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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

May 2021

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A new study has looked at how workers across a variety of industries feel about their friends at work and how the pandemic has affected these relationships.

Businesses that deferred VAT payments last year have one month left to join the HMRC VAT deferral scheme online if they want to spread the cost by paying in monthly instalments.

As online marketing becomes more important than ever, a new survey has found that almost half of UK small business owners don't know to market their business.

The vast majority of businesses that carry out research and innovation work in the UK have reported delays or stoppages to research activities during the pandemic, according to a new poll.

The latest government employment statistics show that the number of job vacancies has increased by 8% compared to the last quarter.

New research has found that UK small businesses are now more optimistic than they were before the coronavirus pandemic.

A third of small firms are unaware of forthcoming changes to the UK telecoms network, according to Zen Internet.

The latest survey of sole traders shows that UK freelancers have seen a "remarkable" recovery in earnings in the first quarter of 2021 after an incredibly difficult year.

A new report has revealed that marketers are finding it hard to connect with customers effectively because of the sheer number of communication channels available.

More than a quarter of UK SMEs say they need additional support from the government to stay afloat.

More than half of UK businesses now use mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to keep in touch with their customers.

A new poll of business directors has found that the majority plan to allow some remote working for their staff even after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.