Startups Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on startups for uk businesses.

Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): When UK Startups and SMEs Should Use One
If you’re running a UK startup or SME, you’ve probably heard someone say “let’s put it in an SPV” when talking about investment, property, or a higher-risk project. It can sound like...

Companies House £13 Fee: What It Covers And When It Applies
If you run a UK limited company (or you’re about to set one up), you’ll probably come across the Companies House £13 fee at some point. It’s small enough to seem like...

Company Constitution: What It Is, What It Includes, And Why You Need One
If you’re running (or about to launch) a UK company, you’ll hear a lot of talk about your company constitution. It can sound like something only big corporates worry about. But in...

Who Is Liable When A Limited Company Goes Bust? Directors & Guarantees
Running a limited company is meant to give you a degree of protection if things don’t go to plan. But when cash gets tight (or you’re staring down unpaid tax, supplier demands,...

Corporate Law Firms Near Me: How SMEs And Startups Choose The Right Partner
If you’ve searched for corporate law firms near me, you’re probably not looking for “legal theory”. You’re looking for a lawyer who can actually help your business move forward - whether that’s...

UK Promissory Note Template: Key Clauses for Startup & SME Loans
If you’re lending money to (or borrowing money through) your startup or small business, it’s tempting to keep things informal. After all, you probably trust the other party, and you just want...

What Is A Co-Founder Exit Strategy And Why Do I Need One? (2026 Updated)
Starting a business with a co-founder can be one of the best decisions you'll ever make. You move faster, share the workload, and (hopefully) balance each other's strengths. But there's one topic...

Implied Contracts: What They Are And How They Affect Your Business
When you’re running a small business, it’s easy to think a contract only exists when something has been signed. But in UK law, that’s not quite how it works. You can end...

Contract Signing In The UK: A Practical Guide For Startups
You’ve negotiated the deal, agreed the commercials, and everyone’s keen to get it signed. Then the practical questions start: who can sign, does it need a witness, can you sign by email,...

Differences Between An Online Store & Marketplace Model (2026 Updated)
If you're building an ecommerce business in 2026, one of the biggest "fork in the road" decisions is whether you're running an online store or a marketplace . They can look similar...

Social Responsibility in Business: What It Means for UK SMEs and Startups
If you’re running a small business or building a startup, you’ve probably felt the pressure to “do the right thing” - for customers, staff, suppliers, and your wider community. That’s where social...

Angel Investors: What UK Startups Should Know Before Raising Funding
If you’re building a startup, you’ve probably heard founders talk about “getting an angel” as a big milestone. But the meaning of angel investors isn’t just “someone who gives you money”. Angel...

UK Startup Funding Round Legal Checklist: Key Documents & Terms
Getting ready for a funding round is exciting - and a little intense. You’ve got pitch decks flying around, investor calls stacking up, and probably a product roadmap you’re still trying to...

How To Start An Online Subscription Business: Legal Tips (2026 Updated)
Online subscriptions can be a brilliant way to build predictable, recurring revenue - whether you're selling a monthly product box, access to a digital platform, premium content, or ongoing services. But the...

Phantom Share Option Plans - 6 Things You Need To Know (2026 Updated)
If you're trying to attract (and keep) great people in 2026, you've probably heard the same advice a hundred times: "Offer equity." But what if you're not ready to give away real...

Limited Liability Companies: Meaning, Benefits And Key Legal Considerations
If you’re starting (or scaling) a business in the UK, you’ve probably come across the term limited liability company - especially if you’ve been researching online. Here’s the thing: in the UK,...

Contract Risk Management: Reducing Legal Exposure In Commercial Contracts
If you run a small business, contracts aren’t just paperwork - they’re one of the main ways you protect your cashflow, your reputation, and your time. But here’s the tricky part: most...

Health and Safety Policy Statement: UK Requirements and Key Inclusions
If you’re running a small business, health and safety can feel like one of those “I’ll deal with it later” tasks - right up until something goes wrong. A clear health and...

EIS Shares Explained: What Startups Need To Know Before Issuing Equity
If you’re raising investment for your startup or SME, you’ve probably heard investors ask one question early: “Will my investment qualify for EIS?” EIS (the Enterprise Investment Scheme) can be a big...

Privacy Policy Example: What UK Small Businesses Must Include
If you run a small business in the UK, chances are you’re handling personal data every day - even if it doesn’t feel like it. Maybe you’ve got a simple “contact us”...

UK Micro Company: Meaning, Eligibility Criteria And Legal Obligations
If you’re running a lean operation with a small team, modest turnover and straightforward finances, you might have heard the term “micro company” (or “micro-entity”) and wondered whether it applies to you....

Starting A Healthcare Business In The UK: Legal Requirements, Contracts And Compliance
Starting a healthcare business can be an exciting way to make a real impact in your community - whether you’re opening a private clinic, launching a digital health platform, or providing in-home...

M&A Solicitors: What They Do, When You Need One, And Costs
If you’re running a UK startup or SME, “M&A” can feel like a world that only applies to huge corporations. But in practice, business sales and acquisitions happen at every size. You...

Are Verbal Contracts Legally Binding For Businesses In The UK?
You’ve probably been there: you’re on a call with a supplier, a freelancer, or a customer, and you agree the price, the deadline, and what’s included. Everyone’s happy, you shake on it...
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