This is an unashamed plug for the City Business Library which will hopefully be of interest to those of you who have found that you are being increasingly asked for business information.

The website also gives details of the tours and training available www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/citybusinesslibrary – please contact them direct if you have a group who would like a tailor made tour.

Summary of databases and materials held in the City Business Library which may be relevant to the business needs of the NHS:

The library databases fall into a number of categories, e.g. company information, market research, statistics. Some of these may be useful to NHS libraries who may not have access to them or for referral purposes. Examples include:

Business Insights.  Strategic analysis of consumer goods, energy, finance, healthcare & technology sectors. You can search by sector or sub-sectors or use free text. A typical report includes market position & overview, market shape & size, market directions, and the position of leading products and their suppliers.

Euromonitor Global Market Information Database.  Detailed information on international markets. Market reports on individual consumer and industrial sectors on a global, regional and country basis. A typical report includes market size, market sectors, market shares, consumer and company profiles, and distribution, market and sector forecasts.  Also covers country information.

Key Note Online.  Reports on consumer, business-to-business and some industrial sectors, mainly UK with a few Pan-European. A typical report includes market size, buying behaviour, major trends, SWOT analysis, and competitor profiles. Titles include Medical Equipment, The Healthcare Market and Medical & Health Insurance.

Marketline Business Information Centre.

·       Company profiles: business description, company history, executives, products and locations, SWOT analysis.
·       Country profiles: key facts and economic statistics.
·       Industry profiles: market segmentation, market shares, major trends and analysis of the business environment. 
·       Statistical information over a 10 year period covering the industries: Baby care; Beverages; Food; Household products; News and Magazines; Personal care; Pet care; Tobacco, via the Value Consumer Markets on the right hand side of the home page.

The library also has a large collection of directories relating to the medical profession and healthcare. These include:

·       Directories listing associations and organisations relating to specific areas of medicine, e.g. cancer support groups, opticians, physiotherapists

·       Directories of suppliers, e.g. of dental equipment, of disability aids
·       Directories listing community health services, hospices, care homes
·       Directories of hospitals and trusts
·       Directories relating to social services and NHS management
·       Directories of alternative therapies

We also have a list of recommended web sites for carers and people with disabilities.



Many thanks.

Rowena Perry

Library Manager

Berkshire Shared Services

Tel:            0118 960 5020

Fax:            0118 960 5014

Email:          [log in to unmask]

Web:            www.berkshire.nhs.uk/libraries

Healthcare Library

Prospect Park Hospital

Honey End Lane

Reading RG30 4EJ