The Business and Local Government Data Research Centre is a research centre that brings value to organisations by providing unique insights into operations, customer and supplier behaviours as well as using big data to design inclusive, smart local policies and tailor national policies to local circumstances. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) the Centre forms a key part of the ESRC Big Data Network. Joining a wider collaborative network of specialist university research centres for smart data analysis the Centre brings together researchers, business experts, data scientists and statisticians from the universities of East Anglia, Essex, Kent and the London School of Economics. Supporting local authorities, businesses and specialist researchers to understand complex and big data to enhance their knowledge and ultimately empower society.