Why Does Your Business Need a Shareholders’ Agreement?
An effective shareholders agreement can protect against disputes between your company’s shareholders and directors. A shareholders’ agreement is a private contract between some or all of the shareholders in a company, governing how the shareholders interact with the company, as well as with each other. Any company that has shareholders should have a properly drafted […]
Setting up a Limited Company
A limited company in the UK is a business structure where the company operates as a separate legal entity from its owners. This setup provides a key advantage: the personal financial liability of the company’s shareholders or guarantors is limited to their investment or the amount they agree to contribute in case of debt. This […]
How to Register a Company
If you’ve considered your options and decided that a limited company is the best business structure for you, what do you need to do next? Under the Companies Act 2006, your business can’t operate as a limited company until it has been incorporated (i.e. successfully registered) at Companies House. It’s always within your best interests […]
Shareholder Disputes (and How to Resolve Them!)
Shareholder disputes have the potential to cause significant damage and disruption to a company’s commercial interests. Taking effective steps to resolve shareholder disputes can be business-critical. There are a number of reasons why a dispute may arise between company shareholders or shareholders and directors. Some common causes of shareholder disputes include: a. Poor performance […]
Commercial Property Tax (Everything You Need to Know!)
Venturing into the commercial property sphere without a deep understanding of the UK’s commercial property tax regulations could lead to significant financial pitfalls. The complexities of the UK tax system can catch you off guard, resulting in hefty unexpected charges, fines, loss of property and a tarnished relationship with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This […]
Finding the Best Commercial Property Solicitors
Commercial property solicitors play a pivotal role in the UK’s real estate market, ensuring that transactions involving commercial properties are legally sound, efficient, and tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses. Their expertise is crucial for a range of activities, from buying, selling, and leasing commercial spaces to navigating complex planning laws and resolving […]
What Is Commercial Property? (A Complete Guide!)
In the UK, commercial property refers to real estate used for business activities. This broad category encompasses not only buildings housing businesses but also land intended to generate profit and large residential rental properties. Examples of commercial properties include shopping centres, supermarkets, and office spaces. This broad category is vital for businesses of all types, […]
Commercial Property Investment (A Guide!)
Investing in commercial property represents a strategic approach to investment portfolio diversification, effectively mitigating risk. The potential for financial returns from commercial real estate investments arises both through rental income, provided by leasing space to tenants, and through capital appreciation, as the market value of the property increases over time. Unlike other investment assets like […]
Understanding Standard Commercial Property Conditions
Standard Commercial Property Conditions (SCPCs) refer to a set of predefined terms and conditions often used to sell and purchase commercial properties in the UK. These conditions aim to streamline the transaction process, offering a uniform legal framework that both parties can rely on during negotiations and contractual agreements. Understanding SCPCs is crucial for anyone […]
What is the Role of the Company Secretary?
All UK public companies require a company secretary by law, under the Companies Act. Private limited companies however are not required to appoint a company secretary, however the directors may still choose to do so, as there can be many practical benefits to the organisation of having a dedicated individual in this role. Many important […]
Introduction to FRI Leases (A Deep Dive!)
A full repairing and insuring lease, known as an FRI lease, is a commercial lease which gives the tenant sole responsibility for the maintenance, repair, and insurance of the property for the duration of their tenancy contract. This means that for the duration of their tenancy, the tenant assumes full responsibility for the upkeep of […]
Stamp Duty on a Commercial Lease (A Guide!)
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) must be paid on land transactions in England, including commercial leases over a certain threshold. SDLT may be payable on the grant, assignment, variation or surrender of a commercial lease. The rules surrounding SDLT are complex and it is the tenant’s responsibility to calculate and pay any stamp duty on […]
Guide to the GDPR for Businesses
The GDPR is an acronym for the General Data Protection Regulations. This a European-wide Regulation from the European Union and has a direct effect in every member state. In an age of ‘big data’ and high profile data breaches, the aim is to enhance protection and control of individuals’ over their personal data, while standardising […]
How Businesses can avoid GDPR Fines
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on the 25th May 2018. It replaced the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC with the purpose of strengthening and unifying data privacy laws across Europe. The EU directive has had far-reaching impact for all organisations that handle individual’s personal data, irrespective of where the organisation is based […]
Ultimate Guide to Franchising Your Business (Insights!)
Franchising is a strategic expansion model where a business (the franchisor) grants another party (the franchisee) the right to operate a business or sell goods and services using the franchisor’s brand, model, and system. Franchising presents an unparalleled opportunity for business expansion and brand recognition in the United Kingdom, offering a strategic pathway for businesses […]
What is Personal Data?
The definition of personal data was updated with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the new Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018). Personal data can be defined as information, which can be used to directly or indirectly identify an individual. This includes a name, location or IP address. Where the information […]
Data Protection Law – Where are We Now?
Data protection law exists to protect the privacy and personal data rights of individuals. This area is primarily governed in the UK by the Data Protection Act 2018. The Act was passed to provide enhanced legal rights and responsibilities in respect of how data should be handled by organisations, businesses and the government than was […]
Guide to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations
The PECR, or Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, exist to protect the data privacy rights of individuals and businesses online in response to the proliferation in online business and marketing activity. Alongside the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the PECR ensure organisations use data responsibly by requiring any organisation that uses electronic […]
Can Visa Dependants Start A Business in the UK?
Dependant visa holders are generally permitted to start and run their own business in the UK, provided they have lawful status and remain eligible under their visa conditions. In this guide, we explain the rules on setting up a business if you have a dependant visa. Who are visa dependants? Visa dependants, or dependant visa-holders, […]
Do Academic Visitors Need a Visa for the UK?
To visit the UK for academic purposes as an overseas national, you may need an academic visitor visa. Not all visitors to the UK need to apply for a visa, but travelling to Britain without the relevant permission can result in you being refused entry at the border. This makes is critical to understand what […]