British Library: supporting the future of the retail sector with an online insights platform for everyone

As the UK’s national library, and one of the largest in the world, the British Library is an academic and cultural landmark. As well as receiving copies of every book produced in the UK and Ireland, it welcomes researchers on every subject imaginable. The British Library supports entrepreneurs and start-ups through events, business and market information - it is in this capacity that they began working with LDC in 2014 to provide our Local Data Online platform to visitors and staff. 

Local Data Online’s easy-to-use interface and in-depth data coverage on the entire GB retail and leisure market has made it a mainstay of showcasing in workshops, where visitors are encouraged to use the platform for themselves. It has also been used to create blogs and industry guides, which are available in the library for people to use for research. British Library staff have also been using the data to boost their understanding of the retail sector and to support visitors with their own market research.  

Our fully-online platform is underpinned by 10 years of proprietary data and market-informed algorithms, both of which are regularly updated to ensure we offer the most relevant, up-to-date intelligence available on the market today. The platform allows users to view and interpret our data on their own terms with tailored dashboards, detailed maps and customisable, downloadable reports, making it an indispensable tool for new and seasoned entrepreneurs.

“Local Data Online is a great source for start-ups and growing companies to understand the retail sector and business activities in the regions that they are interested in. Businesses can use localised information on high streets, cities and towns as well as demographics, occupancy and vacancy changes and gap analysis for a particular location. This granular level of analysis, data and insights are not easy to collate, so having it accessible on Local Data Online is a valuable source for our customers in the British Library, as well as in some of the BIPC Network.  I frequently suggest that start-ups use the information to find out where opportunities are in the local area to start or expand their business.”

- Seema Rampersad, Senior Research & Service Manager, Business & IP Centre, The British Library

To find out more about how our data can support your strategic objectives, email us at team@localdatacompany.com.