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.

Legal advice for small businesses

I run a small business and we may have to go to an employment tribunal regarding an ex-employee for unfair dismissal. He is using the Citizens Advice Bureau to help him, is there an equivalent for businesses? If not, where can I get advice?

Legal advice

Legal advice

Making staff redundant

If I have made someone redundant, can I hire someone else and give them a different job title?

Legal advice

Food hygiene certificates for sandwich shops and similar food businesses

Q: Do I need any health & safety qualifications and food hygiene certificates before I can open a sandwich shop?

Legal advice

Employee holidays

I applied for and was granted 10 days holiday from 2nd July until 13th July. I was taken ill on 28th June and my GP requested that I do not return to work until 23rd July. Can I re-take my 10 days holiday at a later date?

Legal advice

Coping with the HR maze

A recent research paper from The University of Warwick found small businesses are more likely to experience employee claims than large companies and more likely to lose if the case reach the tribunal stage.

Legal advice

Smoking breaks at work

I am a care worker and am required to incorporate my breaks into working with the clients, so I'm on duty throughout my shift. However, my smoking colleagues are allowed to go outside for smoke breaks. Am I entitled to additional payment as I do not have the opportunity of client-free time?

Legal advice

Dealing with business failure – Bankruptcy vs an IVA

According to the latest figures released by business analyst and information service Experian, corporate insolvencies in the UK have fallen by 8.8 per cent during the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period the previous year.

Legal advice

Starting up while still employed

It is tempting to set up as a sole trader while remaining in full-time employment, but it is wise to find out where you stand legally first. You will need to refer to your contract of employment with your current employer.

Legal advice

Dealing with business failure – Bankruptcy vs an IVA

According to the latest figures released by business analyst and information service Experian, corporate insolvencies in the UK have fallen by 8.8 per cent during the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period the previous year.

Legal advice

Starting up while still employed

It is tempting to set up as a sole trader while remaining in full-time employment, but it is wise to find out where you stand legally first. You will need to refer to your contract of employment with your current employer.

Legal advice

Advice on withdrawing an offer of employment

Can a verbal offer of employment be withdrawn?

Legal advice

Intellectual property: is yours safe?

Entrepreneurial businesses can make their fortunes through intellectual property. If they can hang onto it long enough, that is. Robert Tyerman investigates the murky world of IP protection

Legal advice

Stay ahead of changes in legislation

All businesses need to stay on top of legislative changes. It has never been easier to do so thanks to the introduction of Common Commencement Dates. This means that most new laws affecting businesses now come into play on one of two dates each year, either April or October, making it easier for business to remember compliance timings.

Legal advice

Renegotiating signed contracts

As a business owner you'll be required to sign hundreds of contractual agreements with suppliers, customers and shareholders. But what happens if circumstances change and you want to get out of a contract?

Partner content

16 ways to improve your business cash flow

Read here for 16 tried and tested tips and tricks to improve potential cash flow problems

Business management

How to create good cashflow habits

HSBC - Advertising feature

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?