Business Set Up Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on business set up for uk businesses.
Free NDA Template: Should You Use One in the UK?
Sharing your ideas, pricing, customer lists or product roadmap is often essential to doing business. But without an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), that information can walk out the door. If you’re searching for...
11 November 2025
How To Register a Design in the UK
If you’ve invested time and money in how your product looks, it’s worth protecting that value. Registering a design can give your business powerful, nationwide rights over the appearance of your product...
11 November 2025
Company Secretary Meaning In The UK: What They Do & When Required
If you’ve recently set up a company (or you’re planning to), you’ve probably heard people mention a “company secretary” or “co sec.” But what is a company secretary of a company, really,...
11 November 2025
How Long Must Self-Employed People Keep Records in the UK?
If you’re running a small business, keeping good records isn’t just a nice‑to‑have - it’s a legal requirement and your best defence if HMRC ever asks questions. But exactly how long do...
11 November 2025
Equipment Lease Agreements In The UK: Key Legal Points
Leasing equipment can be a smart way for a small business to access the tools you need without a heavy upfront cost. Whether you’re fitting out a workshop, renting machinery for a...
11 November 2025
Notice of AGM: UK Requirements Explained
If you’re a UK company getting ready for your annual general meeting (AGM), the notice you send out matters. A compliant notice of AGM isn’t just a calendar invite - it’s a...
11 November 2025
Office Space for Lease: UK Legal Checks Before You Sign
Office space can lock a business into years of rent, service charge and repair risk. This guide covers the main UK legal checks to work through before you sign.
11 November 2025
What Makes A Contract Legally Binding In The UK?
Strong contracts are the backbone of every successful small business. They set expectations, lock in pricing and timelines, and give you legal recourse if things go wrong. But what actually makes a...
11 November 2025
Examples of Shareholders in UK Companies
Thinking about who should own shares in your company? Getting your shareholding right from day one can set your business up for growth, keep decision-making smooth and help you avoid disputes later...
10 November 2025
How To Trade Mark A Name In The UK
Your business name is often the first thing customers remember - it’s your identity, your reputation and your competitive edge. If you want to stop competitors using a confusingly similar name, the...
10 November 2025
Franchising Pros And Cons In The UK
Franchising can look like a shortcut to growth - whether you’re thinking about buying into a proven brand or turning your own successful concept into a network. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all...
10 November 2025
Minority Shareholder Rights and Risks in the UK
If you’re growing a company with co-founders, investors or key team members, chances are you’ll soon have one or more minority shareholders on your cap table. Handled well, minority shareholdings help you...
10 November 2025
What Makes A Contract? Key Requirements In The UK
If you’re running a small business, contracts are the backbone of almost everything you do - from selling products and services to hiring staff and working with suppliers. But what actually makes...
10 November 2025
Software Licence Agreement: What To Include In The UK
If you build, sell, distribute or use software in your business, a clear Software Licence Agreement is one of the most important contracts you’ll put in place. It sets the ground rules...
10 November 2025
How To Hire a Small Business Lawyer in the UK
Whether you’re incorporating a new venture, hiring your first employee or signing a chunky supplier agreement, there will be moments where you think: “We should probably get a lawyer to look at...
10 November 2025
How To Register A Sole Trader Business Name In The UK
If you’re about to launch a small business as a sole trader, your brand name is a big deal. It’s how customers remember you, search for you, and recommend you. But UK...
10 November 2025
Loan Security Explained
Whether you’re taking on growth funding, smoothing cash flow or financing new equipment, most lenders will ask for “security” for a loan. If you’re a small business owner, it’s normal to feel...
10 November 2025
UK Trademark Classes Explained
Registering a trade mark is one of the most effective ways to protect your brand. But before you file, you’ll need to decide which “trademark class” (or classes) your application should cover....
9 November 2025
Boilerplate Contract Clauses in the UK
If you’ve ever scrolled to the end of a contract and skimmed the “standard” clauses, you’ve seen boilerplate. It’s easy to think these are just filler, but they’re often the difference between...
9 November 2025
Copyright vs Trade Mark In The UK: Which Do You Need?
Building a brand you’re proud of takes time, money and creativity. The last thing you want is a copycat piggybacking on your work - or, just as risky, an unexpected letter claiming...
9 November 2025
How to Start a Gym in the UK: Legal Steps, Licences and Contracts
Thinking about starting a gym business? The UK fitness industry is resilient, subscription-driven and full of niches - from functional training and strength gyms to boutique studios. If you’ve got a clear...
9 November 2025
How To Buy A Domino’s Franchise In The UK
Thinking about buying a Domino’s franchise in the UK? It’s a proven brand with a strong delivery model, national advertising and systems that can fast-track your growth compared to starting a pizza...
9 November 2025
Classes of Shares in UK Companies Explained
Deciding how to split ownership in your company isn’t just about “how many shares.” It’s also about which class of shares you issue and what rights sit behind each class. Get this...
9 November 2025
Can You Patent a Name in the UK? How to Protect Your Brand
If you’re building a brand, your business name is one of your most valuable assets. It’s on your shopfront, your website, your invoices - and it’s how customers recognise and recommend you....
9 November 2025
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