Starting Up?

We can assist your new business by helping draft your business agreements, or by providing you with a contract of employment for any staff you may engage.

Your bank may also require you to provide a quarantee or other security in respect of any loan or overdraft facility you may require. We are happy to advise you on the legal implications of any such documents.

Perhaps you may be considering renting business premises, in which case we will review your proposed lease conditions, advise you on them and seek to negotiate any alterations which may be needed.

We can also advise you on your contractual rights and obligations when buying in goods and services.

If you need a licence to supply alcohol, provide late night refreshment or provide entertainment, we can help you with that too.

As your business develops

We can also advise you on the legal aspects of any issues concerning the employment of your staff and provide you with legal representation if you need it.

We can also help you if any contractual disputes should arise with your customers or suppliers and help collect unpaid debts. We can also assist with the legal side of renewing your lease.

Our Service

Although we have a long history and a tradition of excellence, we have a vibrant practice with enthusiastic and approachable staff.

We talk the language of business and understand the need for the prompt delivery of legal services in an intelligible and cost-effective manner. We aim to deliver a professional yet friendly service.

Our Charges

We have a straightforward charging policy so that you know in advance how much any piece of legal advice will cost. We are always happy to discuss your legal needs without obligation and what our fees will be to service those needs.

Why not phone or e-mail our Small Business team? We will be delighted to hear from you.

Something for nothing

Yes, you read it right!

We are confident in the service we can provide you.

Why not try us for your debt-collecting? If your customer pays up in response to our first letter, we will not charge you a fee.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. I run a retail business from a leasehold lockup shop, what happens when my lease expires?

A. You are more than likely protected by the 1954 Landlord & Tenant Act that may entitle you to a new lease. However, the Landlord may be able to block your application if he wants the shop to run his own business or redevelop the site, in which case, you are probably entitled to compensation.

Q. I am buying a business as a going concern, do I need to take on the vendor's employees?

A. The general rule is that you do, and on the same terms. If you intend to be more "hands on" than your predecessor you may be able to make certain employees redundant, which may mean making redundancy payments. It is possible for the vendor to dispense with certain employees prior to completion, but only if he enters into compromise agreements with them. This means that he will have to agree appropriate compensation packages and the relevant employees will have to have the benefit of legal advice from an independent lawyer.

Q. I am selling my business which means that I need to assign my lease to the buyer. If the buyer subsequently goes bust is there any comeback on me from the Landlord?

A. The law currently differs in respect of leases granted prior to 1st January 1996 and leases granted after that date. If your lease was entered into after this date, you can only be liable after you have assigned the lease if it contains provision for what is known as an 'Authorised Guarantee Agreement', and the Landlord & Tenant (Covenants) Act 1995 will give you certain safeguards by imposing certain restrictions on the extent to which the Landlord can still hold you liable. If your lease was granted prior to the 1st January 1996 you are potentially much more exposed.