Free Database & Market Research Resources
Free database subscription resources
Get free access to databases, market research, journals, directories and reports worth thousands of pounds. We pay the subscription fee so that our library users can benefit from access to a range of tools (see list below).
So whether you want to conduct research into a new market, check out your competitors, do research for your business pitch, look at future trends or find funding opportunities, we have access to a database that can help you.
Do I need to be a library member?
If you are not a full member of the library and you live or work in Northamptonshire, you can become a virtual member in order to access subscription resources available via Library Online from home or office. You will also be able to access business e-books via the BorrowBox app.
How does it work?
When you visit the premium subscription websites from your home or office you will need to enter your library card number in the box provided. Some resources may only be available in certain libraries due to licensing requirements - any restrictions are listed in the entry for each resource below.
Business and intellectual property list of resources
Note: The access links below will take you to our external library website.
Complete Business Reference Adviser (COBRA)
COBRA is a practical and comprehensive resource for anyone wanting to start a business, write a business or marketing plan or conduct research into a new market. Cobra is available in all libraries and home access by entering library card number.
Fame
Fame is a comprehensive database of information on both public and private companies across the UK and Ireland. It is a valuable business intelligence tool for sales and marketing. Fame can only be accessed at Brixworth, Kettering, Northampton Central, Towcester and Wellingborough Libraries.
GrantFinder
GrantFinder enables you to identify, apply for and manage funding. Featuring over 8,000 continuously updated funding opportunities. GrantFinder can be accessed at Brixworth, Kettering, Northampton Central, Towcester and Wellingborough Libraries as well as via home access. For more information on home access email bipc@westnorthants.gov.uk
IBIS World market research reports
IBIS World is a market research database providing statistics and expert analysis on industries, consumers and companies in the UK. IBIS World can only be accessed at Brixworth, Kettering, Northampton Central, Towcester and Wellingborough Libraries.
Local Data
Local Data Online have a team that are on the ground daily, physically examining every retail location across the UK to capture an accurate and dynamic picture of the UK high street. Historic analysis, present and future forecasts can be taken from this data, enabling businesses to make better strategic decisions. Local Data can only be accessed at Brixworth, Kettering, Northampton Central, Towcester and Wellingborough Libraries.
Newsbank
Newsbank provides full text of articles from a wide range of UK national, regional & local papers as well as international news sources including print and online-only newspapers, blogs, newswires, journals (including business journals), broadcast transcripts and videos. Coverage includes over 300 UK news sources and over 1,800 US news sources. Newsbank is available in all libraries and home access by entering library card number.
Statista
Statista is a worldwide resource containing reports, statistics, outlooks and infographics for industries in over 150 countries. Statista can only be accessed at Brixworth, Kettering, Northampton Central, Towcester and Wellingborough Libraries.
BIPC Arc Databases
The Oxford-Cambridge Arc (the Arc) is a globally significant area between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge. It is formed of 5 ceremonial counties: Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. It supports over two million jobs, adds over £110 billion to the economy every year and houses one of the fastest growing economies in England. The BIPC’s (as part of the British Library National Network) located in Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough actively support and encourage you to take advantage of the free business advice and resources available to you across the Arc.
Visit BIPC Cambridgeshire and Peterborough databases to access resources like Euromonitor and much more.
View BIPC Oxfordshire databases coming soon >>
