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

Warranty Claims: When You Can Make One And How To Respond
Warranty claims can feel like a double hit for a small business. First, something you sold (or bought) hasn’t worked as expected. Then you’re stuck juggling customer expectations, cashflow, supplier conversations, and...

What Is An Ex Gratia Payment In UK Employment Law?
Ending an employment relationship (or resolving a workplace dispute) is rarely just a “process” for a small business. It’s personal, it’s time-consuming, and it can feel high-stakes - especially when you’re balancing...

Business Exit Strategy Planning In The UK: Options And Legal Steps For SMEs
If you’re building a small business or startup, it’s easy to treat an exit as a “future you” problem. But thinking about your business exit strategy early often makes day-to-day decisions simpler...

What Counts As Part-Time Work In The UK?
If you’re hiring in the UK, “part-time” can feel like a simple label - until you need to put it into a contract, work out holiday entitlements, or explain working hours to...

How Limited Companies Can Hire Self-Employed Staff in the UK Safely
Using freelancers, consultants and contractors can be a smart way to grow your business without taking on permanent headcount too early. But if you’re a limited company engaging self-employed contractors (or thinking...

Franchise Fees in the UK: What They Cover and What to Negotiate
If you’re thinking about buying a franchise, the numbers can look deceptively simple at first: an initial franchise fee to get started, plus an ongoing royalty (and sometimes a marketing contribution) once...

How To Convert Startup Debt To Equity: Key UK Legal Steps And Documents
If you’re running a UK startup, cash can feel like it disappears the second it lands in your account. And if your business has built up director loans, founder loans, or investor...

Business Contract Legal Services: What UK SMEs Should Know Before Signing
You’ve finally got the deal on the table. Maybe it’s a new supplier who can scale with you, a major customer ready to sign, a tech partner who can accelerate product development,...

Do UK Companies Need a Company Stamp? Legal Requirements and Best Practice
If you’re running a limited company, you’ve probably seen (or been asked for) a “company stamp” at some point - especially when dealing with banks, overseas suppliers, or anything that feels a...

Franchise Cost in the UK: How Much Does It Cost to Start a Franchise?
If you like the idea of running your own business but don’t want to build everything from scratch, franchising can feel like the “best of both worlds”. You get a proven brand...

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Why It Matters And How To Do It Well
If you run a small business, “CSR” (corporate social responsibility) can sound like something only big corporates worry about. But the reality is that almost every decision you make as a CSR-minded...

What Is An Ordinary Resolution Under The UK Companies Act?
If you run a UK limited company, there will be times when you need the shareholders to formally approve a decision. That’s where a resolution comes in. In practice, many day-to-day company...

What Is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) And Why Does It Matter?
If you run a small business, “CSR” can sound like something only big corporates worry about. But in reality, corporate social responsibility can be one of the most practical tools you have...

Is Boxing Day a Bank Holiday in the UK? Employer Leave Rules
December can be a brilliant trading period for small businesses - but it can also be a minefield for staffing, rotas and holiday entitlement. One question we hear a lot at this...

Domino’s-Style Franchising in the UK: Key Legal Considerations
Franchising can be a brilliant way to grow a business (or buy into one) without building everything from scratch. When people look into Domino’s franchising, they’re often looking for a “big-system” franchise...

Outsourcing Agreement UK: Key Terms, Risks, And What To Include
Outsourcing can be a game-changer for small businesses. It can help you scale quickly, access specialist skills, and keep costs predictable. But outsourcing also comes with a big reality check: you’re handing...

Company Law Solicitor: What UK SMEs And Startups Should Know Before Hiring One
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you’d like advice on your specific situation, speak to a qualified solicitor. If you’re running a UK startup or...

Software Licence Agreement (UK): Key Clauses & Common Business Pitfalls
If your business builds software, sells software, buys software, or even just subscribes to it, you’re dealing with licensing (whether you realise it or not). A solid software licence agreement is one...

When Settlement Agreement Payments Are Due, Taxed, and What to Include
If you’re exiting an employee on agreed terms, a settlement agreement can be a sensible way to draw a clear line under the employment relationship and reduce the risk of future disputes....

Software Licensing In The UK: Key Terms, Risks And Contract Clauses
Whether you’re running a growing eCommerce store, a professional services firm, or a startup building your own tech stack, software licences are probably part of your day-to-day. You might be paying for...

What Are Vested Shares? Share Vesting Explained for UK Startups
If you’re building a startup or growing a small business, equity can be one of the most powerful tools you have. It can help you attract great people, keep co-founders aligned, and...

Commercial Lease Renewal In The UK: Steps, Legal Risks And Negotiation Tips
If your commercial lease is coming up for renewal, it can feel like everything is on the line at once - your premises, your costs, and your ability to plan for growth....

Irredeemable Preference Shares: What UK Startups Need to Know
If you’re raising money for your startup or scaling SME, you’ll quickly realise that “shares” aren’t just one simple thing. Investors may ask for different classes of shares with different rights, and...

How To Open A Cafe In The UK: Legal Steps, Licences And Contracts
Opening a cafe in the UK is one of those business ideas that’s equal parts exciting and demanding. You’re building a brand people will visit weekly (sometimes daily), you’re managing a fast-moving...
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