Starting or growing a business can feel like navigating through uncharted waters at times but having the right information can make all the difference.
That’s where market research comes in—it’s the compass that guides you through the complexities of the business landscape. Whether you’re launching a new product, exploring potential markets, or trying to understand your competitors, solid market research helps you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and uncover new opportunities.
Through BIPC Northamptonshire, you’ll find access to a treasure trove of market research resources designed to help you do just that. From understanding consumer behaviour to identifying funding opportunities, the following tools can empower you to take your business to the next level with confidence!
COBRA (short for Complete Business Reference Adviser) is an essential tool for anyone starting or running a business. This comprehensive resource offers up-to-date, practical information on various aspects of business and includes hundreds of business factsheets, sector guides, and practical business start-up checklists. Whether you’re researching market trends, understanding legal requirements, or exploring business ideas, COBRA provides detailed and reliable data. It’s especially useful for small businesses and those looking to understand niche markets. One of its best features is that you can access it at home using your Northamptonshire Libraries borrower number!
FAME is a comprehensive database of information on over 15 million public and private companies across the UK and Ireland. It is a valuable business intelligence tool for sales and marketing giving you access to information on company directors and key contacts, company credit scores, turnovers, all of which can be used to research your competitors and potential suppliers.
IBISWorld is a leading provider of industry reports, offering in-depth analysis of over 400 UK industries. The reports include key statistics, market size, growth trends, and competitive dynamics. Access to IBISWorld through BIPC Northamptonshire enables businesses to gain a deep understanding of their industry, identify emerging trends, and benchmark their performance against competitors. This resource is particularly beneficial for businesses in manufacturing, service industries, and technology sectors.
Statista is a global data resource that offers reports, statistics, outlooks, and infographics for over 170 industries in over 150 countries. With researchers gathering and double checking every statistic they publish Statista gives you access to valuable information as well as detailed industry reports and market insights that can help you thoroughly research your marketplace or industry sector.
Grantfinder is an indispensable resource for businesses looking for funding opportunities. It provides comprehensive funding information as well as details of thousands of funding sources, including government grants, loans, venture capital, and more. Whether you’re a start-up seeking initial funding or an established business looking to expand, Grantfinder can help you identify and apply for relevant funding opportunities.
Local Data Online (LDO) offers insights into the UK retail and leisure landscape. It tracks and analyses data on over half a million retail and leisure premises across the UK, providing information on openings, closures, and changes in the market. BIPC Northamptonshire’s access to LDO allows businesses to monitor local market conditions, understand footfall patterns, and assess the performance of competitors. This is particularly useful for businesses in the retail sector, helping them to make informed decisions about location, pricing, and market positioning.
More information on how to access these resources within Northamptonshire Libraries can be found on our website - https://www.bipcnorthamptonshire.co.uk/market-research. The team also deliver a ‘How to Research My Market’ workshop & webinar session talking you through the available resources in a little more detail.
You can find out more and register for this and the other sessions available through the Build Your Business programme via https://www.bipcnorthamptonshire.co.uk/events.
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