Council run initiative helps entrepreneur to start her own business
Leaving the corporate world of investment banking to start a business sounds like an overwhelming prospect for many.
However, for 35 year old Sadia Ali, Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) made the process a whole lot less daunting, and she is now encouraging others to make the most of the centre and its variety of resources.
She explained: “After years of working in investment banking I knew I wanted something more. I knew I wanted a family, and the demanding hours of the banking world would have made that difficult.
“I’ve had my own journey with this, but I’ve also met so many people that are stuck in less than ideal situations because of money; whether that’s an environment, a relationship, cultural dynamics or a job.
“I’ve also witnessed the detrimental impact and spiralling effect finances and bad money management can have on mental health and overall wellbeing. There is nothing that gives you more choice, more options, more independence than having your own money set for growth and building an independent source of income.
“I wanted to make finance and wealth building more accessible for the everyday person. I wanted more people to understand how simple it is to build wealth and how it’s possible for everyone at any level of income to invest in the stock market.”
The Oxford born and bred entrepreneur first came to the centre thanks to a women’s event hosted by Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).
“It’s hard doing everything by yourself. Entrepreneurship is glorified as being easy, and so I felt out of my depth at times, especially as I was so used to high achieving,” Sadia commented.
“I found out about the BIPC through an event that I went to, hosted by OxLEP, at the Oxford Westgate Library.
“I was spending some time in Oxford, so it was the perfect little place for me to work from, providing the perfect balance between quiet focus time and also being around like-minded people in a similar position. I often used the marketing suite to film videos and podcasts. But mostly I used the booth for meetings!”
Sadia has also praised the support of the staff, particularly Ryan Johnson, Oxfordshire County Council’s BIPC Manager, and Sophie Silverstone, an officer.
She added: “The manager Ryan has also been a great help. He presented me with so many opportunities that I’m so grateful for, and Sophie was always available to help me through any real time challenges I was facing. I was really blessed to have had access to those two!”
Since using the BIPC to start her own business, Sadia is keen to share her own experiences and expertise to help others who may be feeling the same way she did.
She continued: “My business has grown so much in the last year and the centre had a huge role to play in this, mostly because of the space it gave me to focus and for helping me build a schedule for my work day. Also being around other business owners was so helpful, to support each other in quite a lonely journey.
“I would strongly recommend anyone thinking about starting a business to use the BIPC and the resources available. From the free one on one mentoring to the marketing suite and the events that are held, it is such a brilliant space for anyone to start their journey. If you’re able to get through those first hurdles, then it is the most rewarding thing ever.”
Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “Sadia’s story just shows, yet again, how much the centre can help anybody to make the next step with their business. I wish her all the best.
“Much of what is on offer is free of charge. By providing free resources and support, we can give people in Oxfordshire an extra hand to make their dreams a reality and help their businesses thrive.”
Located in the Oxford Westgate Library, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support, which can be booked online, or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.
A monthly start-up huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.
The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.
The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.
Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.