Business Set Up Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on business set up for uk businesses.
TM vs ®: What’s The Difference In The UK?
If you’re building a brand, you’ve probably seen the TM and ® symbols everywhere and wondered which one you should use, and when. It’s a small detail - but getting it wrong...
8 November 2025
Reward-Based Crowdfunding in the UK: Legal Essentials
Reward-based crowdfunding can be a brilliant way for UK small businesses to raise funds, validate demand and grow a community around a product - without giving away equity. But it isn’t a...
8 November 2025
Utility Patents in the UK: Do They Exist and the Alternatives
If you’ve been researching how to protect your product or tech idea, you’ve probably come across the term “utility patent.” It’s a popular phrase online - but here’s the catch: “utility patent”...
8 November 2025
Director’s Personal Guarantee: What To Know Before You Sign
If you’re financing your business, negotiating a new lease, or setting up supplier credit, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked for a director’s personal guarantee at some point. It’s a common...
8 November 2025
How To Trademark Your Business Name in the UK
Your business name is often the first thing customers see, search and remember. If you’re building a brand you’re proud of, it’s worth protecting - and in the UK, the way to...
8 November 2025
UK Consultancy Agreement Template: What To Include And Avoid
Bringing in a consultant can be a smart way to access specialist skills without hiring permanent staff. But before any work starts, you’ll want a clear, legally robust consultancy agreement in place...
8 November 2025
Companies House Changes: What You Need To Do In 2024–2025
Companies House is in the middle of its biggest shake-up in decades. If you run a limited company, you’ll be seeing new rules, new statements to file, and stricter checks on the...
8 November 2025
How To Register A Brand Name In The UK
Your brand name is one of your most valuable business assets. It’s how customers find you, remember you and recommend you. If you’re building a new venture or rebranding, getting brand name...
8 November 2025
What Is A Franchise Agreement In The UK?
If you’re looking to grow your brand quickly without opening every location yourself, franchising can be a powerful route. Likewise, if you want to run your own business with a proven playbook,...
8 November 2025
Internet Merchant Account In The UK: Legal Essentials
If you sell online or plan to, you’ll quickly run into a key question: how do you actually accept card payments securely and legally? That’s where an internet merchant account comes in....
7 November 2025
Trading Name Meaning: What 'Trading As' Means in UK Law
Plenty of small businesses operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. You might be a company called “Smith & Co Limited” but trade as “Smith Interiors”, or a sole...
7 November 2025
Limited vs Ltd: What's the Difference in the UK?
If you’re forming a company in the UK, you’ll quickly bump into the “limited vs ltd” question. Do you write “Limited” in full or use “Ltd” in your company name? Does it...
7 November 2025
What Is A Debenture In The UK?
If you’re raising finance for your company, you’ll quickly come across the term “debenture”. It sounds technical, but it’s simply a legal tool lenders use to secure what your business owes them....
7 November 2025
How To Franchise My Business In The UK
Thinking “should I franchise my business?” You’re not alone. If your brand is proven, profitable and playbook-able, franchising can be a powerful way to scale across regions without opening every site yourself....
7 November 2025
Business Law Firms: How To Choose The Right One
Choosing the right business law firm can feel daunting when you’re growing a small business. You want clear, practical advice that protects you from day one - without unpredictable bills or legal...
7 November 2025
Letter of Engagement Template (UK)
When you take on a new client, it’s tempting to jump straight into the work. But before you do, it’s wise to set expectations clearly in writing. A simple, well-drafted letter of...
6 November 2025
Transfer Of Shares In The UK: How It Works
At some point in your company’s journey, you’ll likely need to transfer shares. Maybe a co-founder is leaving, you’re bringing on a new investor, or you’re tidying up the cap table after...
6 November 2025
Shareholder Dispute Resolution: Practical Options in the UK
Even in the best-run small companies, shareholder disagreements can flare up fast - a missed dividend, a strategic pivot, a founder wanting out. The good news is you’ve got options to resolve...
6 November 2025
Owning A Franchise In The UK: Legal Essentials
Thinking about owning a franchise as your route into business? It’s a popular way to launch with a proven brand, established systems and ongoing support - but it’s still your business, and...
6 November 2025
Director Disqualification Time Limit In The UK
If you’re running a limited company, the words “director disqualification” can sound worrying. And for good reason - disqualification can remove a key person from day‑to‑day control for years, and the ripple...
6 November 2025
Hiring a New Employee in the UK: Legal Checklist
Bringing in a new employee is a big milestone for any small business. It’s exciting - and it also comes with legal responsibilities you can’t afford to miss. The good news? With...
6 November 2025
UK GDPR Breach Compensation Amounts
If you run a small business in the UK, you’ve probably seen headlines about “GDPR payouts” after a data incident. It’s natural to wonder: what could a breach actually cost you in...
5 November 2025
What Is a Fiduciary?
If you run a company, sit on a board, manage client money, or appoint agents to act for your business, you’re dealing with fiduciary duties - whether you realise it or not....
5 November 2025
Commercial Landlord Basics: Leases, Legal Rights, Premises Protection
Finding the right premises can transform your small business - but the legal relationship with your commercial landlord will shape your costs, flexibility and day-to-day operations for years. Whether you’re taking your...
5 November 2025
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