The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) has had a phenomenal year supporting businesses across the North East, offering expert advice, training, and fully funded support that has made a real difference to hundreds of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Sarah Turnbull, Economic Development Officer at Newcastle City Council, praised the programme’s transformative impact:
“The BIPC offers a free service for anyone at any stage of their business journey– from idea to growth or diversification. Based across main libraries in the North East we provide access to expert advice, market intelligence, and research databases to help businesses find grants, analyse competitors, and identify opportunities.”
Throughout the year, BIPC North East has helped around 1,000 businesses access vital support, with over 400 businesses receiving 12 hours of expert advice through the Citylife Business Support Grant. Additionally, nearly 500 potential entrepreneurs were helped to become enterprise-ready through partner organisations like The Millin Charity and Reviving the Heart of the West End.
From networking events to one-to-one mentoring, the BIPC’s support is completely free, thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. And the impact is clear in the stories of those who’ve benefited:
One such entrepreneur is Mirabel Lavelle, a local author from South Tyneside and creator of the children’s book Zeb Jet and the Ice Cream Calamity. Like many first-time authors, Mirabel began her journey with a brilliant idea but little knowledge of how to protect it.
“When I started, I didn’t know much about copyright or intellectual property,” Mirabel said. “The BIPC helped me understand how to protect my work and guided me through the process.”
But the support didn’t stop there. Mirabel was invited to networking events, connected with other creatives, and received tailored advice that helped her promote her book to a wider audience.
“They introduced me to their business databases, which gave me access to contact details for schools and libraries across the region. That’s made a huge difference – not just for getting the book out there, but also for building my confidence. I knew there were people I could go to if I got stuck.”
Another standout story comes from Joanne Shiels, owner of Greystone Dale Holiday Retreats, a self-catering luxury holiday let nestled near the peaceful town of Haltwhistle.
Joanne discovered BIPC North East through a social media post and reached out – a simple step that led to a complete transformation of her business.
“I saw something on Facebook and thought, why not?” Joanne said. “At the time, I was struggling to get bookings and wasn’t sure where I was going wrong.”
Through BIPC, Joanne received free market analysis and tailored business advice, which gave her a clearer understanding of her audience and how to position her offer. The insights gave her a much-needed “reality check,” helping her identify what was working – and what wasn’t.
“The advice I got was amazing. It made me realise where I was missing opportunities, and how I could better promote my holiday lets. I adjusted my pricing strategy, updated my listings, and changed the way I talked about the business online. The results were almost instant. I went from feeling unsure and overwhelmed to feeling in control. The support I received didn’t cost me a penny, but it’s been priceless in terms of impact.”
A powerful transformation comes from Margaret Woodliff Wright, also known as The Northumberland Milliner. Based in Newcastle and just north of Alnwick, Margaret creates handmade hats, headpieces, and accessories for special occasions, blending classic craftsmanship with contemporary style.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted events and weddings — the cornerstone of her customer base — Margaret realised she needed to rethink how she connected with clients and showcased her work.
“Like many creatives, I had to pivot and re-evaluate my approach to business during the pandemic. That’s when I connected with the BIPC and embarked on a full website redevelopment, refining my brand identity, improving our online presence, and receiving targeted marketing advice tailored to the luxury market.”
The results have been profound. Her new website has not only attracted more enquiries and commissions but also helped Margaret expand her ready-to-wear range and confidently pursue new markets.
Andrea Hewitson, a new author based in Rowlands Gill, is an example of how the BIPC is opening doors for creatives who are just beginning their business journeys.
With several manuscripts written and a passion for storytelling, Andrea was ready to take the next step—but she wasn’t sure how to move forward with promoting her work or approaching publishers, bookshops, or schools.
“I knew I had something to share, but I lacked the confidence and knowledge of how to market myself. That’s where the BIPC stepped in and completely changed things for me.”
Through the BIPC’s fully funded support, Andrea was paired with a PR and marketing expert, something she says would have normally been out of her reach financially.
“I was matched with someone who helped me build a proper publicity plan. We worked on how to present my story and how to reach the right audiences. It’s not something I could’ve afforded on my own, and it’s made all the difference.”
Sarah Turnbull concluded:
“It’s an absolute privilege to support local businesses. The North East is bursting with talent, and small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We’re here to help them thrive. Our BIPC centres are based across the region – from Alnwick to South Shields, and Hexham to Newcastle so support is never far away. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, the BIPC team is here to help no matter what age, stage or sector.”
BIPC North East is funded through North East Combined Authority, Gateshead Council, Sunderland Council and South Tyneside Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. www.bipcnortheast.co.uk