NEWCASTLE'S Business and IP Centre has secured £1.3m of Government funding to deliver business support and advice across the region.

Since its pilot launch in September 2011, the centre has attracted more than 2,000 customers to the flagship Newcastle City Library. Working with Northumbria University, Newcastle Science City and the British Library, the centre will use the pot of money to deliver a new service for small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Through a series of events, workshops, public talks and one-to-one coaching sessions, experts will share their knowledge of business development and intellectual property (IP).

The centre is the first outside of London and has taken the successful model of the British Library’s Business & IP Centre, and adapted it to meet local needs.

The council’s deputy cabinet member for skills, business and enterprise, Coun Michael Johnson said: “This funding and the commitment of partners has enabled us to expand our programme to provide comprehensive and creative support.

“And it has demonstrated that one of our region’s strengths is the ability to share skills and knowledge and give something back to support others.”