Business support in libraries

One-to-one business advice sessions

Speak to advisors for help and information on a range of business topics.

You could be taking the first steps to self-employment and starting a new business. If you're more established, you could be reviewing your existing business practices and developing your ideas for growth.

Topics include:

• business basics
• market research
• library market research databases
• business planning and strategy
• adapting for a changing market

Bookable business advice sessions are available:

• at Brixworth Library
• at Northamptonshire Central Library
• at Towcester Library
• virtually via Teams video calls

To book an appointment please contact the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire by emailing: [email protected].

Business support basics drop-in sessions at Brixworth and Towcester Libraries

Weekly non-bookable drop-in sessions are held at Brixworth Library and Towcester Library from 9:30am to 12noon, where you can discuss your business idea with a member of staff from the BIPC Team.

• Brixworth Library - Monday
• Towcester Library - Wednesday

Please note that the drop-in sessions will not run at a library on days that a business workshop is being delivered there. You can find workshop dates on the BIPC Northamptonshire Eventbrite webpage.

Intellectual property: one-to-one advice

Bookable Intellectual Property advice sessions are available:

• at Brixworth Library
• at Northamptonshire Central Library
• at Towcester Library
• virtually via Teams video calls

Speak to staff for help and information on your intellectual property questions. After an initial one-to-one session with the Business & IP Centre and if necessary we can arrange a free follow-up Teams video call with an IP attorney.

Intellectual Property Attorneys that we work with:

Luke Franks is a Patent & Trade Mark Representative from Franks & Co Limited. He has technical expertise within a variety of fields including renewable and marine engineering. Luke has experience of working closely with UK SMEs and sole inventors and also global corporations who are commercially present in most territories. Luke aims to help businesses that are not familiar with intellectual property to protect, enforce, and commercialise their intellectual property portfolio whether it be on a UK, European, or international level.

Robert Sansby is a Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney from Lucidity IP, with technical expertise covering a wide range of engineering fields. Robert focusses on providing clear, concise, and commercially focussed advice to start-ups and SMEs.

To book an appointment please contact the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire by emailing: [email protected].

Ask an expert: Marketing strategy and digital marketing

Book a free one-to-one session for advice on marketing strategy and planning and digital marketing.

The sessions, which will be Teams video calls, with Susie Mitchell, Director of Florence & James Marketing:

• For established businesses who have been trading for one year or more

For further information and to book an appointment please contact the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire by emailing: [email protected]

Ask an expert: How to make your business branding stand out in a crowded marketplace

Book a free one-to-one session for advice on how to attract the right clients or customers to your business through your branding and design.

The sessions, which will be Teams video calls, will be with either Marie Louise O'Neill, owner of Lovely Evolution or with Trudie Avery, owner of #LogoLady:

• for small businesses and business start-ups
• for established businesses who have been trading for two years or more, covering the evolution of your brand communications as your business grows and develops

To book an appointment please contact the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire by emailing: [email protected].

Please note that prompt attendance at meetings is essential - there will be a 10-minute cut-off from the scheduled meeting time start for all attendees.

Ask an expert: Entrepreneur in residence

For expert business advice meet with our Entrepreneur in Residence, Gareth Jones. Gareth has a wealth of experience in business management and growth, and has built an international consultancy business with offices across six countries. 

The business was founded in 1996 and provided technical research in the automotive sector with a particular focus on new evolving technologies from the telecoms industry. Many of these technologies are now commonplace in today’s cars. The business won the Queens award for Enterprise in 2017. 

Gareth exited the business in 2021 and now supports business owners identifying and achieving their personal and business goals. He has real world experience that applies to any business.

The sessions are held via Teams video calls only.

To book an appointment please contact the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire by emailing: [email protected].

Please note that prompt attendance at meetings is essential - there will be a 10-minute cut-off from the scheduled meeting time start for all attendees.

Last updated 25 April 2025