The scheme will be offering startups and growth business a hub for all their physical business support needs, the centre will aim to provide entrepreneurs with a comprehensive range of services and information on how to research, develop and protect their business ideas.
Already home to some of the country’s brightest up-and-coming businesses, particularly within the creative industries, the North East was one of a number of regions considered for the pilot project. However, with a number of first-class information and research facilities already in place, and both Northumbria University and Newcastle City Library willing to work in partnership with the British Library and NESTA, the North East offers the perfect opportunity to assess ways in which the Business & IP Centre model could be used to help maximise the transfer of knowledge from research to industry across the UK.
Mark Prisk MP, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, said: “The Coalition Government is determined to rebalance the UK economy. That means promoting innovation and enterprise across the whole of the UK.” “The pilot promises to build on the North East’s proud and innovative history. It will provide residents with tools and information to help them start and grow their own businesses.”
Head of Business Marketing at the British Library, Isabel Oswell, said: “Since its launch four years ago the British Library Business & IP Centre has become an essential resource for London’s entrepreneurs, combining extensive collections with expert support to create an inspirational and trusted environment in which to research ideas.
“We are absolutely delighted to be working with NESTA, Northumbria University and Newcastle City Council to roll out this model for business support, exploring how the excellent facilities of institutions such as Newcastle City Library can be transformed to provide a real hub for innovation in the North East.”
