Business Set Up Articles

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

Intellectual Property Solicitors: What Small Businesses Should Know

Intellectual Property Solicitors: What Small Businesses Should Know

If you’re building a brand, creating original content, or developing software, your intellectual property (IP) is one of your most valuable business assets. Protecting it properly from day one can save you...

18 October 2025
Read more
Company Share Schemes in the UK: Key Options and Tax Rules

Company Share Schemes in the UK: Key Options and Tax Rules

Thinking about offering a company share scheme to attract and retain great people? You’re not alone. For many UK small businesses and startups, employee share schemes are a smart way to reward...

18 October 2025
Read more
Competition Law In The UK Explained

Competition Law In The UK Explained

If you buy from suppliers, sell to customers, or work with other businesses, competition law affects you. It isn’t just for big tech or supermarkets - the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)...

18 October 2025
Read more
Unfair Prejudice In The UK: What Shareholders Should Know

Unfair Prejudice In The UK: What Shareholders Should Know

Disputes between co-founders or shareholders can derail a small company fast. If you feel locked out of decisions, unfairly diluted, or your co-founder is diverting opportunities, you’ve probably come across the term...

18 October 2025
Read more
What Is a Parent Company in the UK?

What Is a Parent Company in the UK?

Thinking about setting up a “parent company” for your venture? You’re not alone. Plenty of UK founders create a simple group structure early on to protect assets, prepare for growth and keep...

18 October 2025
Read more
What Is Consideration In UK Contract Law?

What Is Consideration In UK Contract Law?

If you’re signing or sending contracts as a small business, you’ll hear lawyers talk about “consideration”. It sounds technical, but the idea is simple: each side has to give something of value....

17 October 2025
Read more
Condition Precedent in UK Contracts Explained

Condition Precedent in UK Contracts Explained

If you’ve ever worked on a deal that didn’t complete straight away - a share sale, a major services contract, a loan, a franchise, or a big supplier agreement - you’ve likely...

17 October 2025
Read more
How To Register A Trade Mark In The UK

How To Register A Trade Mark In The UK

Your brand is one of your most valuable business assets. A distinctive name or logo makes you memorable to customers - but it also needs legal protection so competitors can’t ride on...

17 October 2025
Read more
How To Add A Director To A Company In The UK

How To Add A Director To A Company In The UK

Bringing a new director on board can be a smart move when your business needs fresh expertise, stronger governance, or simply another pair of hands to steer growth. But before you jump...

17 October 2025
Read more
Directors’ Fiduciary Duties in the UK

Directors’ Fiduciary Duties in the UK

If you’re running a limited company in the UK, your directors carry serious legal responsibilities - including fiduciary duties. These aren’t just “nice to have” principles. They’re enforceable obligations that affect how...

17 October 2025
Read more
Commercial Lease For Rent: Key Terms In The UK

Commercial Lease For Rent: Key Terms In The UK

Securing the right commercial lease for rent can make or break your business. The location, the rent, and the terms you sign today will affect your margins, growth plans and day‑to‑day operations...

17 October 2025
Read more
What Is a Private Unlimited Company in the UK?

What Is a Private Unlimited Company in the UK?

Thinking about registering a private unlimited company in the UK? It’s a niche structure that can offer real advantages in the right circumstances - but it also comes with major risks that...

17 October 2025
Read more
Licence To Occupy In The UK: What Businesses Need To Know

Licence To Occupy In The UK: What Businesses Need To Know

Need flexible access to a shop, studio, office or pop-up space without locking yourself into a long commercial lease? A licence to occupy can be a smart, low-commitment option for many UK...

17 October 2025
Read more
Can A Sole Trader Have Employees In The UK?

Can A Sole Trader Have Employees In The UK?

Thinking about taking on your first employee as a sole trader? Good news - you absolutely can. Hiring staff is a big milestone and often the quickest way to grow your capacity,...

17 October 2025
Read more
Commercial Tenancy Agreement in the UK: Key Terms Explained

Commercial Tenancy Agreement in the UK: Key Terms Explained

Signing a commercial tenancy agreement is one of the biggest commitments your small business will make. The right lease can give you stability, room to grow and a great customer-facing location. The...

17 October 2025
Read more
How To Apply For A Trade Mark In The UK

How To Apply For A Trade Mark In The UK

Your brand name, logo and taglines are some of the most valuable assets your business owns. Securing a trade mark is how you legally lock in those brand elements so competitors can’t...

17 October 2025
Read more
Concept Ventures: Legal Steps To Secure Pre‑Seed Investment In The UK

Concept Ventures: Legal Steps To Secure Pre‑Seed Investment In The UK

If you’re exploring pre-seed investment in the UK, you’ve probably come across Concept Ventures. Funds at this stage typically write the first institutional cheque, help you validate product-market fit, and set you...

17 October 2025
Read more
Business Angels: How To Secure Investment

Business Angels: How To Secure Investment

If you’re looking to raise early-stage funding in the UK, business angels can be a game‑changer. Angels invest their own money, bring real‑world experience and often open doors to customers, partners and...

16 October 2025
Read more
Resolving Shareholder Disputes in the UK

Resolving Shareholder Disputes in the UK

Shareholder disputes can stop a small company in its tracks. They drain time, money and energy, and if they aren’t handled well, they can threaten the future of the business itself. The...

16 October 2025
Read more
Postal Rule in UK Contract Law Explained

Postal Rule in UK Contract Law Explained

If you trade with customers or suppliers by post (or even by email and online portals), it’s worth understanding the “postal rule”. In UK contract law, the postal rule can decide when...

16 October 2025
Read more
What Is a Statement of Work (SOW)?

What Is a Statement of Work (SOW)?

If you sell projects or services, you’ve likely heard the term “Statement of Work” (SOW). But what is a Statement of Work in practical terms, and how does it protect your business?...

16 October 2025
Read more
Shadow Director Meaning Under UK Law

Shadow Director Meaning Under UK Law

If your company often takes guidance from a trusted adviser, founder, major investor or even a former director, you might be wondering whether that person could be seen as a “shadow director”....

16 October 2025
Read more
How To Transfer Shares In A UK Company

How To Transfer Shares In A UK Company

Whether you’re bringing in a new investor, exiting a co-founder, or passing ownership to a family member, transferring shares is a common part of running a private company. The good news: most...

15 October 2025
Read more
Can You Sue Someone For Slander In The UK?

Can You Sue Someone For Slander In The UK?

If someone is spreading damaging rumours about your business, it can feel urgent to “sue for slander” and set the record straight. In the UK, you can take legal action over damaging...

15 October 2025
Read more
Need support?

Need help with your business legals?

Speak with Sprintlaw to get practical legal support and fixed-fee options tailored to your business.