Start-up Day 2026 — Come with an idea. Leave with a plan.
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🚀 Thinking about starting a business? Already taken the leap and want to build stronger foundations?
Start-up Day 2026 is BIPC Norfolk's flagship annual event — a free, full day at the Millennium Library in Norwich packed with expert speakers, real founder stories, practical workshops, and genuine networking.
No fluff. No hard sell. Just the honest, practical stuff that actually makes a difference when you are starting out.
🎤 WHAT'S ON
☕ 10:00 — Welcome Over Coffee Arrive, settle in, and meet fellow founders and aspiring entrepreneurs over a relaxed coffee.
🎤 10:45 — Starting a Business? The Stuff Nobody Tells You Kathy Ennis, Award-Winning Business Mentor & Founder of LittlePiggy
Most new businesses fall into one of two traps — either skipping the foundations entirely, or getting so lost in the detail that nothing actually happens. Kathy has run her own business since 2000, weathered a financial crash, lost every client overnight, and rebuilt from scratch. She shares what really sits between "great idea" and "paying customers" — and how to build foundations that last.
🌟 12:00 — Founder Story: From Expertise to Enterprise Dr Catherine Eagles, Personalised Health Business Founder
Catherine has a PhD in Medicine and years of research and teaching behind her. But when she turned that expertise into her own business, she quickly discovered that knowing your subject and running a business are two very different things. An honest, practical account of her first steps — what she has learned, what surprised her, and what she wishes she had known earlier.
🛍️ 12:30 — From Clicks to Bricks: My Journey to the High Street Claire Howard, Jewellery Designer & Maker
Claire started making jewellery full-time in 2015, building her business through online sales and craft fairs. In August 2024 she opened her own shop in Fakenham — bringing her workshop and retail space together under one roof. She shares the honest story of that transition, the challenges, and the unexpected rewards of going from online to high street.
🤝 13:30 — Meet the BIPC Norfolk Team Free, confidential 1:1 time with the BIPC Norfolk team — whether you need advice on protecting your idea, understanding your market, or simply want to talk through your next steps.
💬 14:00 — Q&A with All Speakers Your chance to ask the questions that matter most to you — directly to the people who have been there.
🤖 15:00 — Know Your Customers: Using AI to Move Beyond Demographics Kathy Ennis, LittlePiggy
Demographics tell you who might buy. They don't tell you why. Kathy shows you how AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help you discover what really drives your customers — their motivations, challenges, and buying decisions. Practical, hands-on, and immediately useful.
🎉 16:00 — Close
📋 GOOD TO KNOW
✅ You do not need to attend the whole day — select the sessions you want when booking ✅ Free to attend — just reserve your spot on Eventbrite ✅ Paid parking available nearby ✅ The Millennium Library is fully accessible ✅ Suitable for pre-starts, early-stage founders, and existing business owners
🎟️ RESERVE YOUR FREE PLACE
Places are limited — book your sessions now on Eventbrite: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/start-up-day-2026-tickets-2003501034527
📍 ABOUT BIPC NORFOLK
The Business & IP Centre Norfolk is part of the British Library's national BIPC network, managed by Norfolk County Council's Library & Information Service. We offer free and low-cost access to business intelligence, market research, 1:1 advice, workshops, networking, and support for protecting your business ideas.
📞 01603 774708 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.norfolk.gov.uk/bipcnorfolk
Start-up Day 2026 is BIPC Norfolk's flagship annual event — a free, full day at the Millennium Library in Norwich packed with expert speakers, real founder stories, practical workshops, and genuine networking.
No fluff. No hard sell. Just the honest, practical stuff that actually makes a difference when you are starting out.
🎤 WHAT'S ON
☕ 10:00 — Welcome Over Coffee Arrive, settle in, and meet fellow founders and aspiring entrepreneurs over a relaxed coffee.
🎤 10:45 — Starting a Business? The Stuff Nobody Tells You Kathy Ennis, Award-Winning Business Mentor & Founder of LittlePiggy
Most new businesses fall into one of two traps — either skipping the foundations entirely, or getting so lost in the detail that nothing actually happens. Kathy has run her own business since 2000, weathered a financial crash, lost every client overnight, and rebuilt from scratch. She shares what really sits between "great idea" and "paying customers" — and how to build foundations that last.
🌟 12:00 — Founder Story: From Expertise to Enterprise Dr Catherine Eagles, Personalised Health Business Founder
Catherine has a PhD in Medicine and years of research and teaching behind her. But when she turned that expertise into her own business, she quickly discovered that knowing your subject and running a business are two very different things. An honest, practical account of her first steps — what she has learned, what surprised her, and what she wishes she had known earlier.
🛍️ 12:30 — From Clicks to Bricks: My Journey to the High Street Claire Howard, Jewellery Designer & Maker
Claire started making jewellery full-time in 2015, building her business through online sales and craft fairs. In August 2024 she opened her own shop in Fakenham — bringing her workshop and retail space together under one roof. She shares the honest story of that transition, the challenges, and the unexpected rewards of going from online to high street.
🤝 13:30 — Meet the BIPC Norfolk Team Free, confidential 1:1 time with the BIPC Norfolk team — whether you need advice on protecting your idea, understanding your market, or simply want to talk through your next steps.
💬 14:00 — Q&A with All Speakers Your chance to ask the questions that matter most to you — directly to the people who have been there.
🤖 15:00 — Know Your Customers: Using AI to Move Beyond Demographics Kathy Ennis, LittlePiggy
Demographics tell you who might buy. They don't tell you why. Kathy shows you how AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help you discover what really drives your customers — their motivations, challenges, and buying decisions. Practical, hands-on, and immediately useful.
🎉 16:00 — Close
📋 GOOD TO KNOW
✅ You do not need to attend the whole day — select the sessions you want when booking ✅ Free to attend — just reserve your spot on Eventbrite ✅ Paid parking available nearby ✅ The Millennium Library is fully accessible ✅ Suitable for pre-starts, early-stage founders, and existing business owners
🎟️ RESERVE YOUR FREE PLACE
Places are limited — book your sessions now on Eventbrite: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/start-up-day-2026-tickets-2003501034527
📍 ABOUT BIPC NORFOLK
The Business & IP Centre Norfolk is part of the British Library's national BIPC network, managed by Norfolk County Council's Library & Information Service. We offer free and low-cost access to business intelligence, market research, 1:1 advice, workshops, networking, and support for protecting your business ideas.
📞 01603 774708 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.norfolk.gov.uk/bipcnorfolk
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Where is it happening?
Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherBusiness and IP Centre Norfolk
