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.

How to get Patent Box Relief 

Richard Beavan of Boodle Hatfield provides guidance on how to benefit from the new HMRC Patent Box Relief.

Legal advice

Legal advice

Do I have to pay staff if I can’t open?

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

Can I replace my staff member?

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

Choosing a solicitor: How to avoid the pitfalls

Stephen Newman, managing partner of Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, gives advice on how small businesses should take on a solicitor.

Legal advice

Another company is using our brand name, what can we do?

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

How do I protect my idea?

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

Hiring a friend as director

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

Dealing with a difficult shareholder

Clive Lewis, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, explains the legal ramifications of shareholder disputes.

Legal advice

Hiring a friend as director

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

Dealing with a difficult shareholder

Clive Lewis, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, explains the legal ramifications of shareholder disputes.

Legal advice

Can we get rid of a director?

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?

Legal advice

SMEs gamble with unfair dismissals

Nearly three quarters of small businesses are in danger of facing employment tribunals, research finds.

Legal advice

What SMEs should know about the Bribery Act

Last week the controversial Bribery Act came into force in the UK, bringing with it strict consequences for companies deemed to have committed corporate bribery and corruption.

Legal advice

Can I work on my business while claiming maternity benefit?

I am currently employed part time with a baby due in November. I intended to take maternity leave; however, my husband and I are starting a business. Can I work on it at all while claiming maternity benefit? (I won't be working as much as I intend to after maternity).

Partner content

What are the benefits of business broadband?

Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade

Partner content

How should I select my business broadband provider?

As with any supplier, it’s important to do your research and ask important questions before you select a broadband provider for your business. But what are the must-have things you should take into consideration?

Partner content

Why your business should switch to a broadband-based phone network

Analogue phone systems are increasingly being replaced by smarter broadband based networks – here’s why you should consider switching

Partner content

Streamlining document management for your small business

David Malan, sales director of DocuWare for the UK and Ireland, explains how the platform can streamline your document management