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Business information in Central Library
products, the law, company information and more
Business Information in Portsmouth Central Library provides books to help you start or run a business, information on products, the law and starting your own business.
For more information, email reference.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Business information held in Central Library
You can also find the following sources of business information including:
| Business in general |
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Business Information in Central Library can also provide anyone wanting to start up your business in Portsmouth with books and information on management and employment, business plans, bookkeeping and finance, or running a particular business – such as a pub or a nursery.
Understanding intellectual property
Intellectual property lets people own the work they create, whether it’s a song you compose, jewellery you design or the name you call your business.
Portsmouth Central Library is part of PATLIB UK, an alliance of libraries supporting inventors and entrepreneurs with specialist patent and intellectual property information and services. We can provide help searching databases or printed materials, as well as access:
- online patents, designs and trademarks from 1900s onwards
- books and leaflets on applying for IP and legal aspects of copyright
You will need to book an appointment for the patent service by emailing reference.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
The UK Intellectual Property Office can help you get the right intellectual protection for your creation or invention, be it patent, design, trademark or copyright.
Useful links about different aspects of business
- Gov.uk – online advice on, for example, grants, taxes and health & safety, as well as linking you with local advisors
- Companies House – has more information about registered UK companies.
- Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs – essential information about taxes
- Health and Safety Executive – national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness.
- Trading Standards in Portsmouth
New businesses might like to consult:
- Enterprise First – offers support and training workshops to business start-ups or existing small business in Hampshire
- Hampshire Chamber of Trade and Commerce – members can find new business, make contacts and raise the profile of their business.
- Federation of Small Businesses – supports the self-employed and small business owners.
- Innovation Space – provides office space in Portsmouth for start-ups and runs several business workshops.
- Start Up Britain – helps entrepreneurs find information opportunities to start and grow a business.
- Smallbusiness.co.uk – provides advice on all aspects of starting and running a small business.
- Start Your Own Business – contains information and advice, as well as details of useful local organisations.
There is more support for businesses in Portsmouth on the council’s business pages.