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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

November 2021

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The Small Business Saturday campaign is calling on shoppers across the UK to support local small firms and independent retailers this Saturday 4 December.

Small business owners across the UK are looking to hire staff and launch new products and services but one in two say they need funding in order to bring their plans to fruition.

A new study of business spending has revealed that companies have significantly increased their use of Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn advertising in 2021.

The UK tax body has warned customers to watch out for fraudulent tax rebate emails and texts after a year in which nearly 800,000 tax-related scams were reported.

Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, has announced that new laws and a Code of Practice are being introduced to resolve the remaining commercial rent debts accrued because of the pandemic.

Dragon Touker Suleyman, Innocent's Douglas Lamont and the small business minister Paul Scully are just some of the keynote speakers that will be attending the 43rd Business Show at the ExCeL in London on 24 and 25 November.

A new study of internet search terms used by new business owners has uncovered the start up business questions that are most frequently asked on Google.

A new tax measure included in the small print of last week's Budget could cost self-employed workers more than £1.7bn, according to the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Small businesses are keen to reduce their carbon emissions, become more sustainable and achieve net zero status, but they need support and smart policies to help them get there, according to a major new study.

Over one-third of shoppers plan to start their shopping earlier this year according to a new survey, but the results also show that attitudes to spending are shifting and retailers will need to adapt if they want to have a profitable festive season.