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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. 

News

October 2020

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Prime minister, Boris Johnson, announces that England will go back into lockdown from 5 November.

A new survey of those working from home because of the pandemic has found that the standard of workplace manners is falling as meetings go online.

The latest FSB Small Business Index has found that times are tougher than ever for small firms after two difficult years.

Rishi Sunak has unveiled a new package of measures designed to "significantly increase the generosity and reach" of the coronavirus winter support schemes.

An investigation by Money Box for the BBC has discovered that thousands of people that are legally entitled to work in the UK have been unable to get a National Insurance number.

A new study has found that many small businesses are losing their best talent because they are not geared up for remote working during the pandemic.

A quarter of employers (24%) make no effort to attract and recruit more diverse candidates for top-level jobs, according to a new report.

The government is urging business leaders to prepare for Australia-style trading arrangements from 1 January as it launches its Time is running out campaign.

Many UK businesses, both big and small, are taking a "wait and see" approach to planning for winter lockdowns, according to a new report.

Self-employed workers that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic have just days left to apply for the second government SEISS grant.

From 1 November, the government's Job Support Scheme will include support for any business that is required to close under new coronavirus restrictions or local lockdowns.

Nearly two-thirds of Brits have thought about moving since their daily commute has been replaced by home working, according to new research.