Expert bloggers - Manager of the Business & IP Centre, Neil Infield, and resident patent expert, Steve Van Dulken, are both regular bloggers, providing expert advice on a whole range of business issues to around 4,000 entrepreneurs every month.
Frances Taylor, Marketing Manager for the Business & IP Centre said: 'We're continually experimenting with new developments on the web, to reach out to new audiences and improve access to our resources. Social media provides a fantastic platform for us to talk directly with small businesses and to help facilitate networking; an essential task for entrepreneurs.
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