Legal

Understanding business law is critical to protecting your ideas and knowing your rights.

Our articles on legal issues have been created to help business owners tackle sensitive situations that require essential knowledge. Some of our articles break down tricky issues such as trademarks, patents and IP, while other content is more lighthearted, providing a welcome break from the more serious side to managing a business.

A Guide to Director Redundancy

A Guide to Director Redundancy

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A Guide to Director Redundancy

Closing down a business can be a complicated process, with directors often overlooking the fact that they are eligible for redundancy pay. Gary Addison talks us through the small print

What is a Trade Mark? A Guide for Businesses

What is a Trade Mark? A Guide for Businesses

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What is a Trade Mark? A Guide for Businesses

All businesses have a trade mark - in fact, it's nearly impossible to trade without one. But to truly safeguard your brand reputation, getting your trade mark registered is crucial

The Late Starters’ Guide to GDPR for SMEs

The Late Starters’ Guide to GDPR for SMEs

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The Late Starters’ Guide to GDPR for SMEs

With changes to GDPR due in May, some firms are concerned about their readiness. Here's our guide to preparing your business for the new regulations

The Risks and Rewards of Unpaid Internships

The Risks and Rewards of Unpaid Internships

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The Risks and Rewards of Unpaid Internships

There are risks and rewards for employers when it comes to unpaid internships. We review the recent controversy and employment laws regarding internships

Carillion Collapse: What Can Businesses Learn?

Carillion Collapse: What Can Businesses Learn?

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Carillion Collapse: What Can Businesses Learn?

The insolvency of Carillion will have far-reaching implications for its employees and contractors. But what lessons has it taught other businesses?

Card Surcharge Ban: How SMEs Can Offset the Cost

Card Surcharge Ban: How SMEs Can Offset the Cost

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Card Surcharge Ban: How SMEs Can Offset the Cost

It's now illegal for businesses to charge customers for debit and credit card payments. How can companies manage the impact of the card surcharge ban?

Discovering an Employee Has a Criminal Conviction

Discovering an Employee Has a Criminal Conviction

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Discovering an Employee Has a Criminal Conviction

What rights and responsibilities do employers have in respect of employees with undisclosed criminal records? Tackle this tricky issue with our handy guide

Business Structures: a Simple Guide for Startups

Business Structures: a Simple Guide for Startups

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Business Structures: a Simple Guide for Startups

Choosing the wrong business structure can cause serious problems for a startup. Avoid making the same mistake with this short guide to business structures

Employment Tribunal Fees: The Impact of Abolition

Employment Tribunal Fees: The Impact of Abolition

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Employment Tribunal Fees: The Impact of Abolition

Four years after their introduction, the Supreme Court has abolished employment tribunal fees, ruling them unlawful. But what does it mean for employers?

The Business Case for Flexible Working

The Business Case for Flexible Working

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The Business Case for Flexible Working

Many employers are wary of flexible working, but it presents far more opportunities than threats. So, why and how should you implement it in your business?

Employee Wellbeing: How to Keep Your Staff Healthy

Employee Wellbeing: How to Keep Your Staff Healthy

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Employee Wellbeing: How to Keep Your Staff Healthy

Looking after the health of your employees can deliver tangible benefits to your business, but what steps can you take to improve employee wellbeing?

What Is a Sole Trader?

What Is a Sole Trader?

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What Is a Sole Trader?

Thinking of setting up as a sole trader? Find out what it means, how to register, and the advantages and disadvantages of this type of business structure

Shared Parental Leave: a Guide for Employers

Shared Parental Leave: a Guide for Employers

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Shared Parental Leave: a Guide for Employers

The UK government introduced shared parental leave in 2015, offering parents a more flexible childcare arrangement. But what does it all mean for employers?

The Impact of the Uber Ruling on the Gig Economy

The Impact of the Uber Ruling on the Gig Economy

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The Impact of the Uber Ruling on the Gig Economy

Uber's defeat in a recent employment tribunal will have a huge impact on the company, but what are the wider implications for the gig economy as a whole?

Probationary Periods: What Employers Need to Know

Probationary Periods: What Employers Need to Know

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Probationary Periods: What Employers Need to Know

Probationary periods can protect employers when a new employee doesn’t make the grade. But how can an employer implement one effectively and responsibly?

Safety Systems for Commercial Vehicles

Safety Systems for Commercial Vehicles

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Safety Systems for Commercial Vehicles

Its important to keep your staff safe when they get behind the wheel. These safety solutions should do the trick for any business with commercial vehicles

Sponsoring Employees from Overseas - FAQs

Sponsoring Employees from Overseas - FAQs

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Sponsoring Employees from Overseas - FAQs

When recruiting a worker from outside the EU, employers might need to apply for a Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 5 sponsor licence. Here's all you need to know

Barriers That Stop Women Starting Up

Barriers That Stop Women Starting Up

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Barriers That Stop Women Starting Up

This International Women's Day, business woman and lawyer Annelie Carver shares how other female business owners can break down barriers to achieve success

How the Courts Help with Personal Debt

How the Courts Help with Personal Debt

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How the Courts Help with Personal Debt

Personal debt can seem like a problem that's impossible to resolve, but you don’t have to face your finances alone. Learn how the courts can help you repay

Understanding the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA)

Understanding the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA)

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Understanding the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA)

What is the Data Protection Act 1998, how should you deal with data access requests, and what other aspects of DPA are likely to affect your small business?