Face to face support to get your business started and thriving .............................................................................................
The BIPC Waltham Forest is London's first Business and Intellectual Property Centre Local, launched in strategic partnership with the British Library in March 2021.
The BIPC Local is a business hub for pre start ups, start ups and scale up businesses for collaboration and support, sharing information and inspiring cross-promotion across the BIPC, its Locals and businesses, with the aim to raise awareness and increase our reach across local businesses, communities, boroughs and beyond. It is located on the ground floor of Leytonstone Library, and steps away from the Leytonstone Central line station.
The BIPC Waltham Forest enterprise hub benefits businesses at any stage of their development, from early start-ups to established ventures.
Our BIPC helps local businesses and founders to be innovative and resilient, while offering tailored one-to-one advice, events, market research guidance, and workshops, and signposting to other business support in the borough.
Business Decarbonisation Plan
The BIPC are offering each business in the borough the opportunity to review its carbon footprint by analysing its use of energy, transport and water, as well as its environmental management, waste policy, resource efficiency and legal compliance. The aim is to empower businesses to achieve Net Carbon Zero by 2030. Net Zero means your business makes no overall contribution to climate change.
For further information please contact BIPC.
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What we offer
BIPC Local one-to-one advice and support
Our main purpose is to provide free tailored advice from our in-house experts in the comfort of our business centre in Leytonstone or virtually (online via zoom).
Our ongoing consultation process is designed to build an understanding and trust between the client and the BIPC so that we can better understand their needs and then offer ongoing advice on their needs. We offer the use of business research databases FAME, COBRA and IBIS World with our Information Specialist.
BIPC Local workshops
We offer workshops designed at helping businesses with things like using digital marketing, building websites, understanding sales processes, streamlining their business processes, and setting up sole trader and limited companies. We offer these both online and in person at the BIPC. We do this in conjunction with a large range of events run by the BIPC at the British Library. Most of these events are free to the client - .Visit our Eventbrite page.
Drop-in sessions
We are currently running a free monthly Tax and accounting drop-in session with Dr Mohammad Siddiq, Professor at Bolton University where you can ask for advice on any related issues. Dates can be found on the Eventbrite page and no booking is necessary. Other drop in session areas include CEZ Zone, and Adult Learning Service centres which are also available monthly.
Business plan reviews
We will help our clients formulate a structured business plan and marketing strategy so that they can recognise the steps that they need to take to progress their business.
Grant Applications
We support businesses by looking for suitable funding opportunities that they can apply for and help them with the application process.
Networking opportunities
Every month, the BIPC team host a network meeting which is open to entrepreneurs, small businesses, expanding business or anybody interested in networking with like-minded people. Events such as Final Fridays Networking and Coffee Morning are primary examples.
Youth Outreach
The BIPC Waltham Forest Team regularly support local youth and aspiring young entrepreneurs by delivering youth outreach programs, whether it is hosting a talk, a stall or pop up at local schools and colleges within the borough.
Trader Markets
We run monthly seasonal markets across the borough, showcasing the talents of local entrepreneurs, namely Entrepreneurs Corner and the BIPC Bazaar. Details can be found in our newsletters and on our Eventbrite page.
We also run special one-off markets, such as the female only market run at the BIPC in March to celebrate International Women’s Day.
BIPC Resources and databases
Fame is easy to use and helps you navigate company information quickly and easily. Fame helps you research individual companies, search for companies with specific profiles, and do detailed analysis.
GrantFinder is the leading funding database in the UK covering local, national, and international sources of funding. This resource is available at Lewisham libraries.
IBIS World provides trusted industry research on thousands of industries worldwide. We leverage economic, demographic and market data, then add analytical and forward-looking insight, to help organizations of all types make better business decisions.
COBRA is an encyclopaedia of practical information for starting, running and managing a small business.
Upcoming BIPC Events
The BIPC Team
Ahsan Sajjad
BIPC manager
I'm the BIPC Manager, steering the strategic support for businesses in Waltham Forest. Leading with a wealth of knowledge in business start-ups, my focus is on guiding entrepreneurs to success. Beyond this, my expertise lies in leadership, entrepreneurship, youth work, and a significant role in the UK prison reform system.
Stephen Brindle
Information specialist
As the BIPC's Information Specialist, I tackle queries from small business owners, hunting down answers to nurture and empower budding enterprises. Formerly a wealth management adviser, I excelled in simplifying intricate financial matters, aiding clients in wealth building, inflation protection, and tax efficiency during uncertain times like the pandemic.
Harinder Mullay
Digital specialist
As BIPC's Digital Specialist, I'm thrilled to handle admin, social media, digital marketing, and event planning. My focus is amplifying awareness of BIPC Waltham Forest and aiding local businesses in their social media presence, collaborating with Stephen Brindle. Formerly a freelance digital marketer, I excelled in content creation, rapidly scaling up social media followers through savvy strategies in social media, graphic design, and video editing.
