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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.

News

October 2023

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A new study has discovered that more than 85% of small firms that do business with friends and family could potentially be losing out on hundreds of pounds a week because they don't charge enough for their services.
UK microbusiness owners are significantly less optimistic about their national economy and individual growth prospects than US counterparts, according to a new GoDaddy study of digital/online microbusiness owners.
Late payments are a powerful economic disruptor impacting businesses of all sizes. Studies have shown small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers are particularly at risk, with the impact of late payments leading to extreme financial instability, debt and even closing down.
As the number of freelancers rises, new research finds that digital marketers, data analysts and website developers are some of the freelance roles that are most in demand.
More than one in two small businesses rely on ecommerce platforms to sell online but many face problems with fake reviews, late payments and infringement of intellectual property.
Small businesses across the country are being invited to sign up for a series of free online workshops and one-to-one mentoring, as the Small Business Saturday campaign enters its second decade in the UK.
As the party conference season begins, new research has found that one in five UK small businesses are unable to identify the political party that best serves their needs.
Anyone that has earned income as a self-employed worker in the 2022/23 tax year must register for Self Assessment by 5 October if they haven't done so already.
A recent survey of retailers across the UK has found that cash remains a crucial payment method that keeps tills ringing for independent shops and small businesses.