Startups Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on startups for uk businesses.
What Is a Merger in Business? A Practical Guide for UK SMEs and Startups
If you’re building a business that’s growing fast (or you’re looking for a smarter way to scale), you’ve probably heard the term “merger” thrown around in investor conversations, networking events, or even...

Debt Investment: Raising Capital Without Giving Up Equity
If you’re running a startup or small business, you’ll usually hit a point where you need extra capital to grow - to hire, buy stock, invest in equipment, expand to new premises,...

Articles of Association Template: What to Include, Examples & Mistakes
If you’re setting up a limited company in the UK, you’ll hear the phrase “articles of association” very early on - often right around the time you’re trying to register your company...

Director Service Agreement (UK): Key Terms And Why You Need One
If you run a limited company, appointing a director can feel like a “set and forget” task. You file the appointment, everyone knows who’s in charge, and you get back to growing...

Essential Business Contracts Every UK SME And Startup Needs
If you’re running a small business or startup, you’re probably making dozens of decisions a week that affect your cashflow, your customers and your reputation. Contracts often sit in the background until...

Convertible Loan Notes: How They Work And Key UK Startup Risks
If you’re raising money for your startup, you’ve probably heard investors mention a convertible loan as a “quick and simple” way to get funding in. And to be fair, a convertible loan...

The UK M&A Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re thinking about buying a business, selling your company, or merging with a competitor, it can feel like you’re stepping into a world of jargon and long checklists. But the M&A...

How To Sign A Contract In the UK: Practical Steps For Businesses
Signing a contract is one of those “small admin” tasks that can quickly become a big deal for your business. If you sign a contract the wrong way (or without the right...

Commercial Lease Guarantors in the UK: What Businesses Need to Know
If you’re negotiating new premises for your business, you’ll probably spend most of your time thinking about rent, fit-out costs, and how long you want to commit for. Then the landlord (or...

How To Patent An Idea In The UK: What You Can And Can’t Protect
You’ve got a new product concept, a smarter process, or a technical tweak that could give your business a real edge. Naturally, you might be thinking: “How do I patent an idea...

What Is a Board Meeting? A UK Guide for Directors
If you’re running a UK startup or small business, the phrase “board meeting” can feel like something reserved for big corporates in glass offices. But board meetings aren’t just corporate theatre. They’re...

UK Startup Funding Rounds: Legal Considerations From Seed To Series A
Raising investment can feel like a milestone moment for your business - and it often is. But while the headlines focus on valuation and “closing the round”, the legal side is what...

PIK Notes Explained: How PIK Interest Works And Key Legal Terms
If you’re raising money for your startup, you’ve probably noticed that “debt” financing can get complicated fast. One term that comes up a lot in venture and growth funding is PIK notes....

Who Are Shareholders? Rights, Responsibilities And Liability In The UK
If you’ve set up (or you’re about to set up) a limited company in the UK, you’ll almost certainly come across the concept of shareholders. But who are shareholders in practice, and...

How To Incorporate A Business In The UK: Step-By-Step Guide
If you’re building a startup or growing an SME, there often comes a point where operating informally (or as a sole trader) starts to feel risky - or simply limits what you...

Financial Services and Markets Act 2023: Key Changes for UK Startups and SMEs
If you’re building a startup or running an SME in the UK, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (often shortened to FSMA 2023 ) is a law worth having on your...

Company Articles of Association: What They Are and How to Update Them
If you’re running a small business (or you’re just about to incorporate), it’s easy to treat your company paperwork as a “set and forget” exercise. But your articles of association aren’t just...

How To Register A Business Name In the UK: Step-By-Step Guide
Choosing a business name is one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture. It’s the name you’ll put on your website, invoices, proposals, packaging, and (hopefully) on a growing...

UK Company Registration Documents: What You Need and Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re setting up a limited company, it’s tempting to think “company registration” is just a quick online form and a small fee. In practice, it’s still pretty straightforward - but the...

Head of Terms Meaning: What It Is, What to Include, and If It’s Binding in the UK
If you’re negotiating a big deal for your small business - like a new supplier arrangement, a lease, an investment, or even a business sale - you’ll often reach a point where...

How To Appoint A Company Director In The UK: Steps, Documents & Mistakes
Bringing a new director into your company can be a big moment - whether you’re hiring a professional to help you scale, promoting a trusted team member, or adding a co-founder to...

Hiring Online Lawyers In The UK: What Small Businesses Should Know
If you’re running a small business, there’s a good chance you’ve already Googled “online lawyers” at least once. Maybe you’re hiring your first team member, launching a website, signing a big client,...

Company Due Diligence: A Practical Guide For UK SMEs And Startups
Whether you’re buying a business, taking investment, entering a joint venture, or signing a major supplier deal, company due diligence is the step that turns “this sounds promising” into “this is a...

Distribution Companies: Key Legal Considerations For UK Suppliers, Startups And SMEs
If you’re selling products in the UK (or planning to), partnering with a UK distribution company can be a game-changer. A good distributor can get your products into new regions, new retailers,...
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