The 'invaluable' scheme that has helped thousands of Greater Manchester business grow

A scheme which has helped create more than 2,000 new businesses has been hailed as making 'a real and lasting difference to the lives of people in Manchester.'

The Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC), which can be accessed in libraries across Greater Manchester, allows people to learn and access free information to assist your business.

Access to BIPC’s network hubs around the region and the UK allows for one-to-one support and mentoring delivered by library staff and business experts.

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You can also get access to panels with successful business owners giving advice on what it takes to make a business successful as well as free Wi-Fi and PCs to work with.

Between April 2020 and March 2023, the BIPC helped kickstart over 2000 businesses and has also created over 350 jobs in that short period.

Anna Hill, owner of Ardea Upholstery based in Ancoats, was one of the thousands of people whose business has been supported by BIPC.

She said: "From day one when I got in touch to find out more about the workshops available at BIPC Greater Manchester I immediately felt like I was part of a business community right on my doorstep.

"I was able to access a lot of industry market research which informed my business plan and that enabled me to get initial funding for my business. It’s been absolutely invaluable and everything was free including one-to-one support.”

Councillor John Hacking, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: "Manchester has made a significant contribution to the Business and IP centre and has helped to shape the national network which has been recognised by the British