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

Lawyer For Business: What SMEs Need And When To Instruct
Running a small business is exciting - but the legal side can feel like a maze. That’s where a lawyer for business comes in. The right legal partner helps you set strong...

Employee Share Schemes In The UK: Reward Staff And Grow Safely
If you’re building a team and want to keep your best people for the long haul, offering employee shares can be a game-changer. Done well, an employee share plan aligns incentives, boosts...

Introducer Agreement: What It Is and How It Works
If your business grows through word‑of‑mouth or trusted partners, an introducer agreement can be a simple way to scale those introductions without risking disputes or regulatory headaches. Think of it as the...

Breach of Fiduciary Duty for Directors in the UK
If you run a company, you’ll hear the phrase “fiduciary duty” sooner or later. It sounds technical, but it boils down to this: directors and others in positions of trust must act...

Governing Law Clause: What It Is And How To Use It
If you sign or send out contracts, you’ll see a short boilerplate line near the end that says something like “This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.” That...

Governance In Business: Key Principles And Best Practices
If you’re running a small company, “governance” might sound like something only big listed businesses worry about. In reality, good governance in business is simply about how you make decisions, who is...
How To Patent A Design In The UK
If you’re searching for how to patent a design in the UK, you’re not alone. Lots of founders use “design patent” as a catch‑all term for protecting how their product looks. In...

What Happens When FCA Authorisation Expires?
If your business offers regulated financial services, your FCA status underpins everything - from your ability to trade to the contracts you sign with customers and partners. But what actually happens when...

Sole Trader Liability: What 'Personally Liable' Means in the UK
If you’re weighing up whether to trade as a sole trader or set up a limited company, you’ll quickly run into the phrase: “a sole trader is personally liable for a business’...

How To Draft Contracts In The UK
Solid contracts are the backbone of any successful business relationship. Whether you’re selling services, buying stock, hiring contractors or licensing software, clear, well‑drafted contracts help you get paid on time, set expectations,...

How Trustee Companies Work in the UK
Thinking about using a company to act as trustee for a trust linked to your business, assets or investors? You’re not alone. Many UK founders and SMEs use a corporate trustee to...

How To Protect Intellectual Property in the UK
Your brand, content, product designs and unique know‑how are often the most valuable assets in your business. The challenge? They’re invisible and easy to copy if you haven’t put the right protections...

Do You Need a Non-Compete Lawyer in the UK?
Bringing the right people into your business is exciting. But when team members move on, the risk of them taking customers, know‑how or your best staff with them is real. That’s where...

Convertible Senior Notes in the UK: What Businesses Should Know
Looking at ways to raise capital without giving away too much control upfront? Convertible senior notes could be the bridge between where you are now and your next funding milestone. They’re popular...
TM Registration In The UK: How To Apply And Costs
If you’re building a brand in the UK, “TM registration” should be high on your to‑do list. A registered trade mark is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect your...

What Is Consequential Damage In UK Contracts?
If you sell products or services, sooner or later a customer or supplier will ask you to “exclude consequential damage” or accept a “consequential loss” carve‑out. These lines can look harmless in...

What Are A Ordinary Shares?
If you’re setting up or growing a UK company, you’ll quickly run into the jargon of share classes. One term that pops up a lot is “A Ordinary Shares” (often written “A...

Is Crowdfunding Short- or Long-Term?
If you’re weighing up crowdfunding to raise money for your UK small business, one of the first questions you’ll run into is simple but important: is crowdfunding short or long term? The...

Corporate Social Responsibility for SMEs: How to Put It into Practice
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) isn’t just for big brands with glossy reports. For small businesses in the UK, doing the right thing by your people, customers and community can directly boost trust,...

IP Indemnity Clauses In The UK: What To Know And How To Negotiate
If you’re buying, building, licensing or selling anything involving intellectual property (IP), chances are an IP indemnity will be on the table. Handled well, it’s a powerful way to manage risk and...

Agency Contract In The UK: What You Need To Know
If you’re looking to grow sales without hiring a full in-house team, appointing an agent can be a smart, flexible option. The right agency contract lets you tap into existing relationships, expand...

FCA Authorisations: What You Need To Know
If your business touches money, credit or investments in any way, you’ve probably heard the phrase “FCA authorisations”. It can feel daunting at first - but understanding what the Financial Conduct Authority...

Corporate Law Services In The UK: What You Need And When
Growing a small business is exciting - and a little daunting. Between winning customers, hiring your first team member and keeping an eye on cash flow, it’s easy to leave the “corporate...

Limited Partnerships in the UK: Formation and Requirements
Thinking about bringing on an investor who wants limited risk while you handle day-to-day operations? A Limited Partnership (LP) can be a smart way to structure that relationship in the UK. In...
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