Embarking on the journey of starting a business can be both exhilarating and challenging. As you consider  joining the 5.5 million private business owners in the UK, it is crucial to address several key aspects to  ensure a successful launch. 

The process involves multiple steps, including registration with Companies House and considering  Intellectual Property issues. Have you determined whether a Partnership, Limited Company, or Public  Limited Company is the most appropriate structure for your business? Have you verified that your  intended company name or logo does not infringe on existing Intellectual Property rights? Have you  prepared the necessary constitutional documents and safeguarded your rights within the company? 

It is common for the fundamental legal requirements of a new business to be overlooked amidst the  excitement of starting up. At Leonard Legal, we aim to assist you in establishing a solid foundation for your  business, ensuring it is protected from the outset and positioned for future growth. 

Our dedicated team will work with you to ensure your business is set up in the most viable and compliant  manner. We are here to answer any questions you may have, helping you understand how your business  should and can be operated. From business planning and securing funding to Companies House  registration and marketing, our experts are here to guide you through every step. 

Our Entrepreneur Plan is available from just £480.00 plus VAT, and we can tailor the plan to suit your  specific start-up needs. Alternatively, we offer an initial consultation to identify the services that will best  support your business’s launch and can offer a fixed-fee arrangement. 

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur ready to turn your business idea into reality or a professional  looking to optimise your existing business, Leonard Legal is here to guide you through the complexities of  business structuring. 

Various legal structures are available, each with distinct implications: 

• Sole Trader: As a sole trader, you are self-employed and must register with HM Revenue &  Customs (HMRC) for self-assessment upon commencing trading.
• Partnership: In a partnership, you and your partners share responsibility for the business. A  partnership agreement provides protection by outlining liabilities, ownership, profit distribution,  and procedures if a partner departs. 
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): LLPs require at least two ‘designated members’ responsible for  filing annual accounts. LLPs protect members’ assets, limiting liability to their investment and any  personal guarantees provided. 
• Private Limited Company: A private company is incorporated and limited by shares. Shareholders’  liability is limited to their investment in the company, protecting personal assets in the event of  insolvency. 

Choosing the right structure for your business is crucial as it affects liability, taxation, operations, funding,  and compliance. At Leonard Legal, we help ensure your business structure aligns with your goals and  complies with relevant regulations. 

Contact us today to start structuring your business for success. 

To ensure your business thrives and remains sustainable, a robust foundation in Corporate Governance  and Compliance is essential. Leonard Legal’s team of legal professionals is dedicated to guiding your  organisation through the complexities of corporate governance and compliance, ensuring adherence to  best practices and regulatory requirements. 

Effective corporate governance and compliance are vital in today’s global business environment. They form  the bedrock of ethical and responsible business practices, enabling companies to navigate legal,  regulatory, and ethical challenges effectively. 

Leonard Legal provides expert guidance and support in managing corporate governance and compliance,  helping your business stay on the path to growth and long-term success. 

Leonard Legal specialises in navigating the complex processes involved in buying and selling companies.  Whether you are acquiring a business or planning to sell, our expert legal team offers the strategic counsel  and support needed for successful transactions. 

We provide comprehensive assistance for both share and asset transactions, including valuations, due  diligence, negotiation, financing, and closing. In a share sale, ownership of the shares is transferred while  the company’s assets and contracts remain. In an asset sale, the business’s assets and contracts must be  transferred, potentially requiring consents and impacting business operations. 

Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and tools required for successful mergers and acquisitions.  With Leonard Legal by your side, you can navigate these transactions with confidence, ensuring a smooth  and efficient process.

Commercial contracts are fundamental to business operations, defining relationships with customers,  suppliers, distributors, and other parties. It is essential to ensure these agreements protect your interests  and minimise risks. 

We handle various aspects of commercial contracts, including: 

• Restrictive Covenants 
• Mergers and Acquisitions 
• Warranties and Indemnities 
• Contracts of Sale/Hire 
• Intellectual Property 
• Loans and Finance 
• Franchise/Agency Agreements 
• Misrepresentations 

Leonard Legal offers clear, pragmatic advice on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.  We ensure that key legal terms are included and explain their implications, helping you protect your  interests. 

In the event of a dispute, we focus on resolving issues cost-effectively through negotiation or alternative  dispute resolution. Our experienced solicitors are also prepared to represent clients in court if necessary. 

Franchising involves a legal relationship between a Franchisor and a Franchisee, where the Franchisor  grants the Franchisee a licence to operate under their brand. 

If you are considering opening or operating a franchise in the UK, our team provides expert assistance to  both franchisors and franchisees. Franchising has become increasingly popular, with around 48,000  franchise businesses currently in the UK. 

Franchise Agreements require careful consideration of intellectual property, goodwill, confidentiality, and  restrictions. Leonard Legal offers comprehensive advice on all aspects of franchise law, including: 

• Franchise Agreements 
• Advising Prospective Franchisees
• Intellectual Property 
• Franchise Law Disputes 
• Sales and Dispositions of Franchises 
• Franchise Renewals 

For business owners looking to franchise, we provide guidance on franchise models, intellectual property  protection, and brand safeguarding. If you need advice on exiting or renewing a franchise agreement, we  offer support to help you navigate these decisions with confidence. 

Contact Leonard Legal to ensure your franchise endeavours are well-supported and compliant with all legal  requirements.