Business Set Up Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on business set up for uk businesses.

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...
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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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”...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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....

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...

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...

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....

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....
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