Start-up Day 2025

Got a brilliant business idea you're passionate to get off the ground? Start-up Day has got you covered. Join us for a day of practical, jargon-free sessions with top speakers, including Joe Wicks, Martha Keith and market research powerhouse Mintel.

An unmissable day of inspiration, connection and action powered by the British Library’s Business & IP Centre (BIPC). Come with an idea, and you'll leave with a plan!

Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

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 when they were starting out.

THE EVENING

End the day with a must-hear fireside chat with Joe Wicks 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 reception.

PITCH TO THE DOORBELL OF DREAMS

We’re thrilled to announce that HelpBnk, the team behind the viral Doorbell of Dreams, will be joining us at Start-up Day this year!

Master your 60-second pitch with the HelpBnk team, pitch live to Simon Squibb’s Doorbell of Dreams, and receive feedback from their Celebrity Entrepreneurial Panel. Plus, explore their exclusive Starter Kit — a full year of free tools designed to help you launch and grow your business.

Starting at 9.30am, the Doorbell of Dreams will operate on a first come, first served basis all day. Please come early and be prepared to queue. Limited spaces.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Throughout the day, put your burning business challenges to our experts. Get one-on-one guidance on everything from finance and marketing to intellectual property and sector-specific strategy.

Our experts cover:

• Business planning, sustainability and finance

• Branding, marketing and social media

• Sector specific – Fashion and Food

• Intellectual Property

MAKE AN IMPACT WITH YOUR BUSINESS IMAGE

Throughout the day, take the opportunity to get a free, high-quality professional headshot. Perfect for updating your LinkedIn profile, website or pitch deck.

Book your slot with our team when you arrive. Please be prepared to queue.

MORE INFORMATION

See the full agenda and FAQs for details and timings.