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

How Nominee Shares Work In The UK
Thinking about using nominee shares in your UK company? You’re not alone. Many small businesses consider nominee arrangements to keep the cap table tidy, simplify investor admin or add a layer of...

Heads Of Agreement Template In The UK: Key Inclusions And Safe Use
When you’re close to a deal but not quite ready for a full contract, a simple, clear Heads of Agreement can be a smart next step. It helps you lock in the...

What Rights Does a 25% Shareholder Have in the UK?
If you’re running a company with co-founders or bringing on an investor, a key question quickly comes up: what rights does a 25% shareholder have? In UK companies, 25% isn’t just a...

1st Lien vs 2nd Lien: Secured Lending Priority in the UK
Looking at finance to grow your business and a lender mentions a “first lien” or “second lien”? Don’t stress - this is just about who gets paid first if something goes wrong....

How To Make A Legal Contract In The UK
Clear, well‑written contracts are the backbone of any successful business relationship. Whether you’re onboarding a new client, engaging a contractor, or partnering with a supplier, a solid agreement sets expectations, manages risk...

What Is The Legal Structure Of A Business In The UK?
Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make as a founder. It affects your liability, tax, how you raise money, the contracts you’ll need, and...

Pros and Cons of Equity Investment
Thinking about bringing investors on board? Equity investment can be a powerful way to fund growth, build credibility and share risk - but it does come with strings attached. In this guide,...

Companies House Forms Explained
If you run a limited company in the UK, you’ll inevitably deal with Companies House forms. From setting up your company to appointing directors, issuing new shares, or filing your yearly Confirmation...

Issued Capital in UK Companies Explained
Setting your company’s issued capital is one of those early decisions that looks simple on paper, but it can affect everything from control and investor confidence to future fundraising and exits. The...

Implied Contracts in the UK: What They Are and How to Manage Risk
Most small businesses work fast – a quick email, a repeat order, a handshake at a networking event. But here’s the catch: even without a formal, signed document, you can still end...

How To Submit a Patent in the UK
If your business has developed a new product, process or piece of tech, a UK patent can be a powerful way to protect your competitive edge and unlock investment. The process can...

Providing Services in the UK: Key Legal Requirements
Whether you’re a consultancy, creative studio, trades business or an online platform, providing services is one of the simplest ways to start and grow a UK business. But “simple” doesn’t mean “anything...

Is A Chairman A Director In The UK?
If you’ve set up a limited company and you’re building a board, you’ll quickly run into a common question: is a chairman (often just called the “chair”) automatically a director? It’s a...

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy Template in the UK
If you’re running a small business in the UK, you’re expected to guard against bribery and corruption - not just in your own team, but right through your supply chain. The good...

Implied Contracts In The UK: What You Need To Know
Most business owners focus on written contracts - and rightly so. But under UK law, a binding agreement can also arise by conduct or through terms “implied” into your dealings, even if...

What Is Pre-Emption In The UK For Share Issues And Transfers?
If you’re running a UK company with more than one shareholder, you’ll hear the term “pre-emption” pretty quickly when it’s time to issue new shares or someone wants to sell. Don’t stress...

How Are Directors Appointed in UK Companies?
Bringing the right people onto your board can accelerate your growth, unlock investment and sharpen your governance. But how are directors appointed in a UK company, exactly? Good news - the process...

How To Manage Employee Resignations In The UK
Even well-run teams will face it sooner or later - an employee, co‑founder or director decides to resign from your company. Handled well, resignations can be low‑stress and even a chance to...

Ordinary Share Capital Formula In The UK: How To Calculate
If you run a limited company in the UK, you’ll see “ordinary share capital” pop up in your accounts, on Companies House forms and in investor conversations. It’s one of those terms...
Shareholder Agreements in the UK
If you’re starting or growing a private limited company in the UK with one or more co-founders or investors, a shareholder agreement is one of the most valuable documents you can put...

How To Evaluate A Company
Thinking about buying a company, taking a strategic stake, or partnering with another business? Great opportunities do pop up - but before you sign anything, you’ll want a clear, structured way to...

One Way NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) In The UK
If you’re about to share valuable know‑how with a potential supplier, contractor or investor, a one way NDA can be the simplest way to protect your business information. In this guide, we’ll...

Term Financing: How It Works, Legal Risks and Terms to Negotiate
Looking to invest in equipment, hire new staff or open a second site, but you don’t want to dilute equity? Term financing could be the funding tool that gets you there. In...

How Much Do Preference Shares Cost In The UK?
Issuing preference shares can be an attractive way for a UK small business to raise capital without giving up day-to-day control. But what do preference shares actually cost, and how do you...
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