Starting a business is one of the most exciting adventures you can embark upon. Within the furore of getting it all started and imagining the bright future for your enterprise, the fine print and the legal obligations may get pushed to the back of your mind. You must pay attention to these crucial stages, as failure to acknowledge them could significantly harm your business.
This is where our expert team of startup lawyers at Clifton Ingram come in. Our solicitors can work alongside your team, ensuring you fully comply with the relevant laws, obligations and regulations that apply to your business.
We can guide you where you are setting up a business alone, either as a sole trader or through a limited liability company. We can also advise where you are in business with others, operating through a traditional partnership, limited liability partnership, or company. Whatever your business structure, the expert startup solicitors in Clifton Ingram’s corporate and commercial department can assist.
For immediate advice, please contact our team, or you can read our FAQs to learn more about startup law.
Our team of startup solicitors
Our UK startup lawyers can offer you the following:
- Our expertise as one of the leading law firms in the Thames Valley and M3 Corridor
- Strong rankings in the respected client guide The Legal 500, recognising us as some of the best solicitors in the region
- Decades of experience supporting business startups
- A strong commercial mindset allowing us to deliver legal solutions that match your broader business objectives
- The foresight to help you start your business in a way that maximises your potential for growth while ensuring any risks are effectively managed
- A startup legal advice service tailored to your needs
Legal advice and services offered to business startups
Our company and commercial solicitors can advise you on:
- The pros and cons of the choice of various business structures in relation to your individual circumstances
- Incorporating and registering with Customs and Companies House, where necessary
- Limiting your liability for claims made against you by business creditors
- The commercial advantages to you of using a separate corporate entity to own the business assets
- Intellectual property rights issues, where these are relevant depending on the nature of your business
- Holding and maintaining accurate administrative records
If you decide to incorporate your business, our startup lawyers can help you form a company and can advise you on:
- The issue of shares
- Drawing up the constitution of the company
- The appointment of its directors and any other officers
Starting up and growing a new business
Starting and growing a business is an exciting opportunity, but many challenges must also be addressed. At each stage of the business lifecycle, the issues you will need to navigate and the solutions required will change and evolve.
Our UK startup lawyers can help you make the right decisions from the outset to facilitate the future growth of your business. We can also provide tailored support for each stage of your journey so that you can be confident all legal issues and risks are correctly handled at all times.
We offer a substantial range of legal services for SMEs and owner-managed businesses, meaning that we can support you throughout your growth journey.
Contact our startup lawyers in Wokingham, Reading and Farnham
Our proactive, business-minded team of experienced startup solicitors work from offices in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham. We work with business startups all over Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and further afield.
Speak to one of our lawyers for startups today by calling 0118 978 0099 or using the contact form at the bottom of the page, and we will respond quickly.
Frequently asked questions about startup law:
- What are the legal risks for startups?
- Why do you need startup legal advice?
- How can a lawyer help start a small business?
What are the legal risks for startups?
New businesses must consider many different types of risks, including legal ones. Startups must be prepared for those risks and take the right proactive steps to manage their legal risks properly.
Typical areas of legal risk for startups include founders’ personal liability for the business’s debts, disputes between founders and/or shareholders, regulatory requirements, any contracts and agreements entered into (including for startup funding), employment law, property law, licensing and permits.
If not properly managed, these risks could lead to the failure of a business, and personal severe consequences for founders and investors. For example, founders and investors could be at risk of significant financial losses for which they may be personally liable (depending on the circumstances), as well as the possibility of regulatory action for any compliance issues and legal action over any breaches of contracts.
Why do you need startup legal advice?
Legal advice is essential for allowing businesses to be set up in a way that meets the relevant legal requirements, but the benefits go beyond this.
A good start-up lawyer will be able to advise on the proper legal measures to enable your business to grow and succeed. They will also ensure that your business is protected against legal risks, such as those covered above.
How can a lawyer help start a small business?
If you are starting a small business, a startup lawyer can help with various matters, including:
- Choosing the right structure for your business
- Creating any necessary documentation, such as articles of association and shareholders’ agreements, or a partnership agreement
- Reviewing and, where appropriate, negotiating the terms of finance agreements
- Creating bespoke terms and conditions
- Negotiating, drafting and reviewing other legal contracts and agreements, e.g. with suppliers and customers
The right small business startup lawyer can add huge value to your enterprise, significantly increasing your chances of success.
Startup advice fees
Staying in control of costs is critical when starting a business. We understand this and can offer flexible fee options to suit your circumstances.
Our startup lawyers will provide a realistic cost estimate for your needs, including fixed fees and fee ranges where appropriate.
To learn more about our startup legal advice fees, please contact us using the contact details below.
Contact our business startups solicitors in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham today
Our solicitors at Clifton Ingram can advise you on all aspects of corporate and commercial law. Our Corporate & Commercial Team offers a professional, diligent approach and high-quality legal and technical knowledge. Our depth of experience enables us to offer commercial legal advice that helps exploit business opportunities whilst successfully managing risk. We are a proactive and down-to-earth team of highly experienced solicitors, bringing a high quality and professional service to your local area.
As one of the leading firms of solicitors in the Thames Valley and M3 Corridor, through to Surrey and surrounding areas, we regularly advise clients across the South East, including Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and London.
Speak to one of our team today to see how we can help on 0118 978 0099. Our solicitors will move fast to find a solution personal to you.
Alternatively, talk to someone now via our .