Scaleup programmes
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British Library: Innovating for Growth [Annual Review 2020]
Leadership Capacity
Impact for scaleups
538
Business supported
568
Jobs created
60%
Developed new products or services
75%
Developed new business strategy
£75.8m
Turnover increase
39%
Average growth in GVA per business
Key sectors
Since 2012 the British Library Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) working with private sector partners has supported entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses. London-based businesses that have been trading for more than a year, turn over at least £100k and have aspirations to scale up their business through innovation can participate in a programme designed to boost leadership skills.
The programme comprises seven modules with financial planning added in the last year in response to participants’ requests and is underpinned by the Business Model Canvas and the wealth of business intelligence and IP information held in the BIPC. Each owner is paired with a Relationship Manager who oversees engagement, acts as a counsellor and refers them to other relevant services. A dedicated researcher helps businesses to find the information they need.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic all support offered on Innovating for Growth was moved online. Throughout the challenging time, the British Library continued to work with and support entrepreneurs through webinars and one-to-one sessions delivered over Zoom.
The access to resources, trusted advisors, and other entrepreneurs has proved immensely valuable for businesses joining the programme during this critical time. Many have used the programme network of support to help them mitigate the risks the pandemic has created for their business. Since lockdown, alumni have also been – and continue to be – mentored in small peer-to-peer groups by a successful entrepreneur and business coach.
The BIPC now has an alumni network of 538 scaleup businesses.
British Library: Innovating for Growth [Annual Review 2020] website
