A great article has been written in TeessideLive on how entrepreneurs are helping businesses return from the pandemic as well as earning new digital skills. Here is my interpretation.
A fresh new service has just started right here in the Tees Valley, providing you free access to a team of skilled entrepreneurs who are sharing their secrets of success to assist you in negotiating the hurdles of running a business.
The government-funded Business and IP Centre (BIPC) Tees Valley was established to assist businesses and communities in recovering from the epidemic.
What is BIPC Tees Valley and How Does it Work?
If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably watched Dragons’ Den so you’ll also receive access to successful entrepreneurs at BIPC Tees Valley.
Harvey and Hugo, an award-winning regional PR agency, was one of the first to join, and there are now over a dozen additional speciality businesses on the books, covering everything from cyber security to intellectual property protection.
“I was delighted to be invited to be involved, and I’m very glad that we’re considered specialists within the region,” Charlotte Nichols, managing director of Harvey and Hugo, said.
“Over the years I’ve used it both as a good business network and also for its invaluable research resources.
“As experts in residence, we’ll be answering questions and providing guidance for start-ups and business owners, as well as hosting webinars on our specialist subject – PR and marketing.”
BIPC Tees Valley is also supported by Futcom, a social media and digital marketing consultancy. “We are happy to be helping our region’s businesses with access to our skills and knowledge,” said Director Gianni Casagrande.
You may also make use of a variety of events and courses through BIPC Tees Valley, where you can meet fellow start-up founders and small company owners and share your own experiences and lessons to help develop a stronger Teesside.
BIPC Tees Valley provides a variety of free services, such as IP advice, access to £5 million in online market intelligence reports, and training events and webinars on every area of starting and maintaining a business.
You can also learn about grants and funds that can help your company develop.
Stockton Central Library is home to the new BIPC Tees Valley regional headquarters. It’s the newest addition to the British Libraries’ nationwide network of BIPCs, which will see four more centres open around the region later this year in Middlesbrough, Redcar, Hartlepool, and Darlington.
Centres are meant to assist businesses and entrepreneurs at every point of their journey, from the initial spark of inspiration to the launch, operation, and growth of a successful company.
“We have already helped support over 100 clients with a range of services to help them and their business achieve the best possible start,” BIPC Tees Valley’s business information specialist Matthew Jones said.
Helping Your Company Grow In Teesside
BIPC Tees Valley can help you succeed in a variety of ways. From a business audit to better understand your existing and future growth potential to a wide selection of in-person and online events and services:
Workshops – Throughout the year, a robust schedule of webinars and workshops is given to satisfy the needs of SMEs and start-ups in the region.
Intellectual property – Access useful and insightful assistance from an in-house IP specialist who can assist you with your IP journey and provide guidance on the various types of protection available, such as design, trademarks, copyright, and patents.
Experts in Residence Is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to receive free one-on-one advice on a variety of business topics ranging from public relations to human resources.
COBRA, GRANT finder, IBIS world, Local Data Online, KOMPASS, and Mintel are just a few of the reputable and regarded databases that provide market research reports worth over £5 million. Email bipc@stockton.gov.uk to schedule a free one-on-one session.
Visit stockton.gov.uk/BIPC or phone 01642 52 81 86 to learn more about the new Business & IP Centre Tees Valley and the free services available.