Business support from libraries

With PATent LIBraries (PATLIB) Kent, our Kent Libraries can offer you business support. We can do this through:

• a range of resources
• online platforms
• our Ask a Kent Librarian Team.

Trademark, patent, design and copyright support from PATLIB Kent

Kent Libraries is a patent library.

We are also part of the Europe wide Patent Information Centres Network. Need help with intellectual property? Contact Ask-a-Kent Librarian.

We can let you know how:

• to search for existing patents
• to register your invention with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
• to register your trademark or design
• to understand how copyright protection works in the UK.

For further information use the IPO's support tool.

Start-up guides and business support from COBRA

COBRA is an online business reference library.

It offers practical information to help you start, run, or grow a business, including:

• step-by-step start‑up guides
• how to run different types of businesses
• summaries of relevant business laws and regulations
• links to training, qualifications and further support

To use COBRA, you must be a Kent Library member. Register for free today.

Credit checks and financial details from Fame

Interested in learning more about UK companies? We can email you reports and documents including:

• contact details
• information about directors and shareholders
• financial, credit and ownership information
• annual accounts
• any details of outstanding county court judgements.

Contact Ask-a-Kent Librarian.

Marketing lists from Fame

Are you looking to market your company to other businesses? Email your request to the library team to get a free mailing list of up to 750 UK companies.

We can look for companies using criteria such as:

• size
• sector
• location.

Once we have the information, we will email you the results in a spreadsheet.

Contact Ask-a-Kent Librarian.

Market research and intelligence from IBISWorld

IBISWorld provides comprehensive insights at any industry. Across their 12,000 reports, you will find:

• actionable insights
• comprehensive data
• in-depth analysis of UK industries, such as:
  • statistics
  • risk scores
  • revenue forecasts.

To access IBISWorld, use a public computer or connect to our Wi-Fi at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone.

Book a Kent Library computer.

Funding and support from Kent 4 Community

Are you looking for loans, awards and grants to help your business succeed and grow? If you're a Kent entrepreneur visit the Kent 4 Community website to find funds.

Use GrantFinder database to find:

• European and government programmes
• regional schemes
• local authority funds
• how to enter prestigious business award competitions.

British Standards from the BSI

The British Standards offer access to 141,000 global standards. To view them, use a public computer or connect to our Wi-Fi while visiting any Kent Library.

Book a Kent Library computer.

Contact us

Ask-a-Kent Librarian is an enquiry service for the people and businesses of Kent.

Additional help

If you need further help with your business visit:

• Kent and Medway Growth Hub website - for business start up and funding help
• Business & IP Centre website - for intellectual property support, free advice and events.