Business information

Business information

In the Centre you can find essential information to help you start, run and grow your business. Anyone can use the Library, and it is free. You just need a Reader Pass.

Electronic databases: View our full list of business and IP-related databases.

Business information catalogue: Search the Library’s printed business and IP collections available via the Centre.

Integrated catalogue: Search all the Library’s collections.

Try our new beta catalogue and tell us what you think

Go to your Reading Room requests

General advice and funding sources

Electronic databases: Gain advice on anything from writing a business plan, finding funding to marketing via databases such COBRA, Director’s Briefing and Grantfinder.

'Essentials - What you need to know to run a business and where to find it' [pdf 154KB]: An invaluable list compiled by the British Library of websites, publications and databases.

Over 250 books in our ‘small business help’ section on the shelves

Market research

Electronic databases: Information on customers, markets and industries in databases such as Key note, Mintel, Datamonitor and Verdict.

Business information catalogue: Search over 4,000 current market research reports and business-related journals available in the Centre.

Industry information guides: Lists of sources pulled together by British Library experts covering 25 key industries from food to fashion.

Market research in public libraries: A list of market research reports available in other UK public libraries.

Company data

Electronic databases: Gain financial data and information on companies in over 70 countries via Amadeus, Kompass, Experian and Onesource.

Business information catalogue: Search our collection of trade literature for UK & overseas companies. Please contact us for help finding pre-1980 trade literature.

SCoRe: The national UK catalogue of printed company reports.