Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Knowledge Centre at the British Library is fully accessible. This includes a lift to the first floor where the event is held and step-free seating in the theatre.

Are there any accommodations for hearing impairments?

Yes, a hearing loop system can be made available for the main event talks.

Will there be a dedicated quiet space during the event?

Yes, a quiet room will be dedicated for the entire day, providing a comfortable space for attendees who may need a break or a calm environment away from the main busy event area.

What should I do if I have specific access requirements not listed here?

We are committed to supporting all attendees to the best of our ability. If you have any queries or require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation in this event, please email us in advance at BritishLibraryBusinessEvents@bl.uk

Monday, November 17

Start-up Day 2025

By British Library, Business & IP Centre

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week we’ve created an action-packed day of inspiring talks and practical sessions.

Date and time

Location

Pigott Theatre

96 Euston Road London London NW1 2DB United Kingdom

Lineup

Agenda

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Arrivals and Registration

Tea and coffee will be served.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Welcome and introduction

Dame Carol Black GBE

Rebecca Lawrence

Baroness Twycross

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

How to understand today’s customers and key market trends (with Q&A)

Richard Shepherd

Get the competitive edge. Join Mintel's expert, Richard Shepherd, for an insider guide to today's key UK business trends.

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Break

Tea and coffee will be served.

11:20 AM - 12:50 PM

How to start up and what I wish I’d known – Start-up Stars Special (with Q&A)

Will Mayes

Roni Bangdong

Rodrigo Orrantia

Why learn the hard way? Our panel of successful founders – including RoniB's Kitchen, Layrd Design, and Art Cargo – share their essential, start-up advice.

12:50 PM - 1:00 PM

Morning wrap-up

Marc Ortmans

Global Entrepreneurship Week.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Lunch

A light lunch will be served.

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Welcome back

Dame Carol Black GBE

Rebecca Lawrence

Blair McDougall MP

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

How to use social media to supercharge your business

Martha Keith

Stop scrolling and start selling. Join Martha Keith, owner of the successful stationery brand Martha Brook, for a high-impact, interactive session on how to use social media to supercharge your busin...

3:00 PM - 3:40 PM

How to protect and make money from your business idea (with Q&A)

Jeremy O'Hare

Amber Kotrri

Your business idea is your most valuable asset. Learn how to safeguard your Intellectual Property (IP) and turn it into revenue. Join the Business & IP Centre's IP expert, Jeremy O'Hare, as he shares...

3:40 PM - 4:00 PM

Break

Tea and coffee will be served

4:00 PM - 4:40 PM

How to finance your start-up (with Q&A)

David B Horne

Finance doesn't have to be daunting. Gain the knowledge and confidence to approach funding with expertise from David Horne, Founder of Add Then Multiply.

4:40 PM - 4:55 PM

Closing address and prize draw

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

In conversation with Joe Wicks and Nikki Wicks from The Body Coach (with Q&A)

Joe Wicks

Nikki Wicks

End the day with a must-hear fireside chat featuring Joe and Nikki Wicks, who will be revealing how they built The Body Coach brand from the ground up. Followed by a prize draw, networking and drinks...

Good to know

Highlights

11 hours
In person

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

Business • Startups

The British Library’s Business & IP Centre is your 'go to’ place to turn your bright idea into a thriving venture. Start-up Day is the most important date in our calendar – a full day designed to equip you with the knowledge, connections and inspiration you need to launch your business with confidence.

Think of Start-up Day as a taster of what the Business & IP Centre offers throughout the year, from practical, jargon-free support and resources to a dedicated business community.

Sneak peek of the day:

Hear from business leaders on how to skyrocket your business growth.

Learn how to use social media to supercharge your business and build your community with Martha Keith.

Get the inside track on today’s customers and key market trends with insights from Mintel.

Gain essential practical knowledge on everything from financing your start-up and protecting your business idea to what our scale-up founders wished they’d known vwhen they were starting out.

End the day on a high note with a fireside chat and Q&A with The Body Coach (Joe Wicks and Nikki Wicks), sharing their journey of building a colossal brand.

More updates are on the way! Keep an eye on the event listing for the complete agenda

Organized by

British Library, Business & IP Centre

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