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Thinking about starting a business? Have an idea to explore – or ready to launch? The MEC Resource Centre is here to support you

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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

A social enterprise is a business that trades to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment.  A social enterprise is a business, not a charity, that makes money and profit. 

Sales and marketing

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Resource topics

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Google Analytics has been updated. Here's what every small business needs to know about Google Analytics 4.
From demonstrating that you understand your customers to handling complaints promptly and effectively, learn how to set up a customer care programme.
Good design is vital if you want a website that's attractive, organised and intuitive to use. Our guide to designing your business website.
How to create a marketing action plan that meets your business objectives using SWOT analysis, sales forecasts, scheduling and measurement of results
Checklist: how to write a marketing plan for your business, including setting objectives, choosing marketing methods and tracking results.
Keeping in touch with your customers is more important than ever; top tips on customer care using email and text.
The essential guide to market research for small businesses, covering desk research, field research, qualitative research and quantitative research
Use these handy FAQs to plan your market research, from research methods and costs to finding an agency who understands your needs.
Knowing your market is vital if you want to maximise sales and stand out from the competition. We explain how to find and use market information.
Use published market research and your own research to get data you need to target new opportunities, and understand your customer's wants and needs.
In the rush to get your product to market, it's easy to get carried away, but you must carry out thorough market research to check there's a market.
The top 20 questions that market research could help you answer - on everything from product and packaging to branding and price
Quantatitive research is about using polls, surveys and questionnaires to gauge customer opinion and gather feedback on your brand
Qualitative research is about finding out not just what people think but why they think it, as well as their motivations and feelings.
Are you confused or sceptical about what market research can offer? We reveal how to use market research successfully for your small business.
Writing a marketing plan may seem unnecessary for a start-up, but in fact it's a vital tool that can help you focus your marketing activities.
Jake Xu of creative design and brand communications agency Ready explains the benefits of planning your approach to marketing.
A guarantee can help remove a customer's concerns when making a purchase. Should you offer a guarantee that goes beyond the statutory customer rights?
How can a small business get their products stocked by major, high-street retailers? One such business shares their inspirational success story.
Many people start their own business because they dream of riches, while others simply want to earn a living from something they truly love. Beer!