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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. 

April 2023

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According to data from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the UK is the biggest investor in technology in Europe. Businesses must keep up with technological developments to remain competitive.
The financial industry is being revolutionised by fintech start ups that are shaking up key financial services with their innovations.
Employees can feel stress at work. How can you help relieve the pressure of work? We examine some simple options.
By investing in the recruitment process and taking a proactive approach to managing redundancy, you can build a strong and sustainable workforce that can drive growth for years to come.
You need to be an expert at juggling multiple competing demands when running a business. In lieu of taking on staff, you could outsource some of these tasks.
Learn advanced techniques for exporting LinkedIn contacts, including tools like Sales Navigator, SignalHire, and PhantomBuster, to enhance your networking efforts.
Money is undoubtedly tight for most of us right now. We share five ways you can boost your income right now from asking for a pay rise to starting a side hustle.
April 6 marks the start of the new UK tax year. Find out what tax changes are planned for 2023 and how could they impact you if you’re a self-employed sole trader?  
Software is developing at a lightening pace offering endless opportunities for businesses to cut costs, save time and improve processes. We look at the latest software development trends.

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