National report praises work of Tees Valley 'Business and IP Centre' for being engine of economic growth

A national report highlighting the positive impact the Tees Valley Business & IP Centre (BIPC) has had on the local economy has been launched in Parliament yesterday (13 July).

Published by the British Library, 'Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0'  reveals the national impact the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Network has had over a three year period from April 2020 to March 2023.

The report shows how Tees Valley's own BIPC has supported entrepreneurship and economic growth in this region. Since it was set up approximately two years ago the BIPC Tees Valley has:

•  Helped to create 208 new businesses and 53 additional jobs
•  Generated £3,069,925 'Gross Value Added' 
•  Supported a range of entrepreneurs from all backgrounds - 55 percent of these were women, nine per cent identified themselves as from a minority ethnic community, 20 per cent were aged 35 and under and 32 per cent were from deprived areas

Based in Stockton Central Library, the BIPC Tees Valley Hub is supported by a network of BIPC Locals in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland and Darlington.

The BIPC offers free access to high-quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data (worth over £5m), combined with intellectual property advice and guidance.

Businesses can access free workshops, one-to-one support and mentoring delivered by library staff and public/private sector business experts and partners. They also arrange networking events, featuring role model entrepreneurs.

One Yarm business who benefitted from the help on offer from BIPC Tees Valley, was Elaine Wood, owner of 'Goldy and the Wizard', a wire wall-art business. 

"Before meeting with BIPC Tees Valley I had no idea what support was available to help local small businesses," said Elaine.  I hadn't really thought about my future plans for the business or how I saw my business developing. Now I feel like I have clarity about how I want my business to grow and develop and I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have happened without BIPC Tees Valley's help."

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough, said: "The BIPC Tees Valley has a friendly and highly knowledgeable team who can offer a range of free support to businesses and also those looking to get set-up in business, which includes tailored one-to-one appointments.

"They offer welcoming places where people can learn, network and access free information and support in protecting and commercialising a business idea.

"There's also great online support too including webinars, one-to-one business and Intellectual Property advice sessions.

"This support continues to help drive economic growth across the Tees Valley - boosting fledging businesses, protecting new business ideas and increasing the number of jobs.

"If you would like to get in touch with BIPC Tees Valley to find out more, you can do so by visiting the BIPC website or follow them on social media."

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."

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