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

Software Copyright: Protecting Your Code And IP In The UK
If your business builds (or even just tweaks) software, your code can quickly become one of your most valuable assets. But here’s the catch: “valuable” doesn’t automatically mean “protected”. Without the right...

Exchange Policy in the UK: What to Include, Where to Display It, Compliance
If you sell products to customers (online, in-store, or both), you’ve probably been asked: “Can I exchange this?” An exchange policy sounds simple - but the moment you start putting rules around...

What Is a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) Under UK GDPR?
If you run a small business, chances are you rely on other companies to help you operate day-to-day - cloud storage, email marketing, payroll, customer support platforms, booking systems, analytics tools, and...

What Happens When a Commercial Lease Expires? Options for UK Tenants
If you run your business from rented premises, the end of your commercial lease can feel like a cliff-edge moment. One day you’re trading as normal, and the next you’re asking what...

Heads Of Terms Example (UK): Key Clauses, What To Include And Pitfalls
If you’re negotiating a big commercial deal, it’s tempting to jump straight into “the contract”. But in practice, most well-run businesses start with a short document that sets the direction for the...

What Is an Electronic Signature in the UK?
If you run a small business, speed matters. You want to close deals, onboard clients, and keep projects moving without waiting days for printing, scanning, posting, and chasing signatures. That’s where electronic...

What Are Redeemable Shares? A Guide For UK Startups And SMEs
If you’re raising money, bringing in a co-founder, or planning for an eventual exit, you’ll probably come across different “types” (or classes ) of shares. One share class that often comes up...

Commercial Lease Covenants: Key Clauses UK Businesses Must Understand
Signing a commercial lease can feel like a huge milestone for your business. Whether you’re taking on your first shopfront, a small warehouse, or a studio space, getting the premises right can...

Franchise Management: Legal Essentials For Franchisors And Franchisees In The UK
Franchising can be a brilliant way to grow a proven business model (or to buy into one). But once you’ve signed the paperwork and opened the doors, the real work begins: managing...
UK Contractor Agreement: What To Include In a Contractor Contract
Hiring contractors can be a smart way to scale your business without the long-term commitment of taking someone on as an employee. But here’s the catch: if you don’t have a solid...

How To Draft An Employment Contract In The UK: Key Clauses & Mistakes
Hiring your first employee (or your tenth) is a big step. It’s exciting - but it also comes with legal responsibilities that can catch small businesses out if you’re relying on “we’ll...

What Is A Trade Secret? Definition, Examples And UK Protection Laws
If you run a small business, chances are you already rely on trade secrets more than you realise. It might be the recipe that makes your product taste different, the way you...

Copyright Infringement: Meaning, Examples, and How to Avoid It
If you run a small business, you’re probably creating content every week - website copy, product photos, social posts, proposals, training materials, maybe even videos or podcasts. That’s great for growth. But...

Restaurant For Lease: Legal Checklist Before Signing A Commercial Lease
Finding the right restaurant for lease can feel like you’re 90% of the way to opening your doors. The location looks perfect, the kitchen layout seems workable, and you can already picture...

Assignment of Debt in the UK: When You Need It and How to Do It Properly
If your business is owed money, cash flow can start to feel like a constant juggling act. Sometimes the fastest way to turn an unpaid invoice into working capital (or to hand...

Dispute Resolution Clauses in UK Contracts: What to Include and Why It Matters
If you run a small business, disputes are one of those “we’ll deal with it if it happens” issues - until they happen. A late-paying customer, a supplier who delivers the wrong...

IR35 Risk: What UK SMEs Need To Know When Hiring Contractors
Hiring contractors can be a smart way to scale your business quickly, bring in specialist skills, and keep your fixed payroll costs under control. But if you’re a UK SME, there’s one...

Payment Initiation Rules for UK Startups and SMEs
If you’re building (or scaling) a product that moves money, you’ve probably come across payment initiation. For UK startups and SMEs, it can be a brilliant way to improve checkout conversion, reduce...

UK Website Terms And Conditions Template: What To Include
If you run a small business website, your “legal pages” can feel like something you’ll get to later - after you’ve built the site, launched your products, and figured out marketing. But...

How To Sell A Small Business In The UK: Legal Steps & Common Pitfalls
Selling a business is one of those “big moments” that can feel exciting and slightly overwhelming at the same time. You’ve put time (and probably a lot of late nights) into building...

Hiring Casual Employees in the UK: Contracts, Pay and Legal Status
Need an extra pair of hands for your busy season, a one-off event, or occasional shifts when orders spike? For many small businesses, employing someone on a casual basis can feel like...

UK Articles Of Association: What They Are, Why They Matter, And Updates
If you run a UK company (or you’re about to set one up), your articles of association might not be the most exciting document on your to-do list. But they matter more...

Business Proprietor Meaning: UK Legal Essentials
If you’re running (or about to launch) a business, you’ve probably seen the phrase business proprietor pop up on forms, bank applications, insurance documents, leases, and even client contracts. It sounds simple...

How To Properly Execute A Deed For Your Business In The UK
If you run a small business, it’s only a matter of time before someone asks you to “sign this as a deed”. That might happen when you’re taking on investment, signing a...
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