Startups Articles

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

Competition Law In The UK Explained

Competition Law In The UK Explained

If you buy from suppliers, sell to customers, or work with other businesses, competition law affects you. It isn’t just for big tech or supermarkets - the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)...

18 October 2025
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Unfair Prejudice In The UK: What Shareholders Should Know

Unfair Prejudice In The UK: What Shareholders Should Know

Disputes between co-founders or shareholders can derail a small company fast. If you feel locked out of decisions, unfairly diluted, or your co-founder is diverting opportunities, you’ve probably come across the term...

18 October 2025
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What Is a Business Angel and How Do They Work?

What Is a Business Angel and How Do They Work?

If you’re exploring funding options for your small business, you’ve probably come across the term “business angel”. Angel investment can be a game-changer at the early stages - providing capital, connections and...

18 October 2025
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What Is Consideration In UK Contract Law?

What Is Consideration In UK Contract Law?

If you’re signing or sending contracts as a small business, you’ll hear lawyers talk about “consideration”. It sounds technical, but the idea is simple: each side has to give something of value....

17 October 2025
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Condition Precedent in UK Contracts Explained

Condition Precedent in UK Contracts Explained

If you’ve ever worked on a deal that didn’t complete straight away - a share sale, a major services contract, a loan, a franchise, or a big supplier agreement - you’ve likely...

17 October 2025
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How To Register A Trade Mark In The UK

How To Register A Trade Mark In The UK

Your brand is one of your most valuable business assets. A distinctive name or logo makes you memorable to customers - but it also needs legal protection so competitors can’t ride on...

17 October 2025
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How To Add A Director To A Company In The UK

How To Add A Director To A Company In The UK

Bringing a new director on board can be a smart move when your business needs fresh expertise, stronger governance, or simply another pair of hands to steer growth. But before you jump...

17 October 2025
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Directors’ Fiduciary Duties in the UK

Directors’ Fiduciary Duties in the UK

If you’re running a limited company in the UK, your directors carry serious legal responsibilities - including fiduciary duties. These aren’t just “nice to have” principles. They’re enforceable obligations that affect how...

17 October 2025
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What Is a Private Unlimited Company in the UK?

What Is a Private Unlimited Company in the UK?

Thinking about registering a private unlimited company in the UK? It’s a niche structure that can offer real advantages in the right circumstances - but it also comes with major risks that...

17 October 2025
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What Is a Patent Attorney in the UK?

What Is a Patent Attorney in the UK?

If your business is developing a new product, manufacturing process, piece of hardware or software with a technical edge, you’ve probably wondered whether you should speak to a patent professional. That’s smart...

17 October 2025
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How To Apply For A Trade Mark In The UK

How To Apply For A Trade Mark In The UK

Your brand name, logo and taglines are some of the most valuable assets your business owns. Securing a trade mark is how you legally lock in those brand elements so competitors can’t...

17 October 2025
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Concept Ventures: Legal Steps To Secure Pre‑Seed Investment In The UK

Concept Ventures: Legal Steps To Secure Pre‑Seed Investment In The UK

If you’re exploring pre-seed investment in the UK, you’ve probably come across Concept Ventures. Funds at this stage typically write the first institutional cheque, help you validate product-market fit, and set you...

17 October 2025
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Business Angels: How To Secure Investment

Business Angels: How To Secure Investment

If you’re looking to raise early-stage funding in the UK, business angels can be a game‑changer. Angels invest their own money, bring real‑world experience and often open doors to customers, partners and...

16 October 2025
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Resolving Shareholder Disputes in the UK

Resolving Shareholder Disputes in the UK

Shareholder disputes can stop a small company in its tracks. They drain time, money and energy, and if they aren’t handled well, they can threaten the future of the business itself. The...

16 October 2025
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Postal Rule in UK Contract Law Explained

Postal Rule in UK Contract Law Explained

If you trade with customers or suppliers by post (or even by email and online portals), it’s worth understanding the “postal rule”. In UK contract law, the postal rule can decide when...

16 October 2025
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What Is a Statement of Work (SOW)?

What Is a Statement of Work (SOW)?

If you sell projects or services, you’ve likely heard the term “Statement of Work” (SOW). But what is a Statement of Work in practical terms, and how does it protect your business?...

16 October 2025
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Shadow Director Meaning Under UK Law

Shadow Director Meaning Under UK Law

If your company often takes guidance from a trusted adviser, founder, major investor or even a former director, you might be wondering whether that person could be seen as a “shadow director”....

16 October 2025
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How To Transfer Shares In A UK Company

How To Transfer Shares In A UK Company

Whether you’re bringing in a new investor, exiting a co-founder, or passing ownership to a family member, transferring shares is a common part of running a private company. The good news: most...

15 October 2025
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How To Remove a Director From Companies House

How To Remove a Director From Companies House

Need to remove a director from Companies House? Whether someone has resigned, you’re changing the board after investment, or you need to remove a director for performance or conduct reasons, it’s important...

15 October 2025
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LLP vs Ltd: Which Structure Is Best in the UK?

LLP vs Ltd: Which Structure Is Best in the UK?

Deciding between an LLP vs LTD can feel like splitting hairs at first glance. Both offer limited liability and a professional, credible face to the market. But under the surface, they work...

15 October 2025
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Crowdfunding In The UK: Advantages, Validation And Legal Essentials

Crowdfunding In The UK: Advantages, Validation And Legal Essentials

Crowdfunding has moved from a niche idea to a mainstream way for UK small businesses to raise money, build buzz and test demand - all at the same time. If you’re weighing...

15 October 2025
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Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs) in the UK: Terms, Process, Pitfalls

Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs) in the UK: Terms, Process, Pitfalls

If you’re buying or selling shares in a UK company, a share purchase agreement (often shortened to “SPA”) is the core contract that makes the deal work. It sets out exactly what’s...

15 October 2025
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Non-Disclosure Agreement Template in the UK: Before Using a Free NDA

Non-Disclosure Agreement Template in the UK: Before Using a Free NDA

Whether you’re pitching to an investor, onboarding a contractor, or sharing a prototype with a supplier, there’ll be times when your small business needs to share sensitive information-but you still want to...

15 October 2025
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PLC vs Ltd: What’s the Difference in the UK?

PLC vs Ltd: What’s the Difference in the UK?

Thinking about the best company structure for your growing business? You’ll quickly come across two common options in the UK: private limited companies (Ltd) and public limited companies (PLC). The names sound...

15 October 2025
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