In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding the intricacies of contract law is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a burgeoning startup or an established enterprise, navigating the legalities of contracts can be daunting, often setting the stage for the future of your business. UK Businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors, can benefit from a new free information guide that has been launched to give a clear, concise, and up-to-date overview of the key aspects of contract law for their everyday operations.

Contract law basics: Guidance for businesses on the basics of contract law has been designed to assist businesses in navigating the intricacies of contract law to avoid common pitfalls and misunderstandings when engaging in agreements with customers, suppliers, and other businesses. Written by experts in consumer protection law, the guide is part of a series of resources published by the Business Companion website on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade, all aimed at supporting businesses and traders in enhancing their operations.

With a focus on helping businesses avoid mistakes and misunderstandings that can arise with concern to contracts, the guide is a vital tool for promoting clarity and compliance in commercial dealings.

The guide covers essential topics such as definitions of frequently used terms, the fundamental elements of contract formation, and an exploration of the various types of contracts that businesses typically encounter, including those governing on-premises and distance sales. Both business-to-consumer and business-to-business contracts are explored, as well as postal and online contracts, shedding light on unfair contract terms and conditions and addressing issues related to a customer’s capacity to enter into a contract.

In addition to providing links for further reading and relevant legislation, the guide includes a practical checklist designed to help businesses ensure that their terms and conditions align with best practices and comply with consumer protection laws.

Contract law basics: Guidance for businesses on the basics of contract law is a comprehensive resource ideal for any businesses seeking to enhance their understanding of contract law and improve their contractual practices.

The launch of the guide coincides with a series of webinars, hosted by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and presented by the guide’s author, Jemma Cox. These free two-hour sessions, which will include guidance on the dos and don’ts of writing contracts, will take place on 22 March at 10am and 28 March at 1pm. Limited places are available, so to register via the guide as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The repercussions of making mistakes when designing your contracts could be significant, with the potential for disputes with customers, work not being paid for, legal penalties and time-consuming and expensive remediation costing your business dearly.

To make sure you’re getting things right from the get-go, visit businesscompanion.info today to download the free guide.

About Business Companion

Business Companion is a free online resource produced by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) on behalf of the Department for Trade.

The content on Business Companion is written and verified by expert contributors, but is not designed to be a replacement for professional advice and is intended only for guidance. Only the courts can give an authoritative interpretation of the law.

Business Companion covers Trading Standards law for England, Scotland and Wales. For guidance on the law in Northern Ireland, please see nibusinessinfo.co.uk.

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Business Companion: a reliable voice in the misinformation age – Business Companion is a one-stop-shop for accurate and up-to-date legal guidance, whatever sector you’re in — and it’s all completely free