Setting Up A Business (Leaflet)

It Strats With an Idea

All great businesses start with an idea but that idea is just the beginning

Sometimes the most challenging part of any start-up is finding the courage and support needed to take the plunge. We know business start-ups and we can provide you with the support you need.

We can help with the Right Strategy

Fraser Dawbarns is one of the largest and most well-established firms in the region. We have helped to start-up thousands of local businesses and have the process down to a fine art. We provide our clients with expert, timely and cost-effective advice. We don’t only know the law; we also understand the issues affecting businesses in East Anglia. Our clients benefit from that knowledge.

What Needs to be Done?

There are a lot of legal issues to be dealt with when setting up a business. Some you will know about; others you may not. Some of the main ones are:

Ownership Structure

Do you want your business to be a limited company, a partnership, or would you prefer to trade as a sole trader? The decision will affect the way your business is taxed, the way your business is managed, costs, investment opportunities and where the risk of liability lies. We will explain your options to you and help you decide on the option that is right for you.

Business Documents

Just as a house needs proper foundations, so too does your business. For a limited company, this means a Memorandum and Articles of Association, registration with Companies House and a Shareholders Agreement. For partnerships, it means a carefully drafted Partnership Agreement.

Your business will also need clearly drafted written contracts in place to cover its commercial dealings. This will usually include a set of standard terms of business. In many cases, it will also include specifically tailored commercial contracts covering your business’s relationships with its suppliers, agents, distributors, consultants, manufacturers, and external contractors. If your business will deal with consumers, there are also statutory obligations to consider.

Securing Business Premises

Setting up new business premises is likely to be exciting. However, there will be many legal issues to deal with such as purchasing a freehold property, entering into a commercial lease or taking on a mortgage. Planning and licensing issues may also arise.

Employment Issues

Employees are a valuable resource and essential to the growth of any business. However, employers are subject to a raft of statutory obligations and getting it wrong can be a costly experience. Our specialist employment lawyers will be on hand to advise you on everything from recruitment, employment documentation, managing the employment relationship, dismissal and redundancy, through to tribunal.

Maintaining Cash Flow

Cash flow problems can hinder the growth or continued viability of your business. The key lies in risk assessment and in ensuring your contracts are in order. Where debts aren’t being paid, we can be there to take the hassle and worry off your hands. We routinely deal with debt recovery and enjoy a high success rate in getting debtors to pay.

Whether it’s something to improve the deal or risks to avoid, we know exactly what to look out for.

Our Charges

Our approach to legal fees is entirely transparent. We generally start by giving our clients an estimate of costs or by agreeing a fixed-fee with them where appropriate. Give us a call or email us to see what we can offer you on a no obligation basis.

Why Choose Fraser Dawbarns?

• Direct access to your own dedicated lawyer
• Full range of legal services 
• Clear prices & no hidden costs