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SMEs and aspiring business owners can now benefit from direct support and advice from some of the region’s most prominent business figures thanks to a new partnership.

The Business & IP Centre Tees Valley has teamed up with businesses from across the area to deliver a unique package of free confidential 1-1 support, advice clinics and workshops that will help people to start and grow their business.

Award winning PR agency Harvey and Hugo were one of the first businesses to come on board, with over a dozen more specialist businesses on the books covering everything from cyber security to securing your intellectual property.

Managing director at Harvey and Hugo, Charlotte Nichols, said:

“I was delighted to be asked to be involved and I’m so proud that we’re considered experts within the region.

“I’ve been aware of the work of the BIPC for a long time through the British Library in London; I was a member there, and used the services for business, as well as presenting a talk about PR and culture.

“Over the years I’ve used it both as a good business network and also for the helpful research tools it gives users access to.

“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.”

UK wide IT, telecoms and cyber security company Communicate have also confirmed their backing for the project. Tony Snaith, CEO said:

“We are thrilled to be involved with this exciting new service for the Tees Valley region. Business support, through technology, is what we do every day. Therefore, helping new and growing businesses with advice, best practice and guiding them on the right path to help them keep connected, wherever they may be based, safely and securely comes naturally to us. We can’t wait to get started and help forge valuable partnerships with the SMEs coming through the Tees Valley BIPC.”

Tony Snaith, Communicate Technology

Social Media and Digital Marketing agency Futcom will also be supporting the offer. Director, Gianni Casagrande said:

“We are proud to be supporting our region’s businesses with access to our expertise and knowledge. The free workshops and one-to-ones are a great way to get more information on how to start or grow a business from people with real-life experience as experts in their field.”

Gianni Casagrande, Director of Futcom

BIPC Tees Valley offers a range of free to use services, including guidance on Intellectual Property, access to £5m of online market intelligence reports and training sessions and webinars on every aspect of setting up and running a business.

Paul Swalwell, Business Engagement & Marketing Manager at the Business & IP Centre Tees Valley said:

“Since we officially opened in December, we have been really busy helping local businesses.

“Some customers are just starting off on their business journey, others are looking to grow their business offer, and we are delighted to have been able to give them a helping hand as they attempt to achieve their goals.

“Working in partnership with over a dozen businesses and the likes of Harvey & Hugo, Communicate and Futcom will bring a new perspective to the way SMEs and start-ups look at growing and starting their businesses.”

Paul Swalwell, BIPC Tees Valley

The new regional hub based at Stockton Central Library is the latest addition to the British Libraries National Network of BIPCs and will see 4 further centres open in Middlesbrough, Redcar, Hartlepool, and Darlington in April. The centres have all been designed to help support businesses and entrepreneurs from that spark of inspiration to launching running and growing a viable business.

Matthew Jones is the Business Information Specialist at the new centre. He said:

“We have already helped support nearly 200 people with a range of services in order to help them and their business get the best possible start.

“Our one-to-one business support sessions have been incredibly popular, and it is fantastic to be able to help people from our area grow and develop their business opportunity.”

How can the BIPC Tees Valley help you and your business?

Workshops A vibrant programme of webinars and workshops are delivered throughout the year and are designed to help meet the needs of SMEs and start-ups in the region. Find out more about how these sessions can help develop your knowledge and skills by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bipc-tees-valley-34394883551

Intellectual Property

Access helpful and insightful advice from the in-house IP expert who will help guide you on your IP journey and offer support on the different types of protection available including design, trademarks, copyright, and patents. Free one-to-one sessions are available to book via emailing bipc@stockton.gov.uk

Experts in Residence

The Expert in Residence offer provides a unique opportunity to access free one-to-one appointments where you can receive advice on a wide range of business area covering everything from PR to HR and beyond. Find out more about how to book a one-to-one by emailing bipc@stockton.gov.uk

Market Intelligence

Access over £5million worth of market intelligence reports from trusted and respected databases including COBRA, GRANTfinder, IBISworld, Local Data Online, KOMPASS and Mintel. Arrange a free one-to-one session with the BIPC Tees Valley’s Business Information Specialist by emailing bipc@stockton.gov.uk

To find out more about the new Business & IP Centre Tees Valley and the free services on offer, visit https://www.stockton.gov.uk/bipc or call 01642 52 81 86.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by BIPC Tees Valley .