The lifecycle of a business
Every business is different, but most face similar challenges as they grow and evolve. From setting up a company and raising investment to managing risk, navigating disputes and planning an exit, our Lifecycle of a Business guides explore the legal and commercial issues that business owners, directors and shareholders are likely to encounter at each stage of their journey.
A guide to setting up a business in the UK
Setting up a business in the UK involves more than choosing the right structure. This guide covers key legal and practical considerations, from tax and employment to IP and compliance.
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Directors: Appointment, duties and liability
Becoming a director brings significant legal responsibilities. We explore directors’ key duties, financial oversight and the potential risks of personal liability.
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Building your workforce: Attracting and retaining talent
From hiring your first employee to retaining key talent, we explore the legal foundations, incentives and workplace culture that can help build an engaged and successful workforce.
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Starting a business: Choosing the right structure and legal foundations
From choosing the right business structure to meeting filing and governance requirements, we explore the legal foundations that can support long-term growth and future investment.
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Minority shareholder rights: Protection without control
Minority shareholders may lack control, but they are not without protection. We explore key statutory and contractual rights and the role of a well-drafted shareholders’ agreement.
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Shareholder rights and company decision-making
Shareholders can shape key company decisions and influence long-term direction. We explore their rights, voting processes and the governance needed to support effective decision-making.
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Key features of commercial contracts: The small print that matters
Clear commercial contracts can protect relationships and reduce the risk of disputes. We explore key terms, from pricing and services to termination, indemnities and liability.
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Raising investment: Funding your next stage of growth
Raising investment takes more than a strong idea. We explore funding options, investor expectations, due diligence and the legal and tax considerations that can support successful growth.
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Boardroom and shareholder disputes: Understanding your rights and remedies
Boardroom and shareholder disputes can disrupt a business. We explore shareholder rights, legal remedies and how strong governance can help prevent or resolve conflict.
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Employment risk: Protecting your business as it grows
As your workforce grows, so can employment risk. We explore how clear policies, fair processes and early action can help prevent disputes, manage claims and protect your business.
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Removing a director: What shareholders need to know
Removing a director can be complex and requires careful procedure. We explain the rights of shareholders, the removal process and the potential claims and practical risks involved.
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Financial resilience: Navigating financial distress and insolvency
Financial pressure can place businesses and directors at risk. We explore warning signs, directors’ duties and the steps that can help preserve options and minimise potential liability.
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Warranties and indemnities: What buyers and sellers need to know
Warranties and indemnities help allocate risk when buying or selling a business. We explain how they differ, the protection they offer and how sellers can manage their exposure.
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Selling a business: Share sale vs asset sale
Selling a business can involve a share or asset sale. We explain the key differences and considerations for each approach.
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Selling a business: Completion accounts vs locked box pricing
The way a sale price is calculated can affect the value ultimately received. We compare completion accounts and locked box pricing, including the benefits and risks of each approach.
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Setting up and running your own business is an amazing achievement. It requires vision, creativity, motivation and stamina.
On occasion, it can even bring you fame, riches and fortune. But it can also result in reams of paperwork and cause sleepless nights. From setting up to exit, it will force you to consider issues that you might not previously have known anything about and it will need you to make many decisions, sometimes very quickly. What it certainly is not is mundane.
With this in mind, the Corporate team at Forsters, together with some of our specialist colleagues, has written a series of articles about the various issues and some of the key points that it may help you to know about at each stage of a business’s life. Whether you just have the glimmer of an idea, are a start-up, a well-established enterprise or are considering your exit options, you can explore our insights for each stage using the visual above. Do feel free to drop us a line or pick up the phone if you would like to discuss any of the issues raised further.
Meet our team
Christine Dubignon
Partner, Corporate
Alastair Laing
Partner, Corporate
Craig Thompson
Partner, Head of International
Naomi Trinh
Partner, Corporate and Commercial
Daniel Bryan
Counsel, Corporate
Aaron Morris
Counsel, Corporate
Leila Box
Senior Associate, Corporate
Lucy MacArthur
Senior Associate, Corporate
Lianne Baker
Senior Knowledge Development Lawyer, Corporate
Andrew Neave
Legal Assistant, Corporate