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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

February 2021

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Over half a million businesses who deferred VAT payments last year can now pay the VAT they owe in smaller monthly instalments, thanks to a new government scheme.

The unemployment rate has risen to its highest level in almost five years but a new poll by the CIPD suggests that more than half of employers expect to hire new staff in 2021.

Business groups have welcomed the government's roadmap out of lockdown as a new Barclaycard survey suggest small firms are optimistic about their prospects once restrictions are lifted.

Small firms are being urged not to miss the 28 February deadline for this year's Small Awards, a nationwide search for the most inspirational small businesses in the UK, across all sectors.

The latest quarterly Confidence Index from freelancer body IPSE has found that freelancers have had to work longer hours for lower rates of pay in order to keep their income stable.

The UK government has announced a £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund to help small businesses that trade with the EU.

It's National Apprenticeship Week and a new survey of UK businesses and tradespeople shows that demand for apprentices is as strong as ever.

A new study has found that 80% of small business owners say they have experienced symptoms of poor mental health in the past year - including panic attacks, anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced new flexible repayment options for more than one million businesses that have taken out Bounce Back Loans during the pandemic.

A quarter of UK small businesses are predicting growth in the next three months according to a new study.

New research has found that 37% of freelancers say they are having difficulties paying the tax they owe because of the financial impact of the pandemic.

Despite a rise in home working because of the pandemic, new research shows that nearly half of employees still do not have flexible working in their current role.