Family Business Solicitors

Putting the right structure in place for an owner managed business is crucial. This gives those involved the assurance of knowing exactly what their position is and the rights and responsibilities they have. It also ensures that your business has a solid legal framework from which to operate.

We can set up a limited liability partnership, ensuring you have a robust partnership agreement in place that covers most eventualities and protects both the partners and the business as far as possible.

We will also advise you as to related issues such as tax, whether a partnership is the best option and how issues such as profits and management will be dealt with.

Funding can be complex, and our team can guide you through your financial needs to ensure you are aware of the liabilities you are taking on and that your business is compliant with the rules in this tightly legislated area.

We can ensure that you have the right lending arrangements for your organisation and that you have the advice you need before entering into a finance agreement. We are always happy to discuss the many types of funding available and answer any questions you may have.

Taking on premises is often one of a business’s biggest financial commitments. Our team can advise on a full range of commercial property issues, including acquiring and disposing of freehold premises.

We also deal with commercial leases, which can be quite challenging. We will carefully review any lease before you sign it to ensure that you fully understand the responsibilities and liabilities that you will be taking on.

We can also represent you in dealing with issues such as dilapidations, rent review, lease renewal and commercial property disputes.

If you are an employer, we can help you ensure that you have the right policies, handbooks and comprehensive employment contracts for your workers.

Employment law can be complicated, so it’s really important for employers to stay informed. Failing to meet your duties as an employer can result in serious penalties if you make mistakes. We can advise you as to your responsibilities and deal with any legal issues that are raised by your employees.

If you are considering taking on new staff or you want to better manage your existing workforce, our employment law team can work with you to draft documentation tailored to your needs and designed to protect your business interests and minimise the potential for disputes or disagreements in the workplace

If your business is a company, our lawyers can provide a full range of corporate advice to ensure your organisation has the best possible structure. Our corporate services include:

• Setting up a company, including drafting articles of association and a shareholder agreement
• Contract advice and drafting
• Data protection advice
• Tax advice
• Acquiring or selling assets
• Intellectual property advice
• Dispute resolution

We can advise you on restructuring and demergers. This could be to protect assets from risk, set up a new arm to pursue a different direction, separate a business allowing family members to run separate sections, prepare for a sale or part-sale, or resolve disputes.

Our advice is comprehensive and will include issues such as the tax implications of demerger and compliance. We can also set up a new corporate structure and manage the transfer of assets and responsibilities.

Businesses’ compliance duties are increasing, and substantial penalties are possible for breaches. Examples include health and safety, data protection, and compliance requirements specific to your sector.

If you have been advised that your business is being investigated for non-compliance, we can represent you to ensure that your rights are observed. We will manage the investigation, including document disclosure, and work to ensure the matter is dealt with promptly.

Non-compliance can be taken very seriously, and if you become aware of a potential issue or allegation, you are strongly advised to seek legal advice immediately.

Deciding how to plan for the next generation to take over a family business can be complicated. We can discuss your options with you and advise you on the best way to deal with succession to achieve the desired result.

We have a strong understanding of the issues that can arise regarding succession and how to resolve difficulties to provide the future that you want for your family while safeguarding your business.

Matters such as divorce can be challenging for a family business. We always do all we can to protect a family business from being divided or sold during a relationship breakdown.

If your family business is likely to be impacted by a divorce, our family lawyers can provide strong support to safeguard your interests as far as possible. We can discuss the options available to you and negotiate where necessary to achieve the best outcome in the circumstances.

Most businesses will be involved in a dispute at some stage. In resolving matters with a minimum of disruption and expense, it is crucial to act quickly. If you ask us to represent you, we will step in straight away to try and find a solution before the situation degenerates.

It may be the case that a formal solicitors’ letter may be sufficient to focus minds on resolving the issue. Where necessary, we can negotiate on your behalf to try and agree on a solution.

If this is not successful, we can represent you through alternative dispute resolution. This often helps businesses deal with matters out of court, which is generally a quicker and more cost-effective solution.

Where necessary, our lawyers can prepare a strong case for court and ensure that you are represented by an expert advocate.