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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. 

Cash flow

Effective cash flow management is crucial. Learn tips and techniques to help you maintain a positive cash flow and keep your finances in the black.

Resource topics

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Most customers these days will pay using a payment card. Discover how you can start taking card payments for invoices, online orders or in person.
When your business is ticking over nicely, you can keep spending focused on the right areas. Limiting expenditure could keep you in the black.
Effective cash flow management is vital so your business has the funding needed to keep trading. Our guide to controlling your cash with confidence.
Read our list of tips for controlling your cash flow, including chasing debts and avoiding the dangers of overtrading.
To avoid the risk of late payment - or no payment at all - it's essential to vet the people you offer credit to and make your terms clear.
Almost every business will experience late payment at some point. This practical checklist will help you recover the money you are owed.
A helpful checklist on drawing up your business budget, including what to put in it and who to involve in the process.
Staying on top of your finances is vital if you want your business to succeed. Read our handy hints on controlling your budget.
Our helpful checklist will show you the areas to target when you're trying to understand or reduce business costs.
Poor stock control can seriously impact your cash flow, lead to inefficiency in supplying customers, increased storage costs and wastage. Here's how to control your stock levels.
Credit control helps you optimise your cash flow and avoid late payment or non-payment. Read our guide to setting up a credit control system.
While you can't know exactly what the future holds, budgeting reduces uncertainty and helps you anticipate problems. Here's how to create a budget.
Supply contracts set out key terms and conditions, but what should you do when a supplier's performance falls short of the mark? Here are some tips.
It is easy for businesses to stretch finances too far when orders suddenly increase. We look at what overtrading is and how it can be avoided.
Cash flow is vital to every business. Rory MccGwire explores ways you can improve your business's cash flow from using accounting software to increasing sales, stock control to reviewing pricing.