A NEW hub that aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs has been launched in Southampton.

This week, Southampton City Council, in partnership with the British Library, launched the Business and IP Centre (BIPC) at Southampton Central Library.

The hub aims to help entrepreneurs start and grow their business, project, or next big idea.

The British Library has been working with the council to launch a BIPC in the city to work as a beacon to all aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in the city.

It comes following a successful bid to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport earlier this year.

The hub offers professional resources including Patent specifications, one-to-one support on business ideas, workshop sessions, access to market-leading databases and information on business grants, and access to industry-led market research tools and reports to find key opportunities.

It also offers free access to professional spaces and specialised facilities including PhotoHub, SellersHub and CreatorsHub.

Isobel Oswell, head of business audiences at the British Library, said: "It is our pleasure to partner with Southampton City Council to launch the latest in a network of BIPCs across the UK.

“Helping entrepreneurs is our mission and we know that the city of Southampton also shares this goal. We look forward to helping the citizens of Southampton get the inspiration and support they need to prosper.”

Councillor Satvir Kaur, leader of Southampton City Council, added: "Southampton is a city thriving with ambition and this dynamic innovation hub will help harness that.

"It is fantastic we can offer budding entrepreneurs from all sectors the opportunity to access professional resources for free; our city’s growth must come from investing in local people and talent.

"The BIPC will become a valued asset in Southampton and is set to play an important role in the economic and cultural future of our city by supporting new businesses to establish themselves and become successful."

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