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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.

Start up business ideas

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.

Resource topics

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Our practical guide will help you start up and run your tree services business.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your smallholding venture.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your poultry business.
You'll find all you need to start up and run your own business in our practical guide.
You'll find all you need to start up and run your own pig farm in our practical guide.
Our guide will help you start up and run your own organic farm business.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your livery stable business.
Get the essentials for starting up and running your own farrier business in our practical guide.
Get the essentials for starting up and running your own farm supply business in our practical guide.
This guide covers the key issues for starting and running your own farm shop.
How to encourage creative thinking in your business by being open to new ideas, brainstorming and rewarding problem-solving
Apart from a good idea, what do you need for successful development of a new product? These FAQs talk through the process from strategy to prototype.
Everything on choosing and sourcing the right packaging, passing on the costs to your customers and finding your way through the regulations.
The ISO 9000 family of standards helps businesses put quality management processes in place. Read our tips for getting accredited under ISO 9000.
Part-time businesses are booming. According to research, 20% of UK adults use their spare time to grow a new business or earn extra income.
Remaining organised and prioritising tasks can help you to cope with a demanding workload while maximising your productivity. These tips are intended to help you get through.
Starting and managing a business can be even more challenging when you also have to juggle family responsibilities. Our guide to work-life balance.
How to have a relaxing holiday when you run your own business
One advantage of running your own business is that you can do things your way - but juggling demands is a key skill. Three entrepreneurs reveal their own approach to achieving a successful work-life balance.
Once you've come up with the idea for a new product or service, you need to develop it, test it and take it to market. Our guide to the key steps.