Skip to main content
Thinking about starting a business? Have an idea to explore – or ready to launch? The MEC Resource Centre is here to support you

Search

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.

How to scale up your business

Learn how you can grow your business to the next level - from franchising to new premises, more staff to new products and markets.

Resource topics

14 results shown
Key areas business owners need to focus on - including winning sales, managing cash flow, motivating employees and dealing with legal obligations.
Acquiring another business can bring huge benefits, but can also drain resources and lead to hidden costs. How to boost your chances of success.
Using a consultant in your business: from the benefits of outside expertise and negotiating fees to agreeing objectives and managing projects.
Using a consultant can be a great way to get a project rolling or to bring in expert help. We explain how to get the best from your consultant.
Unless you are happy as you are, you will be looking for ways to develop and grow your business. These ten steps will lead you in the right direction.
If you don't keep control of your projects, you risk missing deadlines, compromising quality and disappointing clients. Here are the steps to follow.
Partnering with a bigger business can help you leverage your innovations. How to get in front of the right people - and make a great impression.
Top tips from business mentor Mike Norbury on how to boost your company’s performance, achieve significant growth and scale your company.
Benjamin Dyer outlines five of the most common things that stop a business from growing and explains how to avoid these pitfalls
Rob and Paul Forkan share the next chapter in the story of their hugely popular brand Gandys and tell us how they have scaled the business.
JoJo Maman Bébé started as a classic ‘kitchen table’ enterprise. With 75 UK stores and trade in 50 countries, what advice does Laura Tenison offer?
Some firms struggle to achieve significant growth, staying much as they were at the start-up phase. So how can you make the move to the big league?
La Belle Assiette has achieved significant growth since its launch. Stephen Leguillon talks the importance of the right team and retaining core values
Not all businesses are passion projects - some entrepreneurs start up to cash out. Melvin Jay offers five ways to ensure trade sale success.