Contracts Articles

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

UCTA 1977 in Practice: Drafting Fair Terms

UCTA 1977 in Practice: Drafting Fair Terms

If you've ever signed a business contract that felt a bit “one-sided”, you’re not alone. Many small businesses in the UK find themselves facing standard form contracts - often drafted by larger...

5 May 2025
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Rescission in UK Contract Law: What Businesses Should Know

Rescission in UK Contract Law: What Businesses Should Know

Rescission can allow a contract to be unwound in some situations, but it is not automatic. This guide explains when it may apply and the risks businesses should know.

5 May 2025
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Pre‑Emption Rights for UK Start‑ups: Guarding Shareholder Interests

Pre‑Emption Rights for UK Start‑ups: Guarding Shareholder Interests

Raising capital is an exciting milestone for any UK start-up. New investment means fuel for growth, new hires, and scaling your big idea. But amid all the planning and pitching, there’s a...

5 May 2025
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Choosing Between Asset and Share Deals: Factors for Sellers

Choosing Between Asset and Share Deals: Factors for Sellers

If you’re selling a business in the UK, one big question is bound to pop up: should you do it as a share sale or an asset sale? Each option comes with...

5 May 2025
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Essential Clauses for a Secure Sale and Purchase Agreement in the UK

Essential Clauses for a Secure Sale and Purchase Agreement in the UK

Selling or buying a business is a big step, whether you’re ready to cash out on years of hard work or you’re eager to take on a new opportunity. It’s a journey...

5 May 2025
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Term Sheets: Key Points to Nail Before You Sign

Term Sheets: Key Points to Nail Before You Sign

When you’re knee-deep in business negotiations-especially when investment, mergers, or partnerships are on the table-the word “ term sheet ” tends to come up again and again. But what exactly is a...

5 May 2025
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Understanding Due Diligence: What Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing a Business in England

Understanding Due Diligence: What Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing a Business in England

Buying a business in England is an exciting venture. Whether you’re aiming to expand your operations, enter a new industry, or take over a successful company, there’s potential for both growth and...

5 May 2025
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Franchise Fees: What You’re Really Paying For

Franchise Fees: What You’re Really Paying For

Thinking about joining a franchise and wondering what all those fees are really covering? Maybe you’ve spotted a big-name brand you’d love to work with, or you’re weighing up the pros and...

4 May 2025
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Franchising a Retail Venture: Key Legal Moves

Franchising a Retail Venture: Key Legal Moves

If you run a successful retail business, it’s only natural to wonder: how can I take my venture to the next level? For many growing retailers, franchising is a powerful path to...

4 May 2025
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Why Your Business Should Always Have a Contract with an Attorney

Why Your Business Should Always Have a Contract with an Attorney

When you’re building your business, there’s so much excitement in getting your idea off the ground – signing new deals, hiring your first team members, and starting to work with clients. But...

4 May 2025
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Robust Contractor Templates: Essential Clauses for Protection

Robust Contractor Templates: Essential Clauses for Protection

When you’re working with independent contractors – whether you run a startup, a digital agency, or a bustling small business – having a rock-solid contractor agreement isn’t just a “nice to have.”...

4 May 2025
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Shareholders vs Investors: Ownership Rights Compared

Shareholders vs Investors: Ownership Rights Compared

Thinking about investing in a business, or have you heard people tossing around the terms “shareholder” and “investor” when talking about company ownership? It’s no wonder there’s confusion - these words often...

4 May 2025
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Parent vs Daughter Companies: Legal Links & Liabilities

Parent vs Daughter Companies: Legal Links & Liabilities

Have you ever wondered how big businesses seem to operate multiple brands, product lines, or services-sometimes all under different names? Or, maybe you’ve noticed that many successful companies spin out new ventures...

4 May 2025
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Negative‑Pledge Clauses: Loan‑Agreement Red Flags

Negative‑Pledge Clauses: Loan‑Agreement Red Flags

If you’re in the process of negotiating a business loan, you’ll probably come across a range of legal terms and clauses that can be a bit overwhelming. One that tends to catch...

4 May 2025
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Witnesses for Contracts: When You Need One in the UK

Witnesses for Contracts: When You Need One in the UK

If you’re running a small business, signing new clients, or navigating deals in the UK, you’ll inevitably come across legal documents that need to be signed - and sometimes, you’ll be asked:...

4 May 2025
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When Is It Legal to Refuse a Cancellation Fee? A Guide for UK Businesses

When Is It Legal to Refuse a Cancellation Fee? A Guide for UK Businesses

Cancellation fees are a hot topic for many UK businesses and their customers. If you run a business that takes bookings, subscriptions, or ongoing contracts, you’ve probably wondered: “When can I actually...

4 May 2025
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Core Contracts Every Software Company in England Must Have

Core Contracts Every Software Company in England Must Have

Launching and growing a software company in England is an exciting undertaking-whether you're building the next big SaaS solution, developing bespoke apps for clients, or running a bustling tech consultancy. But as...

4 May 2025
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How to Legally Update Employment Contracts: Navigating 90 Days’ Notice and Key Triggers

How to Legally Update Employment Contracts: Navigating 90 Days’ Notice and Key Triggers

Employment contracts aren’t meant to be written in stone. Just as your business evolves, so too should your employment agreements. But when is the right time to update these contracts, what’s involved...

4 May 2025
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Disclaimers: Drafting Shields Against Business Liability

Disclaimers: Drafting Shields Against Business Liability

Running a business in the UK is an exciting journey - whether you’re launching a bricks-and-mortar shop or building an online empire, there’s a lot to keep track of. But, as any...

4 May 2025
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“Subject to Contract”: How Much Protection Does It Offer?

“Subject to Contract”: How Much Protection Does It Offer?

When you’re negotiating a deal or hashing out commercial terms, it’s common to add the words “subject to contract” to emails, letters, and even WhatsApp messages. But is this magic phrase really...

4 May 2025
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Offer or Invitation to Treat? Clearing Up the Contract Jargon

Offer or Invitation to Treat? Clearing Up the Contract Jargon

Whether you’re running a growing e-commerce store, launching a new service, or negotiating with suppliers, understanding some basic contract law terms is essential to keep your business protected. One of the biggest...

4 May 2025
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5 Crucial Clauses Every Contract Needs to Stand Up in Court

5 Crucial Clauses Every Contract Needs to Stand Up in Court

Whether you’re sealing your first major deal, onboarding a new client, or simply working with a supplier, there’s one thing all business owners have in common: sooner or later, you’ll need a...

4 May 2025
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Deed or Agreement? Choosing the Right Instrument

Deed or Agreement? Choosing the Right Instrument

Every business deal, partnership, or big decision usually boils down to putting something in writing. But as a business owner in the UK, you’re often faced with a tricky question: should you...

4 May 2025
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Selling as a Going Concern: Benefits, Risks & What’s Included

Selling as a Going Concern: Benefits, Risks & What’s Included

Thinking about selling your business? For many UK business owners, the dream scenario is to hand over a thriving venture, see it continue to operate smoothly, and get the rewards you’ve worked...

3 May 2025
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