The Business Lifecycle - Start-Ups

For the first step

The Business Lifecycle

For getting started

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.

Confidentiality agreements

Besides NDAs, confidentiality agreements can be used with employees or contractors to protect sensitive business information.

Credit agreements

If your business extends credit to customers, these agreements outline the payment terms, interest rates, and consequences for late payments.

Employment contracts

These detail terms of employment for employees, covering job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, confidentiality, and termination procedures.

Founders' agreement

This document outlines the founders' roles, responsibilities, and equity ownership, helping to prevent disputes by clarifying expectations.

Intellectual Property agreements

If applicable, these protect the business's intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

Lease agreements

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.

Non-Disclosure agreements (NDAs)

NDAs protect sensitive information by preventing employees, contractors, or partners from disclosing confidential information about the business.

Partnership agreement

This defines the terms of the partnership, including profit sharing, decision-making processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Sales contracts

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.

Service agreements

For service-based businesses, these agreements are critical in outlining the scope of services, pricing, payment terms, and responsibilities of both parties.

Shareholder agreements

For companies with multiple shareholders, this agreement outlines their rights and responsibilities, including voting rights, dividend distribution, and procedures for transferring shares.

Supplier and vendor contracts

These define the terms of purchasing goods or services from suppliers, including pricing, delivery schedules, and quality standards.

Website policies

  • Terms and conditions: This sets out the rules for using the website, including user responsibilities, intellectual property rights, and limitations of liability.
  • Privacy policy: This policy is required under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which explains how personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected.
  • Cookie policy: This informs users about the use of cookies on the website, detailing what cookies are, how they are used, and how users can manage their cookie preferences.
  • Refund and returns policy: If the business sells goods online, this policy outlines the conditions under which customers can return items and request refunds.

Starting your business

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To speak to one of our business services solicitors, call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our Business Services Solicitors

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Sarah NaylorDirector and Solicitor
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Lyn ShepherdClient Co-ordinator
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Why Switalskis?

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.

Clarity in complexity

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.

Empathy at every step

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.

Expertise you can trust

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.

Championing your rights

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.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

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.

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