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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.

News

June 2020

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New surveys show that three in ten business leaders have permanently streamlined their teams because of the coronavirus crisis and one in ten small firms have lost all their business.

A new survey of more than 4,000 small firms has found that the majority have been hit by late payment as a result of COVID-19.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a significant shift in the way businesses sell to each other, leaving traditional salespeople out in the cold.

Many more businesses in England will be able to reopen from 4 July, including pubs, hotels, restaurants and hairdressers.

Two-thirds of business owners over the age of 55 say they will "never stop" working - out of choice rather than necessity.

Mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting for businesses will be debated in Parliament after a petition attracted more than 100,000 signatures.

The Federation of Small Businesses is calling on the public to support small retailers as they start to open up after lockdown.

New research suggests that demand for office space in the UK could drop by up to 50% as more businesses change their attitudes to staff working from home.

New research has found that over half of UK employees are considering cycling to work, with two-thirds saying they want to avoid having to use "unsafe" public transport.

One in seven small business owners say they are transitioning towards becoming fully or mainly online enterprises since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

One in five highly skilled freelancers say they will have to close their business because of the COVID-19 crisis, according to the results of a new survey.

Small firms and their suppliers are struggling to agree payment terms as both face cashflow problems because of unpaid invoices.