Associated Services

Whether you are running your own business or employed to run someone else’s, it is important to have the right legal foundations in place.

It may sound dull but it is important. Dunn & Baker Solicitors works with companies of every size, helping them to build the legal foundations they need to be successful.

If you’re starting a new business, it is important to have the correct legal documentation in place from day one. Start as you mean to go on – running your business properly and efficiently. If your business is well established, it is a fact that the law changes. Therefore, so must you. If you are a director of a company, is it clear what are you legally responsible for?

The legal structure of a business can affect many things. It differs if you run a limited company or a partnership, a limited liability partnership, or you work as a sole trader. If you are a director of a public limited company, this is again different.

At Dunn & Baker Solicitors, our aim is to make sure you know what the law expects of you. We want you to be confident that your legal structure is right for you and your business. We want you to be confident that you have the right legal documents in place. We want to help make your business a success and to have the right foundations for growth.

When you launch a new company, it should be the most exciting of times. Making sure the company is properly formed, or incorporated, is an important first step.

At Dunn & Baker Solicitors, we have helped many companies take this first step with confidence.

Legally registering your business as a limited company is referred to as incorporation. There are many different types of company – from a private limited company or property management company, to a community interest company. Depending on the type required, your new company can be limited by shares or by guarantee. Our legal experts help you decide what is best for you and which type of company is the most suitable for your circumstances.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors aim to help get you ready to set up your company as quickly and as efficiently as possible. To start a company, you will need to have certain information ready such as the company name and address, and details of the company officers, through to share capital and shareholder details. We can assist you with every step.

There are different ways to start a company. We help you decide which process is best for you depending upon the complexity of your business structure. If you want us to manage this process for you, our experienced legal experts can do this.

We make the process of turning your idea in to a business as simple as possible.

Our recent experience includes:

• Formation of property management companies for local developers;
• Advice on a new charitable company structure for a long established local charity; and
• Setting up a new trading company for an online accessory retailer

Buying or selling a company requires careful consideration. It also requires expert legal guidance. Dunn & Baker Solicitors have extensive experience in helping businesses do this successfully.

Acquisitions and disposals are involved transactions. Several other parties, such as accountants and bankers, are involved and preparation is crucial. Appraising the target business thoroughly is important. Having the required financial and legal agreements, undertaking the negotiation and conducting due diligence are all critical steps to complete. The price and deal structure you agree need consideration too.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors work with you to successfully actualise the deal that is right for you. We have some of the best legal experts in the UK who can explain what you need to do and when, in simple terms. They will make sure you understand what is happening so any decisions you take are done with confidence. You will know upfront what our costs are and we promise to deal promptly with any questions you ask.

We advise on a variety of acquisitions and disposals, whether you are purchasing or selling a company in its entirety or acquiring or disposing of an interest in a business.

Our recent experience includes:

• Advising on the acquisition of an interest in a property agency company, and
• Various disposals, including a children’s day-care business and large distribution company.

The decision to transfer a business is often straightforward. Ensuring the relevant legislation is not forgotten is where Dunn & Baker Solicitors can help.

There are certain legal requirements that have to be observed when a business is transferred. Failure to do so is a problem which can lead to future liability, especially if you have employees. Employees are protected and you need to know what this means – what you can do in a transfer and what you cannot. If you are transferring your business, it helps if you know what should happen and exactly what assets and liabilities will transfer to your buyer.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors help many businesses to plan and mange a transfer. Employee rights are paramount in avoiding litigation. Our legal experts can meet with you to listen to what your plans are. We explain what you need to do, and help make it happen. We always explain your options and potential issues using plain English. We clearly say what the likely timescales and costs are and, if a problem should occur, we are always on hand to help find you a solution.

If you are buying a new business, selling one you already own, or are in the process of merging or investing, expert legal advice ensures your deal is done properly. Businesses of all sizes trust Dunn & Baker Solicitors to help take care of their deals.

Any company transaction is complex, even the seemingly straightforward ones. Dunn & Baker Solicitors’ legal experts will ensure you and your business are protected from the start. We are here to make sure nothing is missed. Is your deal properly and legally reflected in your contract? What issues did the due diligence process uncover and have these been resolved?

You will likely face many questions, which is why Dunn & Baker Solicitors help business owners like you with the answers. We work with business owners who trust us with their deal. We make complex legal matters easy to understand by using plain and simple English. Our likely costs are explained at the start so there won’t be any nasty surprises and we will deal with your queries promptly as we know your time is precious.

Our legal experts have experience in dealing with the purchase and sale of a variety of businesses such as restaurants, cafes, shops, caravan parks, care homes, holiday lets, hotels, and pubs.

Setting up a business requires some thought on the most appropriate legal structure. Whatever the agreement, Dunn & Baker Solicitors ensure the rights of those involved are properly taken care of.

There are many different ways to legally structure a business and some are more complicated than others. Every business owner needs to consider which arrangement is the most appropriate for them. Perhaps the most common form of business structure is a limited company. However, you can also set up a business as a partnership with an appropriate partnership agreement in place.

If your business is a company, a Shareholder Agreement will play a vital role in setting out agreements made between the business owners and will govern their relationship as shareholders. Shareholder Agreements can also be used to regulate ownership and voting rights. They can make provision for how capital contributions are to be made or how disputes between shareholders are to be resolved.

At Dunn & Baker Solicitors, our knowledge of business agreements allows you to make the right choice. Our lawyers can be trusted to clarify the benefits and risks of each. We explain matters in plain English, not legal jargon. Our aim is to make your decision the best one for your business.

Running a business involves many disciplines. The most important, arguably, is management of the finances.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors helps business owners understand the necessary legal requirements. We provide practical advice put simply, leaving you to concentrate on what you do best – growing your business.

We understand that most business owners start out with a dream or an idea. For the dream to succeed, it needs to be part of a financially well-run business. A company that employs staff must comply with HM Revenue and Customs regulations. There are rules on money laundering and receiving or giving gifts. Tax planning is important. How directors are paid will need to be thought about. The legal structure of your business can affect your financial situation too.

Dunn & Baker Solicitors has some of the best legal experts in the UK. With their experience, we help to make this simple. Once we understand how your business is set up, we offer the most appropriate advice. We tell you what you have to do, and how to go about it. This is all explained in plain English.

To ensure your business is as well cared for as your idea, contact us today for your FREE initial consultation. We’ll do what we’re great at, so you’re free to follow your dream.