Various different rules and criteria apply depending on whether you want to visit, work/ study in or permanently settle in the UK. Visiting the UK Most foreign visitors to the... read more

International trade

Sales and distribution overseas If you want to sell your wares overseas, you need to decide how you’re going to distribute them. You might opt to sell them directly, e.g.,... read more

Renting a commercial property for your business requires less financial outlay than buying, freeing up your capital to plough into your business and, unless you plan to sell the remaining... read more

Dealing with consumers

Relevant legislation If you’re a trader who sells to consumers, under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (SOGA) you must ensure the goods you sell are: as described; fit for the purpose... read more

Problems with your landlord - private landlord

The days of slum landlords have—in theory at least—ended. As a tenant, you have a right to live in a safe home free from an intrusive or unscrupulous landlord. What you are... read more

I need help with a contract

Steps to follow A contract is an agreement between two or more persons, which gives rise to obligations that are enforceable by law. Has an offer been made? In legal parlance, an... read more

Renting a business property - obligations on a commercial tenant

A lease or tenancy is an "estate in land" and is a legal agreement between you and the landlord allowing you to use the premises, subject to pre-agreed conditions. It can be... read more

I want to trade internationally

Steps to follow Where do you want to trade? Is it within the EU or outside? You will need to do thorough research to ensure you are complying with all relevant laws and... read more

Overview of loans, mortgages and guarantees

Businesses often have to borrow money, and how to do this is a question it pays to research. Borrowing may be necessary while the business is starting up, if a big order comes in, or if... read more

I have a dispute with a builder

Steps to follow If you feel your building work has been botched or isn’t finished, first work out who your contract is with. This could be the builder, architect/ structural... read more

I need to borrow money

Steps to follow How much do you need to borrow? How soon can you pay it back? How quickly do you need it? What assets do you have? These questions need to be answered before you can... read more

Overview of product liability and product liability defences

If you supply products to consumers you need to make sure they are safe. The main responsibility for ensuring this safety lies with the product’s manufacturers but if your... read more

Writing a will

Why write a will? Failing to make a will means your belongings will be distributed according to the laws of the country you live in – which may not be in the manner you would... read more

Do I need a lawyer? (business)

Legal problems arise in business all the time and the temptation might be to run to a lawyer every time to get them to sort the problem out for you. There is no doubt that in some... read more

I am having problems with my local council

Steps to follow Call the council and tell them you want to make a complaint. They will be able to tell you which department you need to complain to and who in that department you should... read more

Buying leasehold vs freehold

Property law is widely acknowledged to be a particularly complicated area, so it’s little wonder that some people are confused by the different terms. Though most of us will have... read more

Overview of occupiers liability

The occupier of premises has a legal duty to do everything reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that lawful visitors are reasonably safe when using the premises for the... read more

Introduction to child custody

If you are separating from your partner or getting a divorce, then the question of where your children will live, and how often each partner will see them, are tough decisions to... read more

Overview of overtime

Introduction There are times in the life of a business when staff are going to be required to work extra hours – if you have a rush of demand for your goods or services or during... read more

Overview of insurance for business

There are numerous types of insurance cover available for businesses. Some must be taken out by law, others aren’t mandatory but are highly advisable for all businesses, while still... read more

Overview of replacing your lawyer

The decision to replace your lawyer is not one you should make lightly. There are times, the night before a tribunal hearing, for example, when it may cause more problems than it would... read more

Overview of environmental obligations

A complex and large body of environmental laws and obligations affect businesses. These vary according to the type of business, and it is best to seek specialist advice when considering... read more

Overview of environmental, health and safety requirements

Employers must ensure they comply with a wide variety of requirements on health and safety and the environment. Many of these are specifically set out in law, while others are part of a... read more

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