Skip to main content

Business, jobs and innovation

Ask About Business

Ask About Business

Ask About Business is a partnership between libraries across the north west. It provides information for:

  • new and pre‑start businesses

  • existing businesses

  • jobseekers

  • consumers

  • inventors

  • business students

Library members also get free access to COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser).

British Library Business and IP Centre

British Library Business and IP Centre

The British Library Business and IP Centre is part of a national network supporting:

  • new and pre‑start businesses

  • entrepreneurs

  • innovators

  • small and medium-sized businesses

It offers free access to databases, market research, journals, directories and reports.

You can:

  • prepare a business plan

  • research new markets

  • check competitors

  • find credit information

  • learn about patents and trademarks

You can book a place at the Manchester Business and IP Centre’s Start, Run and Grow Your Business events.

COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser)

COBRA provides practical information on:

  • start-up opportunities

  • employment

  • legal matters

  • finance

  • marketing

  • exporting

  • health and safety

It also includes Local Area Profiles for business start‑ups and small firms.

You will need your library card number to log in.

You can find a guide to using COBRA in our library academy.

British Standards - access in libraries

British Standards Online (BSOL) is a database of standards, including:

  • British Standards Institution (BSI) publications

  • European and international standards adopted by BSI

Library staff can print up to 10% of any standard for personal, non‑commercial use.

British Standards – access outside libraries

Currently unavailable.

Job finding and Universal Credit support

Job Finding and Universal Credit Support

This service includes help and guides on:

  • Find a Job

  • job hunting

  • job skills

  • CVs and covering letters

  • interviews

  • starting work

It also includes up‑to‑date information about Universal Credit.

To start:

  • click Signup

  • enter your library card number

  • choose one of the free courses

Courses are available in several languages. If you need support, click Help/Info.

Frost and Sullivan

Frost and Sullivan

Frost and Sullivan provides global market research and strategy reports on:

  • medical technology

  • chemicals and plastics

  • automation

  • electronics

  • energy systems

  • environmental and building technologies

  • IT

You can download up to 10% of one report (maximum of two reports per calendar month).

Available only at Lancaster Library.

IBIS World

IBIS World gives market research on hundreds of UK industries, including:

  • statistics

  • analysis

  • forecasts

It also includes tools such as:

  • Brexit Impact Tool

  • Key European Market Analysis

Available only at Lancaster Library.

Local Data Online

Local Data Online

Local Data Online provides information about the retail and leisure sector in a chosen location. You can:

  • filter by industry

  • create area summaries

  • produce company lists with contact details

It shows key statistics such as:

  • vacant units

  • opening and closure rates

  • mix of independent and chain businesses

Available only at Lancaster Library.

Statista

Statista

Statista provides statistical information on:

  • industry sectors

  • market share

  • company data

  • consumer behaviour

You can browse news topics or build your own data profiles. Written reports and infographics are also available.

Available only at Lancaster Library.

NewsBank

NewsBank contains articles from UK and world newspapers from the last 5 to 25 years, depending on the title. You can read:

  • major national newspapers

  • local and regional newspapers

  • business and marketing sources

You will need your library card number. NewsBank is available 24/7 on any device.

You can watch a video introduction to NewsBank.

Access to Research

Access to Research gives free, walk‑in access to academic articles and research in public libraries. Subjects include:

  • art and architecture

  • business

  • engineering

  • history

  • languages

  • politics and philosophy

  • mathematics and sciences

Content is digital and accessed through our People’s Network computers.

Available only within our libraries.

Recommended websites

Our Good Web Guide lists more useful websites to help with business, employment and research needs.