Contracts Articles

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

What Is Force Majeure In Contracts?

What Is Force Majeure In Contracts?

If you enter into contracts (with customers, suppliers or partners), you’ve probably heard the phrase “force majeure”. It tends to come up when something big and unexpected happens, like a flood or...

13 October 2025
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How To Buy a Franchise in the UK: Legal Steps, Contracts, Compliance

How To Buy a Franchise in the UK: Legal Steps, Contracts, Compliance

Buying a franchise can be a smart way to start or grow a small business. You’re investing in a proven brand, tested systems and ongoing support - which can reduce some of...

13 October 2025
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Do You Need a UK Contract Lawyer? How to Get Your Contracts Right

Do You Need a UK Contract Lawyer? How to Get Your Contracts Right

If you run a small business, contracts are everywhere – from hiring your first contractor to selling your product online or teaming up with a supplier. Getting them right protects your cash...

13 October 2025
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Overage Clause In UK Property Deals: What To Know

Overage Clause In UK Property Deals: What To Know

If you’re buying or selling land as a small business, there’s a good chance you’ll come across an overage clause. Overage (also called “clawback” or “uplift”) can be the difference between a...

13 October 2025
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Master Service Agreement (MSA): What It Is and Why It Matters

Master Service Agreement (MSA): What It Is and Why It Matters

If your business delivers services on a recurring or project-by-project basis, a Master Service Agreement (MSA) can save you time, reduce risk and speed up negotiations. In this guide, we’ll unpack the...

13 October 2025
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Misrepresentation in UK Business Contracts: Key Points and Remedies

Misrepresentation in UK Business Contracts: Key Points and Remedies

Misrepresentation trips up lots of small businesses. You think you’ve agreed a deal on one set of facts, only to discover those facts weren’t accurate. Suddenly, you’re facing delays, unexpected costs, or...

13 October 2025
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Force Majeure Clause: What It Means And How To Use It

Force Majeure Clause: What It Means And How To Use It

Supply chain delays, strikes, floods, pandemics - sometimes events outside your control make it genuinely impossible (or commercially unrealistic) to deliver on a contract. That’s where a force majeure clause comes in....

13 October 2025
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What Is A Probation Period At Work In The UK?

What Is A Probation Period At Work In The UK?

Hiring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a small business. A well-run probation period lets you test the fit, set clear expectations and make fast, fair decisions if...

13 October 2025
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Managing Unforeseen Business Circumstances Under UK Law

Managing Unforeseen Business Circumstances Under UK Law

Unforeseen circumstances can derail even the best-run small business - a key supplier goes bust, a flood shuts your premises, a cyber incident knocks out your systems, or a sudden law change...

13 October 2025
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Venture Capital Advantages and Disadvantages for Startups

Venture Capital Advantages and Disadvantages for Startups

Thinking about raising venture capital? For many UK startups, VC funding can be a springboard to rapid growth - but it also comes with strings attached. This guide walks through the real-world...

13 October 2025
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SOW Meaning In Business: How Statements of Work Protect Your Business

SOW Meaning In Business: How Statements of Work Protect Your Business

If you sell services, chances are you’ve heard people talk about a “SOW”. But what does SOW mean in business, when do you use one, and what should it actually cover? In...

12 October 2025
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Sale Of Goods Act 1979 Explained

Sale Of Goods Act 1979 Explained

If you sell products in the UK, you’ll have heard of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (SGA). But what exactly does it require, and how does it fit alongside the more...

12 October 2025
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Mergers And Acquisitions Lawyer In The UK

Mergers And Acquisitions Lawyer In The UK

Thinking about buying a competitor, selling your company, or merging with a strategic partner? A well‑run M&A deal can accelerate growth, unlock new customers and streamline costs. But the legals are where...

12 October 2025
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Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK Explained

Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK Explained

If you want to hire quickly in a new location without setting up a local entity, an EOR (Employer of Record) can look like a simple solution. For many small businesses, it’s...

12 October 2025
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Shareholder Meaning: What They Do And How To Set Yours Up In The UK

Shareholder Meaning: What They Do And How To Set Yours Up In The UK

If you’re running a UK limited company (or planning to), you’ll quickly hear the word “shareholder” come up a lot. But what exactly is a shareholder in business, what do they actually...

12 October 2025
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LTIP In The UK: How To Design Long-Term Incentive Plans That Work

LTIP In The UK: How To Design Long-Term Incentive Plans That Work

Thinking about rewarding key people over the long term? A long-term incentive plan (LTIP) can help you retain talent, align everyone to growth targets and smooth the path to an exit. If...

12 October 2025
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Copyright Infringement in the UK: What Businesses Should Know

Copyright Infringement in the UK: What Businesses Should Know

If you run a small business, copyright can feel like a minefield. One stock photo on your website, one catchy track in a promo video, or one “borrowed” paragraph in a blog...

12 October 2025
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Barrister vs Lawyer in the UK: What’s the Difference?

Barrister vs Lawyer in the UK: What’s the Difference?

If your business needs legal help, you’ll quickly come across different terms: lawyer, solicitor, barrister. They sound similar, but they don’t always do the same job. Getting the right person on the...

12 October 2025
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Heads Of Terms In The UK: What To Know

Heads Of Terms In The UK: What To Know

When you’re close to doing a deal - buying a business, signing a lease, bringing in an investor, partnering with another company - it’s smart to outline the key commercial points before...

12 October 2025
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What Is Escrow And How It Works

What Is Escrow And How It Works

If you’re about to sign a big contract, pay a large deposit, or ship high-value goods to a new buyer, you’ll probably hear the term “escrow”. Escrow is simply a way to...

12 October 2025
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Lease Agreements In England & Wales: What To Know Before You Sign

Lease Agreements In England & Wales: What To Know Before You Sign

Whether you’re opening your first shopfront, moving into a bigger office or leasing a warehouse, the right lease agreement can set you up for smooth operations - and the wrong one can...

12 October 2025
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Franchise UK: Legal Steps To Buy Or Start A Franchise

Franchise UK: Legal Steps To Buy Or Start A Franchise

Thinking about launching a franchise in the UK - either by turning your proven concept into a franchise network or by buying into an established brand? Franchising can be a powerful way...

12 October 2025
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Shell Companies in the UK: Legit Uses and Legal Risks

Shell Companies in the UK: Legit Uses and Legal Risks

“Shell company” can sound mysterious - and sometimes, it is. But in the UK, shell companies (and shell corporations) can be used in perfectly legitimate ways by small businesses, as long as...

12 October 2025
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What Does “Without Prejudice” Mean in the UK?

What Does “Without Prejudice” Mean in the UK?

If you’ve ever been in a contract dispute or a tricky negotiation, you’ve probably seen emails or letters labelled “Without Prejudice.” It’s a powerful legal label - but it’s also misunderstood and...

12 October 2025
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