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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. 

Research your market

Market research can provide you with insight into your market, competitors, products, and customers. This overview will help you research your market.

Resource topics

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The essential guide to market research for small businesses, covering desk research, field research, qualitative research and quantitative research
Use these handy FAQs to plan your market research, from research methods and costs to finding an agency who understands your needs.
Knowing your market is vital if you want to maximise sales and stand out from the competition. We explain how to find and use market information.
Use published market research and your own research to get data you need to target new opportunities, and understand your customer's wants and needs.
The top 20 questions that market research could help you answer - on everything from product and packaging to branding and price
Quantatitive research is about using polls, surveys and questionnaires to gauge customer opinion and gather feedback on your brand
Qualitative research is about finding out not just what people think but why they think it, as well as their motivations and feelings.
Every business needs to stay fresh to be competitive. This may mean regularly refreshing your products or coming up with an entirely new offer.