Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
The small business legal advice section provides in-depth guides and features on tax, company and employment law for UK SMEs and sole traders.
Q: An employee has been signed off sick but has been caught working for one of our customers. We carried out a stock check and found equipment and chemicals are missing. He has resigned from his position but what do we do about the theft of the items?
Legal advice
Legal advice
One of my employees is doing freelance work on my time. How best to address it and what legally can I do?
Legal advice
I have a 12-month contract with the UK branch of a multinational to fulfil certain tasks at intervals throughout the year for a fixed annual fee, to be paid in twelve equal monthly payments. The company announced closure of the UK operation. What are my contract rights?
Legal advice
Richard Beavan of Boodle Hatfield provides guidance on how to benefit from the new HMRC Patent Box Relief.
Legal advice
We run a small coffee shop. We had mechanical failure at work. We were unable to open so had no income. Our Saturday assistant demanded paying for the day or she would take us to court. What can I do?
Legal advice
I have to close my shop due to year-on-year losses. Can I make my current staff member redundant and employ my son on short-term contract on a much-reduced wage to help me close down the shop?
Legal advice
Stephen Newman, managing partner of Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, gives advice on how small businesses should take on a solicitor.
Legal advice
Another company has started up using our name. We are an online shop and have been in business since 2003. We let a domain name slide, a company has bought it, and is selling similar products under the same name. We have had three calls from their unhappy customers thinking it was us. Please help!
Legal advice
Stephen Newman, managing partner of Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, gives advice on how small businesses should take on a solicitor.
Legal advice
Another company has started up using our name. We are an online shop and have been in business since 2003. We let a domain name slide, a company has bought it, and is selling similar products under the same name. We have had three calls from their unhappy customers thinking it was us. Please help!
Legal advice
I have developed and researched a new idea that I think has the potential to be commercially successful. How do I protect my idea?
Legal advice
I want to hire a friend as director to help me in my business for no salary. He is working for another company. How can we can do it so his obligations (Tax, NI, SSP) and benefits (pensions) as an employee at his current job will not change?
Legal advice
Clive Lewis, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, explains the legal ramifications of shareholder disputes.
Legal advice
I own a small business, incorporated in February this year, as one of three directors. One director is proving awkward to work with and won't agree to anything the other two directors decide on. We want to continue in business with just us two directors and get rid of the third guy. What are our options?
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Business Technology
Landlines as we know them will be scrapped in 2027 – along with a raft of upcoming business changes. Here's how to ensure your communications set-up is fit for whatever the future brings
Business Technology
With the landline shutdown coming fast, there’s never been a better time to switch to VoIP. Don’t let your small business be left behind!
Export & Import
Many factors can affect products’ journeys from A to B. Here are some tips for best practice for successful shipping in the modern world