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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. 

Recruitment, contracts, discipline and grievance

Clear recruitment policies and contracts and disciplinary and grievance procedures are a legal requirement. Learn of how you can comply with the law.

Resource topics

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Our step-by-step guide to drawing up an employment contract, from thinking up the basic terms to include to agreeing and signing with your employee.
If your employees want to file a grievance, there should be a fair and clear way to do this. Read our tips on setting up a grievance procedure.
Dismissing an employee may be your best option if their performance is unacceptable, or their position no longer exists. Here are some simple rules.
Not sure how to go about holding a fair and lawful disciplinary hearing when an employee has breached workplace rules? Follow our step-by-step guide.
You need to have clear rules outlining what will happen if employees commit an offence in the workplace. Our checklist tells you what to include.
Employers occasionally need to have difficult conversations with employees, perhaps about performance or personal issues. It pays to prepare.
Employment contracts are vital in setting out the terms and conditions of your relationship with your employee. Read our Q&A covering the basics.
LawBite solicitor Louise Paull answers key legal questions about sacking staff including notice periods and how to use Acas guidance to help you.
It is all too easy for staff grievances to escalate. Find out what process and procedures you should follow to address any staff grievances correctly.
Personality clashes create a bad atmosphere at work and often impact on motivation and productivity. Mediation techniques can help resolve conflict.