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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. 

News

September 2020

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UK shoppers could spend as much as £1 billion in an early Christmas shopping spree during the two-day event before Brexit brings in new bureaucracy and potentially higher prices.

A new study suggests that flexible working could increase the UK's creativity and productivity as it finds that the 9-5 day does not work for everyone.

Rishi Sunak has announced a replacement for the furlough scheme - the new six-month Job Support Scheme is intended to protect jobs in businesses affected by coronavirus over the winter.

Despite the financial pressures caused by COVID-19, more than three-quarters of small business owners have invested additional budget into their companies this year.

New research shows that British consumers have radically altered the way they shop and, in a quest for bargains, many have already started to buy Christmas gifts.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced a number of new restrictions for England intended to slow the spread of coronavirus.

A new study has found that many employers are failing to give their staff adequate information on ways to avoid cyber-attacks while they are working from home.

As redundancy levels soar, new research has found that the UK's small family businesses are least likely to have laid off staff during the pandemic.

Nearly three-quarters of business owners say they will take no more than five days holiday next year even though 89% agree that time off is important for mental health.

Employees are not only more productive when they work from home, they are also financially better off, according to new research.

Four in ten firms have borrowed money this year to help them survive the pandemic; now they need support to avoid getting into a debt crisis.

One hundred of the UK's most inspiring small businesses have been chosen to mark the official countdown to Small Business Saturday 2020.