A Business & IP Centre has opened in Mansfield Library – and one if coming to Sutton Library soon – offering entrepreneurs and business owners advice and support from trained advisors, and access to free resources, training and events, both online and in-person.

Co Coun John Cottee, chair of the Inspire Board that runs the libraries for Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The launch of Mansfield’s own Business & IP Centre is a real landmark in terms of the library providing a new, unique dedicated service for anyone thinking of starting or growing a business.

“A vital part of the services available through the BIPC is access to professional expertise — businesses needing assistance on specific areas around trademarks, patents and copyright, for example, can be put in touch with leading experts sourced from the BIPC network.

“What’s more, the BIPC’s range of databases contain real-time, up-to-the-minute information on thousands of local, national and international companies and markets. The detailed reports that can be downloaded from the databases would usually cost a business several hundred pounds, but are completely free of charge to local businesses.”

Craig Whitby, deputy mayor of Mansfield District Council, added: “Anyone with a business idea is welcome to use this new centre and the services it provides to get started or to grow.

“It is exciting that libraries can now play a new role in terms of harnessing the potential of businesses.”

The expansion of new sites beyond the Nottingham City area is part of a wider expansion of the British Library’s Business & IP Centre national network, made possible due to £13 million Treasury investment.