In the start-up business phase, you often have limited resources. During this time, you focus on developing products and services while attracting your first customers.
Our expert solicitors understand your focus is elsewhere, but they know you must be protected from risks. They will ensure you have the commercial and employment contracts you need to minimise risk and protect your investments, leaving you to run your business.
A new business should consider several key contracts and policies to establish a solid legal foundation and protect its interests. As well as carefully reviewing those from third parties it will be working with.
Establishing these contracts and policies is essential for a new business to avoid potential legal issues, ensure compliance with regulations, and create a strong foundation for future growth. Consulting with one of our expert solicitors to draft or review these agreements is highly recommended to ensure they meet legal standards and adequately protect your business's interests.
Besides NDAs, confidentiality agreements can be used with employees or contractors to protect sensitive business information.
If your business extends credit to customers, these agreements outline the payment terms, interest rates, and consequences for late payments.
These detail terms of employment for employees, covering job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, confidentiality, and termination procedures.
This document outlines the founders' roles, responsibilities, and equity ownership, helping to prevent disputes by clarifying expectations.
If applicable, these protect the business's intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
If your business requires physical premises, lease agreements outline the terms of renting or leasing property, including rent, duration, break clauses, maintenance responsibilities, and termination clauses.
NDAs protect sensitive information by preventing employees, contractors, or partners from disclosing confidential information about the business.
This defines the terms of the partnership, including profit sharing, decision-making processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
These govern the sale of goods or services to customers, specifying pricing, delivery terms, warranties, and any relevant terms to protect the business and its customers.
For service-based businesses, these agreements are critical in outlining the scope of services, pricing, payment terms, and responsibilities of both parties.
For companies with multiple shareholders, this agreement outlines their rights and responsibilities, including voting rights, dividend distribution, and procedures for transferring shares.
These define the terms of purchasing goods or services from suppliers, including pricing, delivery schedules, and quality standards.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the digital and commercial landscape, its role in contract generation, negotiation, and performance is becoming ever more significant. AI tools promise speed and efficiency. But with innovation comes risk.
In this practical and thought-provoking webinar, Sarah Naylor explores the evolving intersection of AI and contract law, and looks at the risks and common traps that come with using AI in contracts. Aimed at start-ups, legal, tech, and business professionals, the session examines the key legal and commercial pitfalls arising from the use of AI in contractual processes, including:
Drawing on real-world examples and emerging case law, this session offers clear, pragmatic insights into how businesses can stay legally safe while still taking advantage of AI tools. Whether you're already using AI in your contracting processes or just exploring the potential, this webinar will equip you to ask the right questions, identify risk areas, and future-proof your contracts.
This webinar was presented by Sarah Naylor as part of Leeds Digital Festival 2025.
Whether a business is just starting out or expanding, understanding the types of commercial contracts that may be needed – and what they should include – is essential for protecting business interests and laying a solid foundation for business relationships.
E-commerce platforms like Shopify offer incredible opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, but they aren’t without their challenges.
A simple guide to the legal essentials you need to consider when starting a business, and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
Data protection clauses in contracts are a critical tool for ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and protecting both parties involved.
To speak to one of our business services solicitors, call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.
Starting and managing a business is a big job. Having a trustworthy solicitor on your side throughout gives you peace of mind that business risk is being taken care of. Our solicitors have been helping businesses to thrive for years. From ensuring their contracts are effective to resolving disputes, they act as an extension of your business.
Starting up a business often requires complicated legal terminology and drafting of contracts. Our team of business solicitors pride themselves on offering transparent, easy-to-understand guidance, demystifying the law so you can make informed decisions.
We work as an extension of your team so our solicitors take the time to understand your objectives and vision. They then can offer tailored advice that aligns with your goals.
With years of experience and a stellar track record in supporting businesses to grow, our business solicitors are some of the most skilled in the industry. We leverage this expertise to craft robust legal strategies, favourable contracts and compliant policies for your business.
At Switalskis, your business is our priority. We work on your behalf, making sure you remain compliant with regulations and manage any business changes effectively and without risk.
Our team of expert business solicitors at Switalskis are here to guide your business whether you are at day one or have been operating for years. We will work with you to ensure your business is given the advice it needs so you can thrive.
Call us today on 0800 138 0458 , or get in touch via the website.