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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. 

Just two weeks until The Business Show returns

1 November 2024

The Business Show returns the ExCel this November and the 50th edition is bigger and better than ever

Are you looking to start a business or grow your existing business? The Business Show has spent over 23 years changing the lives of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the globe. The event has welcomed over 1.2 million attendees through its doors and is back to help you and your business thrive.

The 50th edition of the show will reveal the secrets of business adaptation, innovation and survival in the business world through finding and purchasing the products and services that your business needs to take you to the next level. There will be past keynotes from previous years invited to educate and inspire you.

This year there will also be a £100k business start up package up for grabs for those who apply online. A few will be selected and invited to the show to pitch their business idea to a panel of experts. The winner will receive the package of resources and products including £10k in cash. You won’t want to miss this!

Running alongside The Business Show this year will be Going Global Live and Retrain Expo offering everything you or your business needs to successfully adapt to the ever-changing industry advances. Retrain Expo helps you to re-skill and retrain for the future, whereas Going Global Live provides unparalleled education and information on trade agreements, international strategy, and cultural and economic differences, and connects you with business owners who are looking to invest abroad.

With over 750 exhibitors, 200 seminars from business experts and unmissable masterclasses covering everything from growing your business, cyber security, and developing your marketing skills, visitors will leave with all the resources needed to succeed in their industry.

So, what are you waiting for? To register for your free ticket.

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