Business Set Up Articles

Expert articles and practical legal guides on business set up for uk businesses.

What Does Share Capital Mean?

What Does Share Capital Mean?

If you’re running a limited company (or thinking about setting one up), you’ll quickly run into the term “share capital.” It sounds technical, but understanding what share capital means will help you...

9 November 2025
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Company Director: Meaning, Duties and Practical Steps in the UK

Company Director: Meaning, Duties and Practical Steps in the UK

If you’ve set up (or are about to set up) a limited company in the UK, you’ll quickly come across the term “director.” But what does “director of a company” actually mean...

9 November 2025
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Is A Minimum Card Spend Illegal In The UK?

Is A Minimum Card Spend Illegal In The UK?

If you run a small shop, cafe or service business, tiny card transactions can sting once you factor in terminal rental and processing fees. It’s no surprise many owners ask: is it...

9 November 2025
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Australia Company Register: Search ASIC Registry & Set Up

Australia Company Register: Search ASIC Registry & Set Up

If you’re trading with Australian suppliers, signing a distribution deal, or exploring expansion into the Australian market, you’ll quickly hear people talk about the “Australia company register.” In practical terms, this means...

9 November 2025
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Company Valuation Formula: How To Calculate It

Company Valuation Formula: How To Calculate It

If you’re a founder or small business owner, you’ll eventually need a clear, defensible number for the value of your company - whether you’re raising capital, granting options, buying back shares, or...

9 November 2025
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Breach Of Contract Remedies In The UK

Breach Of Contract Remedies In The UK

Contracts are the glue that holds your business relationships together. But even with the best intentions, deals go wrong - a supplier misses a delivery, a client refuses to pay, or a...

9 November 2025
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Are Preference Shares Debt Or Equity?

Are Preference Shares Debt Or Equity?

If you’re exploring investment options for your company, preference shares can look like a neat middle ground between ordinary shares and a bank loan. But here’s the tricky part most founders ask...

9 November 2025
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Lease Term Meaning: How Long Should a Commercial Lease Be in the UK?

Lease Term Meaning: How Long Should a Commercial Lease Be in the UK?

Signing a commercial lease is a big moment for any small business. It often locks in your rent, location and operating costs for years-so the “lease term” you choose will shape your...

8 November 2025
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Franchising Law in the UK

Franchising Law in the UK

Thinking about turning your successful concept into a franchise, or buying into a proven brand? Franchising can be a powerful way to expand with lower capital outlay and faster market penetration. But...

8 November 2025
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How To Handle A Company Director Resignation In The UK

How To Handle A Company Director Resignation In The UK

When a director tells you they want to step down, it can feel like a lot to juggle at once - legal filings, board decisions, bank mandates, client communications and, often, tricky...

8 November 2025
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TM vs ®: What’s The Difference In The UK?

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
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Reward-Based Crowdfunding in the UK: Legal Essentials

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
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Utility Patents in the UK: Do They Exist and the Alternatives

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
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Director’s Personal Guarantee: What To Know Before You Sign

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
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How To Trademark Your Business Name in the UK

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
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UK Consultancy Agreement Template: What To Include And Avoid

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
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Companies House Changes: What You Need To Do In 2024–2025

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
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How To Register A Brand Name In The UK

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
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What Is A Franchise Agreement In The UK?

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
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Internet Merchant Account In The UK: Legal Essentials

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
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Trading Name Meaning: What 'Trading As' Means in UK Law

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
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Limited vs Ltd: What's the Difference in the UK?

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
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What Is A Debenture In The UK?

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
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How To Franchise My Business In The UK

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
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