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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

August 2022

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Some small businesses have already had to shut up shop because of soaring energy bills and others are finding that energy companies are refusing to supply them because of fears they could go bust.
Business insolvencies are on the rise and more than half of small firms expect to stagnate, shrink or fold in the coming year, according to a new poll conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses.
Despite the tough economic climate, new analysis of Companies House data has found that 90 new businesses were created every hour across the UK in the first half of this year.
A government survey of individuals and small businesses has found that Starling and Monzo are the most popular banks - both for business and for consumer banking.
Two new surveys reveal the concerns that are stopping would-be entrepreneurs from starting their own enterprise as the cost of doing business soars.
Over two million of the UK's smallest businesses believe reducing their own carbon emissions "will not make a significant difference to climate change" according to a new survey.
New research has found that the majority of employers, employees and recruiters expect that a four-day week will be in place in just eight years for most workers.