Legal Aspects

Business Structures

  • Sole Trader: Individual carries all the responsibility of the business, with unlimited liability.

  • Partnerships: Shared responsibility among two or more individuals. Must have a written agreement outlining obligations and rights.

  • Limited Companies: Liability is limited to the assets of the business. Requires registration with Companies House.

Compliance with Laws

  • Health and Safety Legislation: The application of standard procedures to ensure a safe and hazard-free work environment.

  • Data Protection: Adherence to the Data Protection Act, which prevents misuse of personal and sensitive information.

  • Consumer Rights: Understanding and following laws on selling standards, product safety and customer entitlements.

Registration and Licenses

  • Business Registration: Mandatory registration with HMRC and possibly Companies House, depending on business structure.

  • Licensing: The need to secure relevant licenses for certain types of business, such as food service, alcohol sales or transport services.

Employment Law

  • Employment Contracts: Provision of a written statement of terms and conditions within two months of an employee’s start.

  • Worker Rights: Awareness and adherence to laws concerning minimum wage, working hours, and discrimination.

  • Dismissal and Redundancy: Understanding requirements for fair dismissal, notice periods and redundancy payments.

Intellectual Property

  • Copyright, Patents and Trademarks: Protection of original works, inventions, logo, and brand names.

  • Trade Secrets: The law surrounding the protection of classified business information.

  • Infringement Consequences: Understanding potential fines or legal actions for breaching intellectual property laws.