Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
Advice and guides to help you overcome common legal problems faced by many small business owners and directors.
Accounting
Most directors believe that a limited company does what it says on the tin: in other words, they do not expect to be held personally liable for the company's misdemeanours. That could be a false assumption, writes Kelly Tinkler of solicitors Rooks Rider.
News
Only half of businesses in the UK are prepared for the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act, despite the introduction of the legislation on April 6th say experts.
News
The close nature of small businesses' working environments often allows them to resolve workplace disputes without the need for an employment tribunal, a business association claims.
News
Nearly one in three small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not have a policy for in-car mobile phone use, meaning they could be liable to prosecution if their employees make business calls from their mobile while driving, says new research by YouGov for communications specialist Jabra.
Legal advice
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.
News
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has announced that simplification of business legislation through the Company Law Reform Bill will benefit small firms to the tune of £100 million, with total savings of £250 million for UK enterprises of all sizes.
News
Business lobby group the Forum of Private Business has warned SME owners that marital ruptures can have a negative effect on their businesses, following the high-profile divorce case of insurance multi-millionaire John Charman.
News
According to new research from BT, more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of SMEs have been mis-sold business services, and almost two-thirds of these (59 per cent) have been misled into signing up for unwanted telephone services.
News
Potential good news for small businesses has been announced with the publication of the Company Law Reform Bill, which aims to save SMEs £100 million through deregulation and a substantial revamp of company law.
News
On 16 July, revised legislation on disposing of hazardous waste came into effect.
News
New regulations on money laundering come into force on 1 March and those affected need to be aware of them or risk criminal prosecution, including up to two years in prison.
Legal advice
Terms of business (also known as terms and conditions) are vital, as they establish levels of responsibility for companies and their customers.
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
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
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.