Join a thriving business community within your local library with Start Up Bromley. In partnership with the London Borough of Bromley and the British Library’s Business & IP Centre, Start Up Bromley will aim to develop a community of new and existing business owners, which is free to join, fully funded and open to everyone.
We offer insight and access to resources – including workshops, events and walk-in consultations – to help you imagine, start or develop your business.
We offer insight and access to resources – including workshops, events and walk-in consultations – to help you imagine, start or develop your business.
To contact us, please email Startupbromley@gll.org or call 01235 776127 during operational hours.
Our office is located in Bromley Central Library.
Start up Bromley staff are typically available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-4 and Wednesdays 2-4. While the office is happy to answer quick questions to help you on your business journey, we may not always be available.
Always call or email ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Click here for a calendar of events.
Our office is located in Bromley Central Library.
Start up Bromley staff are typically available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-4 and Wednesdays 2-4. While the office is happy to answer quick questions to help you on your business journey, we may not always be available.
Always call or email ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Click here for a calendar of events.
Start up Bromley membership
- Provide opportunities for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to meet and build networks of support, sharing updates on their entrepreneurial journeys
- Encourage peer-to-peer sharing of resources, including contacts, skills, space, time and information to support the development of each others’ businesses
- Enable members to learn from successful local start-ups, established businesses and other professionals associated with the start-up ecosystem
Your package of support
Become a Start Up Business member to get the help your need.
Here's a taster of resources to expect with Start Up Business.
Here's a taster of resources to expect with Start Up Business.
British library webinars and workshops
Offering a variety of short and full-day workshops, both online and in person, giving you practical support at the earliest stage of your business development: Browse the full list of workshops on the British Library BIPC Events calendar
1-2-1 Support
1-2-1 support sessions, available to Start Up Bromley members, operate throughout the year allowing entrepreneurs to discuss particular challenges they are experiencing, ideas, and business model plans with our dedicated advisors.
For more information on the sessions, including how to book a session click find out more.
Online resources
Each of the Libraries has a dedicated selection of business books. Search the Library catalogue to discover the full range and reserve a copy.
Bromley Libraries also have a lot of online resources such as COBRA (The Complete Business Reference Adviser) and Newsbank.
Bromley Libraries also have a lot of online resources such as COBRA (The Complete Business Reference Adviser) and Newsbank.
Regular events for members
Start Up Business' dedicated Business Support Manager hold regular events for group members, focussing on specific topics of relevance, or feature special speakers. As well as regular marketplaces to test products and services.
You can join these as a member either remotely using zoom or Teams, or face-to-face.
You can join these as a member either remotely using zoom or Teams, or face-to-face.
Business lounges
Our Business Lounges offer a safe and secure environment for small business and start ups to work from. Start Up Bromley members are able to use the Business Lounges at Bromley Central Library and Biggin Hill Memorial Library.
Additionally at Biggin Hill Memorial Library we offer a Business Corner with seating and desk space among the business and career books.
Additionally at Biggin Hill Memorial Library we offer a Business Corner with seating and desk space among the business and career books.
Room hire
Start Up Bromley (SUB) has Business Rooms of various sizes across Bromley Central and Biggin Hill Libraries which can be booked by SUB members and external organisations/businesses to conduct business activities i.e. meetings, workshops, seminars, product/service launches etc.
Bromley Business Social
Join us at our monthly event in a relaxed environment for conversation over tea and coffee. It’s the perfect space to meet people who actually want to connect, collaborate, and support each other.
Grow your local visibility whilst sharing your story and learning from others. Discover what's available locally to support you in business and enjoy being part of a supportive local community helps you stay energised, inspired, and focused on your goals.
Grow your local visibility whilst sharing your story and learning from others. Discover what's available locally to support you in business and enjoy being part of a supportive local community helps you stay energised, inspired, and focused on your goals.
Complete Business Reference Advisor (COBRA)
COBRA: Complete Business Reference Advisor is the business database that includes a library of up-to-date information on a wide range of business topics, including legal framework advice and funding advice for social businesses. If you have a library card in Bromley, you can access this resource for free.
Find out more
Find out moreWhat to expect from workshops
FAQ's
When are the Business Lounges available?
The Business Lounge at Bromley Central Library is open for drop-in while the Library is open;
Monday-Friday - 9:30 – 19:00
Saturday - 9:30 – 17:00
The Business Lounge at Biggin Hill Memorial Library is open for drop-in at the following times:
Monday - by appointment
Wednesday - by appointment
Friday - 9:30 - 19:00
Saturday - 9:30 - 17:00
To use the Business Lounges and other facilities please sign up to Start Up Bromley by completing our Registration Form
To book the Meeting Rooms or Workshop Room at Bromley Central Library, or the Business Lounge at Biggin Hill Library please see the tab below - "How do I hire a meeting room".
How do I hire a meeting room?
Requests to use the rooms should be made at least one month in advance by completing an online form.
• Bromley Central Library specific form: https://bit.ly/CEN-SUB
• Biggin Hill Library specific form: https://bit.ly/BHI-SUB
• Bromley Central Library specific form: https://bit.ly/CEN-SUB
• Biggin Hill Library specific form: https://bit.ly/BHI-SUB
Payment for the required space (if the booked space has an associated fee) can be made at the library where the space is. If you need further information about our business lounges, workshop and meeting rooms please e-mail startupbromley@gll.org
I'm an established business and would love to collaborate
We are always looking to create strong links and partnerships with established businesses, industry experts and local organisations that have the same vision to support aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses.
If you consider yourself as a potential business partner, we'd love to hear from you, email startupbromley@gll.org to get in touch.
If you consider yourself as a potential business partner, we'd love to hear from you, email startupbromley@gll.org to get in touch.
I'm looking for further business support and advice in Bromley
You can find further information about business support and advice in Bromley on the Bromley Council website:
Business Support and Advice Business Start Up Libraries
Proud to partner with London councils
We're proud to work with London councils to operate 42 libraries throughout the city.
By partnering with Bromley Council, Greenwich Council and Wandsworth Council, we're able to provide facilities and services that benefit communities across London. From free to use computers and printing services to activity groups for children and adults, find what you're looking for at your local library.
By partnering with Bromley Council, Greenwich Council and Wandsworth Council, we're able to provide facilities and services that benefit communities across London. From free to use computers and printing services to activity groups for children and adults, find what you're looking for at your local library.
