Contracts Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on contracts for uk businesses.

IR35 Determination for Hiring Contractors in the UK
If you hire contractors through their own limited companies (often called “PSCs”), you need to be confident about your IR35 determination. Getting status right is crucial - it affects who pays Income...

What Is A Deed In The UK?
If you’ve ever been told “this needs to be signed as a deed” and wondered why, you’re not alone. Deeds pop up all the time in business – from settling disputes to...

How To Appoint a Director in a UK Company
Bringing the right people onto your board can unlock growth, credibility and sharper decision-making. Whether you’re scaling, taking on investment or simply need more hands on deck, knowing how to appoint a...

How To Franchise Your Business In The UK: Legal Steps And Pitfalls
Got a proven concept and strong brand and wondering if franchising your business is the next step? Franchising can be a powerful way to scale quickly with motivated owner‑operators on the ground,...

Hiring An Intellectual Property Lawyer In The UK
If you’re building a brand, launching a product, or growing a tech platform in the UK, your intellectual property (IP) is often your most valuable asset. Protecting it early – and using...

Software Licence Agreements in the UK: Clauses to Include
A software licence agreement should do more than set price and user limits. This guide explains the key UK clauses around IP, support, liability and renewals.

Understanding Commercial Contract Law In The UK
Strong contracts are the engine of any successful small business. Whether you’re selling products, providing services, hiring a contractor, or partnering with a distributor, your deals are only as good as the...

Promissory Note Template In The UK: Key Clauses And How To Use It
If your business lends or borrows money, a promissory note can be a simple, fast way to record the debt and repayment terms. But a “simple template” can also create complex problems...

What Is Contract Lifecycle Management and Why It Matters
If your business runs on deals, suppliers and service packages (and whose doesn’t), your contracts are the rails your operation runs on. Managing them well can save cash, speed up sales and...

Understanding Convertible Loan Notes in the UK
Raising money without locking in a valuation can be a smart move for an early-stage business. That’s exactly where convertible loan notes can help. If you’ve been told to “just do a...

Employment Compromise Agreements (Settlement Agreements) in the UK
Ending an employment relationship is sometimes the right move for both sides - but if it’s not handled carefully, it can create legal risk, costs and distraction for your business. That’s where...

How To Sell a Small Business in the UK: Legal Steps
Thinking about selling a small business? It’s a big decision - and a great opportunity to realise the value you’ve built. Whether you want to retire, pivot to a new venture or...

Zero Hours Contract Template In The UK: Key Terms And Lawful Use
Need a flexible way to cover peaks, last‑minute bookings or seasonal demand? A well-drafted zero hours contract can give your business the agility it needs without locking you into fixed staffing costs....

Anticipatory Breach Of Contract: What It Is And How To Respond
When you’re counting on a supplier, contractor or customer to deliver, the last thing you need is a heads‑up that they won’t. That’s where anticipatory breach (also called anticipatory repudiation) comes in...

What Is A Negative Pledge?
If you’re agreeing a business loan or supplier finance, there’s a good chance the documents mention a “negative pledge”. It’s a short clause, but it can have a big impact on your...

What Is Escrow And How Does It Work?
When you’re dealing with high-value payments or sensitive deliverables, trust is everything. Escrow is a simple way to build that trust into your deal structure. By parking funds or assets with a...

How To Structure A Joint Venture Agreement
Teaming up with another business can be the fastest way to win bigger contracts, share costs and expertise, or test a new market without taking on all the risk yourself. That’s exactly...

Business Contracts In The UK: What To Include And Common Pitfalls
Strong business contracts are the backbone of confident trading. Whether you’re supplying services, buying stock, collaborating with a partner or hiring a contractor, clear written terms set expectations, reduce risk and save...

Hiring a Commercial Contracts Lawyer in the UK
If you run a small business, your contracts are your safety net. They set expectations, manage risk and keep cash flowing. But when you’re busy selling, hiring and building your brand, it’s...

How To Sell A Business In The UK: Structures, Steps And Documents
Thinking about selling your business is a big moment. You’ve put in the work, built something valuable and now it’s time to realise that value - without losing sleep over legal risks....

Franchise Marketing In The UK: Legal Essentials And Practical Steps
If you’re building a franchise network in the UK, your marketing isn’t just about clever campaigns and consistent branding - it’s also about getting the legal side right from day one. Franchise...

Tripartite Agreement Explained: When And How To Use One
If you’re working on a deal that involves three parties with aligned interests, a tripartite agreement can be the cleanest way to lock down roles, responsibilities and risks in one document. Whether...

Probationary Periods in the UK: What Employers Need to Know
Hiring is exciting - but it’s also a risk. A well-run probationary period helps you confirm whether a new starter can actually do the job, fits your culture and understands your standards....

How To Prove A Verbal Agreement In UK Courts
Verbal deals happen all the time in small business - a quick call to approve extra work, a handshake on delivery dates, or a chat confirming pricing. But when things go wrong,...
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