Business Set Up Articles

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

Passing Off Law in the UK: What Businesses Need to Know

Passing Off Law in the UK: What Businesses Need to Know

Your brand is one of your most valuable business assets. Even before you’ve registered anything, UK law gives you tools to stop others riding on your reputation. That’s where passing off comes...

27 October 2025
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Fast Food Franchises in the UK: Legal Steps, Costs And Contracts

Fast Food Franchises in the UK: Legal Steps, Costs And Contracts

Thinking about opening a fast food franchise in the UK? It’s a proven route for small business owners who want a recognisable brand, a tested menu and supply chain support from day...

27 October 2025
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Retainer Fee: What It Is and How It Works

Retainer Fee: What It Is and How It Works

If you sell services, you’ve probably been asked about retainers - or you’re wondering whether you should offer one. Retainers can smooth cash flow, deepen client relationships and reduce the feast-or-famine cycle...

27 October 2025
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Patent Infringement In The UK: What You Need To Know

Patent Infringement In The UK: What You Need To Know

If you’re building a new product or process, the last thing you want is a surprise patent dispute derailing your launch. Equally, if you’ve invested in R&D and secured a patent, you’ll...

27 October 2025
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How To Copyright A Business Name In The UK: What Actually Works

How To Copyright A Business Name In The UK: What Actually Works

If you’re building a brand, protecting the name is one of the first legal jobs on your list. But here’s the twist many UK businesses don’t realise: you can’t “copyright” a name....

27 October 2025
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Franchise Solicitor In The UK: What You Need To Know

Franchise Solicitor In The UK: What You Need To Know

Thinking about franchising your business, or buying into a franchise network? It’s an exciting way to grow - but the legal side can be complex and high-stakes. That’s where a franchise solicitor...

27 October 2025
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What Does Legally Binding Mean?

What Does Legally Binding Mean?

If you’re running a small business, you rely on promises every day - from suppliers, customers, contractors and partners. But which promises are actually legally binding, and which are just “nice to...

27 October 2025
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Director’s Loan to a Company in the UK: What You Need to Know

Director’s Loan to a Company in the UK: What You Need to Know

Need to inject cash into your limited company quickly? A director’s loan to the company can be a flexible way to fund growth, smooth cash flow or bridge a short-term gap. But...

26 October 2025
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Commercial Leases in the UK: Key Points for Businesses

Commercial Leases in the UK: Key Points for Businesses

Finding the right premises can be a turning point for your business. Whether you’re opening a shop, moving into an office or fitting out a warehouse, your commercial lease is one of...

26 October 2025
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Staff Management: Legal Essentials in the UK

Staff Management: Legal Essentials in the UK

Hiring people is a big milestone - and a big responsibility. Great staff management sets the tone for your culture, protects your business from risk and helps you grow with confidence. In...

26 October 2025
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What Does Pty Ltd Mean When Dealing With Australian Companies?

What Does Pty Ltd Mean When Dealing With Australian Companies?

If you trade internationally, you’ve probably seen “Pty Ltd” on an invoice or contract and wondered what it means. Short answer: “Pty Ltd” is the Australian (and South African) version of a...

26 October 2025
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Is A Company Secretary A Director In The UK?

Is A Company Secretary A Director In The UK?

If you’re running (or about to register) a UK company, you’ll quickly bump into two governance roles: directors and the company secretary. It’s common to ask: is a company secretary a director?...

26 October 2025
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Contractor Or Employee In The UK? How To Tell The Difference

Contractor Or Employee In The UK? How To Tell The Difference

If you’re growing a small business, chances are you’ve wondered whether to bring someone on as an employment contractor or hire them as an employee. It’s a common question - and the...

26 October 2025
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Photography Contract: Key Clauses, Templates and Legal Tips

Photography Contract: Key Clauses, Templates and Legal Tips

Whether you run a studio, hire photographers for campaigns or events, or sell creative services as part of a broader offer, a solid photography contract protects your business from day one. It...

26 October 2025
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Commercial Lease Break Clauses In The UK: What You Need To Know

Commercial Lease Break Clauses In The UK: What You Need To Know

Signing a commercial lease is a big commitment. Whether you’re opening your first shop or expanding into a second unit, you’re often locking in rent, fit-out and operating costs for several years....

26 October 2025
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What Is an Equity Investment?

What Is an Equity Investment?

Thinking about raising funds to grow your business? If you’ve heard investors talk about “taking equity” or “buying shares”, you’re in the right place. Understanding what an equity investment is - and...

26 October 2025
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Sole Trader Liability in the UK Explained

Sole Trader Liability in the UK Explained

Running your business as a sole trader is simple and flexible – which is why it’s the most popular way to get started in the UK. But there’s one big trade-off you...

25 October 2025
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Disadvantages of Shares When Issuing Equity in the UK

Disadvantages of Shares When Issuing Equity in the UK

Offering shares can be a smart way to raise funds and bring the right people on board. But for small businesses, equity isn’t always the “free money” it first appears to be....

25 October 2025
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Legal Document Templates in the UK: What To Use And When

Legal Document Templates in the UK: What To Use And When

Getting your key contracts in place is one of the easiest ways to protect your small business from day one. But if you’re time-poor (and who isn’t when you’re growing a venture),...

25 October 2025
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Key Advantages Of Franchising In The UK

Key Advantages Of Franchising In The UK

Thinking about growth, but not keen on opening every new location yourself? Or perhaps you’re exploring a proven way to start a business with support from day one. Franchising can be a...

25 October 2025
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Trademark Solicitor: What They Do And When You Need One

Trademark Solicitor: What They Do And When You Need One

Your brand is one of your most valuable business assets. Names, logos and taglines are how customers recognise you, recommend you and come back for more. So it makes sense to protect...

25 October 2025
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What Is a Fiduciary Relationship?

What Is a Fiduciary Relationship?

If you run or are setting up a small business in the UK, you’ll come across the term “fiduciary relationship” sooner or later - especially when you appoint directors, form a partnership,...

25 October 2025
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Corporate Law Solicitors: What They Do And When You Need One

Corporate Law Solicitors: What They Do And When You Need One

Running a small business is exciting - but it also comes with legal decisions that can shape your future growth. That’s where corporate law solicitors come in. Think of them as your...

25 October 2025
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Commercial Lease Contract: How To Negotiate, Sign And Manage In The UK

Commercial Lease Contract: How To Negotiate, Sign And Manage In The UK

Signing a lease contract is one of the biggest commitments most small businesses make. Whether you’re opening a cafe, taking your first office, or expanding into a second retail unit, the right...

25 October 2025
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