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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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Our guide gives you all the essentials for starting up and running your upholstery business.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your tattoo business.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your tanning business.
If you're thinking of setting up your own shoe repair business, read our guide for practical help and guidance.
You'll find all you need to start up and run your own picture framing business in our practical guide.
You'll find all you need to start up and run your own photographic business in our practical guide.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your own pet grooming business.
Our guide gives you all the essentials for starting up and running your own pest control business.
You'll find all you need to start up and run your own personal training business in our practical guide.
The cost-of-living crisis has led to a boom in demand for money service businesses. Read our practical guide to starting up and running your own pawnbroking business.
Read our in-depth practical guide to starting up and running your own motorcycle rider training business.
You'll find all you need to start up and run your own male grooming salon in our practical guide.
Check out our practical guide for starting and running your own locksmiths.
Check out our practical guide for starting and running your own life coaching business.
Our guide covers the key issues for starting and running your own language school.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your own garden services business.
Our guide gives you all the essentials for starting up and running your own restoration business.
Demand for funeral services is increasing to meet the needs of an ageing UK population. Read our practical guide to starting your own funeral director business.
Our guide covers the key issues for starting and running your own estate agency.
Our practical guide will help you start up and run your own dry cleaners.