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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. 

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Resource topics

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Funding can be hard to come by and competition is fierce - but by planning your approach you can maximise your chances of attracting finance.
Buying a business can be a big step forward, but there are pitfalls. Find out how to complete the purchase and check the real state of the business.
Buying a business can be less risky than starting one. If the business has customers, then it has income. But it will need upfront investment.
Heather Baker had no previous experience of running a business, but when a local business came up for sale the opportunity was much too good to miss.
Many people dream of the perfect business, combining great profits with minimal effort. An online business can do just that. So where do you start?
Ari Last, co-founder of bubble, reveals how the business got started – from concept and market research to finding funding and product development.
In just four years, VIA, has grown rapidly from kitchen table to a turnover in excess of £1 million a year. Alex Tebbs shares the secrets of their success
Podcast with Greg Le Tocq, founder of vouchercloud - Europe's most successful vouchering platform. He discusses how he started the business.
Managing the finances of a community organisation is a big responsibility. Here's our guide to managing the red tape and regulations.
Guide for not-for-profit organisations who deliver important services to their local community and face unusual challenges, including finance.
Community organisations have many of the same legal responsibilities as businesses run for profit. How to stay on the right side of the law.
Unlike even the most ethical of other start-ups, social enterprises have environmental or social values at the very core of everything they do.
Being an ethical business can reduce the negative impacts on people, animals and the environment. It can also boost your bottom line.
At first glance, Bookdonors, a Selkirk-based social enterprise, appears simply to sell books to raise money for good cause. But there's more to it.
Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company was set up in Glenelg in Scotland in 2006 to run the Isle of Skye ferry for the good of the community.
Long neglected farm buildings in rural Worcestershire were renovated to provide a home for The Fold Bransford Community Interest Company.
How can would-be entrepreneurs turn their dream into a reality? In this case study Rosie Ginday of Miss Macaroon shares how she built her business.
Networking can help you to share knowledge, forge alliances and access the skills and experience of others. Read our guide to collaborating.
Setting up a business can be challenging and you're unlikely to have all the skills and knowledge you need. Our guide to finding advice and support.
Using a professional adviser can save you time and prevent you making costly mistakes. Our guide to finding and getting the best from advisers.