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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

December 2020

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The latest government data shows that unemployment reached 4.9% in the three months to October, redundancies hit a new high and the number of UK self-employed workers continued to fall.

The organisers of the Small Business Saturday event have estimated that UK shoppers spent £1.1 billion on the day, as shoppers showed support for their local high streets after a tough year.

New research has revealed that shopping online causes frustration, boredom and even anxiety for many people, suggesting that retailers need to raise their game when it comes to customer experience.

As online shopping has increased during the pandemic, so too has the number of shoppers returning items to get a refund.

New figures reveal that almost one fifth of workers in the UK's smallest businesses were still on furlough at the end of September, raising fears that many firms will find it hard to survive once the scheme ends.

Hundreds of small businesses and sole traders are to provide work placements to unemployed young people under the Kickstart programme.

The third SEISS grant for self-employed workers affected by the pandemic is now open for applications; but freelancer body IPSE is warning that new rules may create a "climate of fear".

New research by MoneySuperMarket has found that many Brits do not have their financial houses in order when it comes to pensions, life insurance and wills.

A new report has found that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly changed the way that SMEs use business banking.