There’s a long list of issues to think about when you start a business, and we’ve seen most of them. Even if you are starting the business on a tight budget, it’s worth getting good advice on the company’s structure, employment contracts, and terms of business.
If you have an online business, you should also think about website terms and conditions, privacy policy, and compliance with legislation on selling online.
We understand early-stage businesses
Our corporate law team is accustomed to dealing with start-ups and spin-outs, and understands the ambitions, pitfalls, risks and commercial considerations they face. We can help you with all the issues above, as well as flag up other points you may need to consider.
Early advice from our team can prevent problems later on, and help your business to thrive. Our corporate lawyers will focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that reduce risk, and set your business on the right course.
Your legal priorities
The first issue for many businesses will be to decide on a corporate structure – whether to trade as a sole trader, partnership, limited company, limited liability partnership (LLP) or social enterprise. Each structure brings its own duties, personal financial liabilities and paperwork, and we can steer you through these.
Other important aspects on which we will provide legal advice include:
- shareholder agreements and articles of association
- share options
- intellectual property
- data protection
- raising finance
- regulatory obligations
- employment contracts.
And if your business needs advice on areas such as leasing property, IT contracts or e-commerce law, our specialist colleagues can support you on those too.
"Responsive and willing to dedicate time to both new and existing relationships."
Chambers UK: A Client's guide to the UK legal profession
