Free business information resources at your fingertips

The Business Growth Service is the UK Government’s ‘front-door’ to accessing useful information on business support available locally and nationally, as well as funding and online resources to help you start up or grow your business.

COBRA is an encyclopaedia of practical information for starting, running and managing a small business. It also contains hundreds of Business Opportunity Profiles. These will give you detailed, practical advice on specific types of businesses. COBRA contains all the information you need to turn your idea into a business!

IBISWorld is a comprehensive industry and market research database, compiling detailed country specific reports designed to help businesses make better decisions. IBISWorld’s reports give a thorough overview of entire industries, containing everything from industry outlook to key statistics.

Mintel is an internationally recognised specialist in market intelligence. The database is a rich and deep source of market research, publishing hundreds of detailed reports each year including insights, trend drivers and analysis. Each report gives a detailed overview of market developments and is a vital tool for understanding consumer behaviour.

Spanning 33 million companies based in 70 different countries, Kompass describes itself as the ultimate business directory. It is a great tool for generating leads and contacting new clients and its search function is highly customisable meaning you can focus in on exactly the clients you are looking to reach.

Copyright User is an educational website for information on copyright.

Designview is a database for searching registered designs.

Free access to over 120 million patent documents, containing information about inventions and technical developments. You can use Espacenet to search patent publications, translate patent documents, and track emerging technologies. An Espacenet patent search is an essential step for anyone looking to protect their inventions and innovations.

The EUIPO is the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office responsible for managing and registering trademarks and designs. The EUIPO also works closely with the intellectual property offices of the EU member states and is vital for anyone hoping to protect their designs and trademarks in the European Union.

The Intellectual Property Office is the national agency dedicated to helping you protect your Intellectual Property in the UK. You can use their website to find information on patents, designs, trademarks and copyright. The IPO website not only provides access to searchable databases but also gives you all the tools and information you need to apply for Intellectual Property protection.

The European Patent Office is a really vital resource for innovators. You can use it to access: information on how to apply for a patent, patent grants, rules and regulations. The European Patent Office carries a wealth of information to guide you through the whole European patent application process.

TMview is a trademark search database, particularly useful for searching logos (figurative marks).

WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization) is a United Nations Agency dedicated to providing information and international protection for patents, designs, copyright and trademarks. WIPO’s aim is to deliver a balanced and effective international Intellectual Property service.

GRANTfinder is a searchable database that allows you to find UK funding opportunities. It also holds detailed information on policies relating to each funding opportunity. This will help you find the most appropriate type of funding for your business!

Free access to over 30 million academic papers and journal articles. Access to Research is one of the best resources for peer reviewed, reliable information.

Online, searchable version of Which? Magazine. Each year Which? tests and investigates thousands of different products to provide impartial and independent advice and product reviews.