Category

Legal advice

The small business legal advice section provides in-depth guides and features on tax, company and employment law for UK SMEs and sole traders.

A guide to intellectual property for small business owners

Simon Ewing of Russell-Cooke LLP covers what entrepreneurs need to know about protecting intellectual property.

Legal advice

Legal advice

New competitors in the conveyancing space

Here, we look at the AA's move into the conveyancing sector. 

Legal advice

A small business guide to professional negligence claims

Here, Susan Hopcraft, solicitor at Wright Hassall, discusses how to proceed when faced with the negligence of an adviser.

Legal advice

Social media and legal protection: Understanding the new Defamation Act

Tom Lingard discusses the new Defamation Act and how it impacts on what businesses can post online.

Legal advice

How to dismiss an employee for gross misconduct

What happens when a staff member crosses the line and needs to have their contract terminated?

Legal advice

When does workplace banter turn into a claim against a business?

Adrian Hoggarth explores how seemingly harmless staff banter can escalate into a legal problem.

Legal advice

Key legal issues for tech start-ups

Tom Lingard presents the legal considerations early-stage tech companies need to be mindful of when starting out.

Legal advice

Exploring the role of mediation in a small business

David Cliff discusses why it may be easier for a business to settle disputes via mediation before looking at more severe approaches.

Legal advice

Key legal issues for tech start-ups

Tom Lingard presents the legal considerations early-stage tech companies need to be mindful of when starting out.

Legal advice

Exploring the role of mediation in a small business

David Cliff discusses why it may be easier for a business to settle disputes via mediation before looking at more severe approaches.

Legal advice

Social media and employment: What to know

Michael Salter covers the legal risks of online pre-employment vetting and offers guidelines for employer and employee conduct with regard to social media.

Legal advice

Can I dismiss an employee who is contracted to another company?

I have a member of staff who is contracted as a cleaner to another company, but I have recently had complaints from both parties that him working there is causing problems. Can I dismiss him or do I need to look for alternatives?

Legal advice

IP protection: How to protect your most valuable assets

Tom Lingard, partner at law firm Stevens & Bolton, discusses the ways in which intellectual property rights can be used to protect the assets of your business.

Legal advice

How to choose a legal adviser

Ian Cowley gives some pointers on sourcing the right solicitor when running a small business.

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Partner content

Small business owners: discover alternative funding solutions to help fuel your growth

Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis

Investing in a franchise

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.