Small Business Legal Advice

Starting a new business can be an exciting opportunity, but it also brings a range of legal, financial and operational challenges. From choosing the right business structure to setting up contracts, dealing with tax and employment responsibilities, or complying with UK regulations, every decision has consequences that can affect your long-term success.

At Clough & Willis, our specialist commercial solicitors provide bespoke legal advice and support to small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs at every stage of the business lifecycle. We help you get the legal foundations right from day one, giving your company the best chance of sustainable growth and long-term stability.

Our commercial law team supports clients across the UK with practical guidance on company formation, ownership, contracts, risk management and more. We provide clear advice on your legal responsibilities as a business owner and work alongside you to address issues before they develop. Whether you are preparing to launch a limited company, forming a partnership or trading as a sole proprietor, we are here to advise you on the legal implications of your decisions and strategy.

For legal advice tailored to your small business, speak to Clough & Willis Solicitors today. Call us on 0800 083 0815 or use our online enquiry form to request a call back at your convenience.

Legal Support for Small Business Start-Ups

Our solicitors understand that legal issues are not always front of mind when you are launching a new business, but dealing with the legal aspects early can help you avoid disputes, manage risk and keep costs under control. We work with start-ups across a wide range of sectors to offer structured, fixed-fee legal support that can fit around your budget and goals. We can help with:

• Advice on business structure - including sole trader, partnership or limited company status
• Preparation of shareholder or partnership agreements
• Review of contracts and terms with your customers and suppliers
• General advice on ownership, liability and day-to-day legal responsibilities
• A 30-minute consultation with our commercial property solicitors to review lease and property ownership options
• An employment rights pack and consultation with an employment law specialist
• Skeleton debt recovery letters and consultations with a credit control specialist

By identifying your legal responsibilities early and dealing with them proactively, you can avoid hitting disruptive - and costly - complications down the line. Our team will explain your options clearly, protect your interests and provide the legal structure your business needs to grow. Our comprehensive services cover a range of business needs, including:

Setting Up a Company

We provide expert guidance on forming a limited company, drafting articles of association, issuing share capital, and structuring ownership fairly.

Business Operations

Our lawyers advise on contracts, internal policies, regulatory obligations and employment matters - so your business can function smoothly and lawfully as it grows.

Goods and Services Contracts

If you are selling products or services, we can draft or review contracts with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to help prevent disputes and protect your business relationships.

Business Relationships

We draft and review agreements that define how partners, co-owners, investors and employees interact with the business. These clear agreements will help reduce disputes and promote accountability.

Your legal arrangements should reflect your business goals and protect your long-term position. We work closely with our clients to anticipate future challenges, limit liability and safeguard their commercial interests.

How We Can Help

At Clough & Willis, our small business legal team delivers practical advice and legal support designed around the realities of running a business. As a full service law firm, we offer access to commercial, property, employment and litigation specialists who can assist across every aspect of your operations.

We understand the pressures faced by small businesses and start-ups. Our solicitors focus on giving you clear, cost-effective legal guidance, allowing you to make confident decisions with minimal disruption. Whether you are dealing with contracts, employee matters, tax, finance, or commercial disputes, our lawyers are here to help.

We act on behalf of business owners, directors, partners and investors across a range of sectors, and we offer a professional, proactive service that puts your business goals first. If you are looking for a legal expert to support your business growth, speak to us today.