Startups Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on startups for uk businesses.
Startup Equity in the UK: What Founders Need to Know
Equity is the engine room of most startups. It funds growth, attracts great people and aligns everyone behind your long‑term goals. But it’s also where many founders stumble. Who gets what? How...
10 December 2025
How To Trademark A Name For Free In The UK: What’s Actually Possible
You’ve found the perfect name for your business and want to protect it before someone else grabs it. Naturally, you’re wondering if there’s a way to trademark a name for free in...
10 December 2025
Navigating Company Collaboration: Legal Essentials
Working with another company can unlock new markets, speed up delivery, reduce costs or help you launch something you couldn’t build alone. From co‑marketing a new product to a full joint venture,...
10 December 2025
Understanding Second Lien Finance In The UK
If you’re growing and your bank says they’ll only lend more if another lender comes in “behind” them, you’re likely stepping into second lien territory. Don’t stress - once you understand how...
10 December 2025
How To Register A Sole Proprietorship In The UK
Thinking of kicking off a new venture quickly and with minimal cost? Registering as a sole proprietor (called a “sole trader” in the UK) is the simplest way to start trading. It’s...
10 December 2025
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...
10 December 2025
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...
10 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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’...
9 December 2025
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,...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
9 December 2025
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...
8 December 2025
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...
8 December 2025
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...
8 December 2025
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...
8 December 2025
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,...
7 December 2025
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...
7 December 2025
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