Business Set Up Articles

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

Unequal Dividends Between Shareholders: UK Rules & Pitfalls

Unequal Dividends Between Shareholders: UK Rules & Pitfalls

If you’re running – or thinking about starting – a company in the UK, you’ll likely come across one of the trickiest finance questions for business owners: "Can I pay unequal dividends...

27 April 2025
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Essential Legal Steps to Start and Run an Estate Agency in England

Essential Legal Steps to Start and Run an Estate Agency in England

Thinking about starting your own estate agency in England? Whether you’re an experienced property professional or an ambitious entrepreneur, launching an estate agency can be a rewarding step with plenty of growth...

27 April 2025
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Articles of Association Explained: Rules, Types & Legal Basics for UK Firms

Articles of Association Explained: Rules, Types & Legal Basics for UK Firms

Whether you’re just launching a new company or are already navigating the ins and outs of running a business, understanding Articles of Association is absolutely key. Think of this document as your...

27 April 2025
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How to Change Your Company Name with Companies House: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Change Your Company Name with Companies House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about a fresh start for your business or maybe rebranding to reflect your company’s growth? Whatever your reasons, changing your company name is an exciting milestone. But before you order new...

27 April 2025
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How to Structure a Commission Only Sales Position: Legal Tips & Best Practices

How to Structure a Commission Only Sales Position: Legal Tips & Best Practices

Commission-only sales roles have become an increasingly popular way for UK businesses – from fast-paced startups to established companies – to drive sales performance and growth. If you’re thinking about introducing a...

27 April 2025
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Buying a Shelf Company in the UK: Benefits, Process & Pitfalls

Buying a Shelf Company in the UK: Benefits, Process & Pitfalls

In the fast-paced world of UK business, speed can make all the difference. If you need to launch a company quickly-maybe to secure a contract or create instant credibility-a “shelf company” is...

27 April 2025
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Essential Guide to Keeping Accounts as a Sole Trader: What Records You Need and How Long to Keep Them

Essential Guide to Keeping Accounts as a Sole Trader: What Records You Need and How Long to Keep Them

Running your own business as a sole trader offers plenty of freedoms, but it also comes with serious responsibilities-especially when it comes to keeping your accounts in order. If you’re new to...

27 April 2025
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Forming a Business Partnership in the UK: Key Launch Steps

Forming a Business Partnership in the UK: Key Launch Steps

Have you found the perfect person to team up with and bring your business idea to life? Setting up a business partnership in the UK can be an exciting and rewarding way...

27 April 2025
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Legal Essentials for Launching a Consultancy Firm in the UK: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Legal Essentials for Launching a Consultancy Firm in the UK: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about starting your own consultancy firm in the UK? You’re not alone - consulting is a thriving sector, from strategy and management to digital transformation and compliance. Whether you’ve spotted a...

27 April 2025
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Fiduciary Duties of Directors: An Essential Cheat‑Sheet

Fiduciary Duties of Directors: An Essential Cheat‑Sheet

If you’ve recently become a director – or you’re considering stepping into that role for your company – you’re probably juggling a long checklist of things to learn. Among the most important...

27 April 2025
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Understanding the Different Types of Shares and Share Classes in UK Companies

Understanding the Different Types of Shares and Share Classes in UK Companies

Thinking about starting or growing a UK company? If so, you’ve likely come across the terms “shares” and “share classes”-but what do they actually mean for you as a business owner, and...

27 April 2025
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Schemes of Arrangement: A Restructuring Toolkit Explained

Schemes of Arrangement: A Restructuring Toolkit Explained

When a company in the UK faces financial headwinds, a major merger, or just needs to press “reset” on part of its business, a scheme of arrangement often finds its way into...

26 April 2025
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Essential Legal Steps to Launch Your IT Service Business in the UK

Essential Legal Steps to Launch Your IT Service Business in the UK

So, you're ready to take your tech expertise to the next level and launch your own IT service business in the UK? Whether you’re dreaming about supporting clients’ cyber security, managing networks,...

26 April 2025
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Opening a Takeaway in the UK: Planning, Ops & Legal Essentials

Opening a Takeaway in the UK: Planning, Ops & Legal Essentials

Dream of bringing your culinary skills to a wider audience, but put off by the pressures (and overheads) of a traditional restaurant? Wondering if opening your own takeaway is the shortcut to...

26 April 2025
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Understanding Company Liability Limited: How Far Does Protection Go?

Understanding Company Liability Limited: How Far Does Protection Go?

For entrepreneurs starting a business in the UK, protecting your personal assets is often a top priority. “Limited liability” is one of the main reasons many small business owners choose to run...

26 April 2025
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UK Tax Breaks: Grants & Incentives Every New Business Should Know

UK Tax Breaks: Grants & Incentives Every New Business Should Know

Thinking about turning your big idea into a business? Or maybe you’ve already launched, and you’re keen to take advantage of every opportunity available. Good news – the UK is home to...

26 April 2025
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Ordinary Share Capital: Founders’ Equity Made Simple

Ordinary Share Capital: Founders’ Equity Made Simple

Starting a new company in the UK is an exciting challenge, but it’s also one that comes with plenty of questions – especially when it comes to dividing up ownership and raising...

26 April 2025
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Comparing UK Franchise Options: Factors Every Investor Should Weigh

Comparing UK Franchise Options: Factors Every Investor Should Weigh

Are you thinking about buying a franchise in the UK? It’s easy to see the appeal-proven business models, recognised brands, and the chance to hit the ground running. But is a franchise...

26 April 2025
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Essential Guide to Dividing Equity Shares in Your UK Startup

Essential Guide to Dividing Equity Shares in Your UK Startup

Launching a startup in the UK is a thrilling adventure – and one of the most critical choices you’ll make early on is how to divide equity shares among your team. Whether...

26 April 2025
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Share Premiums: Accounting & Legal Rules Simplified

Share Premiums: Accounting & Legal Rules Simplified

a formal process-like a capital reduction as outlined under the Companies Act-you generally cannot dip into the share premium account for operational spending or shareholder payouts. These rules are in place to...

26 April 2025
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Founder vs Director: Key Roles & Legal Duties Explained

Founder vs Director: Key Roles & Legal Duties Explained

It’s a common scenario in the world of startups and small businesses: you have a business idea, assemble a team, and suddenly find yourself juggling a bunch of titles – “founder”, “owner”,...

26 April 2025
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Case Study: Sleep 8’s Global Growth with Sprintlaw UK

Case Study: Sleep 8’s Global Growth with Sprintlaw UK

Expanding a business worldwide is no small feat. For ambitious brands, building the right legal foundation can mean the difference between seamless scaling and hitting preventable roadblocks. In this case study, we...

26 April 2025
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How to Value Your Company Shares in the UK: A Practical Guide for Business Owners

How to Value Your Company Shares in the UK: A Practical Guide for Business Owners

Thinking of selling company shares, raising capital or simply want to know: “How do I value my company?” You’re not alone! Whether you’re gearing up for investment, planning an exit, or just...

26 April 2025
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Winding Up a Solvent Company: E&W Procedure in Detail

Winding Up a Solvent Company: E&W Procedure in Detail

Deciding to close your business can feel like a big milestone-sometimes it’s the final chapter of a successful venture, other times it’s just time to move on. If your company is solvent...

26 April 2025
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