To get information about your industry area, first check the British Library's Business & IP Centre industry guides. Anyone can view and download them here http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelpindustry/index.html

Each guide includes a summary of the key directories, market research and statistics documents, trade mags and newsletters, and Internet sources for that particular industry.

You would normally have to spend hours combing through research resources to compile these shortlists. So they're invaluable in speeding up your research as well as acting as checklists for industry information you should be aware of.

Here's the list of downloadable guides to-date:

Advertising Industry Guide
Aerospace Industry Guide
Book Industry Guide
Alcoholic Drinks Industry Guide
Childrenswear Industry Guide
Confectionery Industry Guide
Construction Industry Guide
Fashion Industry Guide
Fast Food & Snacks Industry Guide
Frozen, Chilled & Ready Made Foods Industry Guide
Furniture Industry Guide
Giftware Industry Guide
Green and Ethical Business Opportunities
Health and Fitness Industry Guide
Insurance Industry Guide
Jewellery Industry Guide
Lighting Industry Guide
Organic Food Industry Guide
Pharmacy Industry Guide
Record Industry Guide
Sports Industry Guide
Toy and Game Industry Guide
Travel & Tourism Industry Guide

Can't see a guide for the sector you're interested in? Just email the British Library information staff to suggest a new guide bipc@bl.uk