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 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.
Use the map below to find your nearest library and join our community.
We offer insight and access to resources – including workshops, events and walk-in consultations – to help you imagine, start or develop your business.
Use the map below to find your nearest library and join our community.
To contact us, please email Startupbromley@gll.org or call 01235 776127.
Our office is located in Bromley Central Library.
Start up Bromley staff are typically present on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. While the office is happy to answer quick questions, we may not always be available. Always call or email ahead to avoid disappointment.
Click here for a calendar of events.
Our office is located in Bromley Central Library.
Start up Bromley staff are typically present on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. While the office is happy to answer quick questions, we may not always be available. Always call or email ahead 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
Click here to fill out a registration form.
Your free support package
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 here.
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.
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, Orpington 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, Biggin Hill and Orpington 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.
British Library Kick Start Your Business
We have teamed up with the British Library’s Business & IP Centre (BIPC) to deliver grass roots business support on your doorstep, which is free to join and open to all business owners across the capital.
Link to all Kickstart Your Business workshops: https://bit.ly/40IUSnY
You can also check out and sign up to other free workshops and webinars that are on offer throughout the BIPC London Network: https://bit.ly/3FXdSFz
What to expect from workshops
Start Up Bromley is about building a thriving local business community, focusing on established businesses helping new and emerging companies in the borough.
Start Up Bromley host regular workshops both virtually and in person covering different aspects of starting up, launching and building a business. Speakers from a variety of companies will share their knowledge and experience for Start Up members.
Start Up Bromley host regular workshops both virtually and in person covering different aspects of starting up, launching and building a business. Speakers from a variety of companies will share their knowledge and experience for Start Up members.
FAQ's
When are the Business Lounges available?
The Business Lounge at Orpington Library is open for drop-in at the following times:
Tuesday - 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday - 10:00 – 17:00
Friday - 10:00 – 17:00
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
Tuesday - 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday - 10:00 – 17:00
Friday - 10:00 – 17:00
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 Lounges at Biggin Hill and Orpington Library please see the tab below - Business Room Hire
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
• Orpington Library specific form: https://bit.ly/ORP-SUB
• Bromley Central Library specific form: https://bit.ly/CEN-SUB
• Biggin Hill Library specific form: https://bit.ly/BHI-SUB
• Orpington Library specific form: https://bit.ly/ORP-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.
