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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.

Types of business

So you have decided to start your own business. Discover over 180 ‘How to guides’ covering how you can start and grow your business. For advice on the legal aspects of starting your business, head over to the Law Donut. Find sector trends for your fledgling business on the Marketing Donut.

Resource topics

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Read our in-depth practical guide to starting up and running your own day nursery.
Check out our practical guide for starting and running your own bakery.
Get the essentials for starting up and running your own art shop in our practical guide.
Get the essentials for starting up and running your own gallery in our practical guide.
Our easy-to-follow guide will help you to start up and run your own architectural salvage business.
Check out our practical guide on the essentials for starting and running your own antiques business.
Our guide gives you all the essentials for starting up and running your own rural crafts business.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your own printing business.
You'll find all you need to start up and run your own pottery business in our practical guide.
Our guide will help you start up and run your own furniture manufacturing business.
Our guide will help you start up and run your own food manufacturing business.
Check out our practical guide for starting and running your own manufacturing business.
Our guide covers the key issues for starting and running your own clothes manufacturing business.
Read our in-depth practical guide to starting up and running your outdoor equipment retailing business.
Our guide covers the key issues for starting and running your own office goods business.
You'll find all you need to open and run your own off-licence in our practical guide.
Check out our practical guide for help with starting and running your own business.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your own business.
Our guide covers the key issues for starting and running your own business.
Get the essentials for starting up and running your own mobile phone business in our practical guide.