TOP LEGAL TIP

Put it in writing

Do put all your business deals and agreements in writing. If you have a verbal agreement get confirmation in writing as a verbal one is often difficult to put into effect if problems arise. A written record will also prevent people from trying to change their minds or giving you a different story at a later stage.

It pays to get advice early on

Get legal advice early on when renting or buying a property or setting up a partnership as it will pay in the long run. Problems can arise in the long-term if this is neglected. Ask for an estimate of the cost if you seek a lawyer’s advice.

Get someone to recommend a solicitor

Solicitors specialise in many areas of the law, so this can be a daunting step. Recommendations from other companies is a good start. Do ask solicitors for testimonials and references and follow these up.

Keep up to date with changes in the law

Employment law is constantly changing so do keep up to date by contacting your local job centre. Every employer must provide a statement of employment clearly laying down certain details. It can be in your interests to include policies that are not needed by law to safeguard you. For example, the kind of meals you will provide for your staff and what kind of dress code is suitable.

AVOIDING DEBT

Even if you have good finance and accountancy practices, there may be worrying times when some good, practical advice from experts would help enormously. Sometimes the psychological boost of just talking to someone who deals with financial problems is quite energising.

The Business Debtline (0800 197 6026) is a national telephone service that offers free, confidential and independent advice to small businesses on tackling cashflow problems by:

• preparing a budget for your business;
• prioritising all your debts;
• dealing with court proceedings;
• understanding bankruptcy;
• avoiding repossession of your home and business;
• dealing with tax matters;
• negotiating with creditors and bailiffs and dealing with most other debt and cashflow issues that you and your business may face.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the leading organisation for small businesses in the UK and campaigns on their behalf to improve the financial and economic environment in which they operate. Alongside this influential lobbying, FSB members also enjoy a unique protection and benefits package providing instant access to legal and professional advice and support. For further details visit their website: www.fsb.org.uk.

There are other useful contacts that can help you make the right business decisions.

The Small Business Service (SBS) operates a number of schemes and initiatives that are designed to help small businesses in a variety of ways. They encourage businesses to be more innovative and to exploit new technologies, help get finance more readily and can provide ways for businesses to measure and improve efficiency. Their website is www.business.link.gov.uk.

The SBS also oversees the work of the network of local Business Link offices that operate throughout England. Similar services for lowland Scotland are Business Gateway, Business Information Source in Highland Scotland, Business Connect in Wales and the Local Economic Development Unit for Northern Ireland.

Business Links provide independent and impartial advice, information and a range of services to help small firms and those starting up new businesses. Call Business Link on (0845 600 9006).

The Enterprise Centre ‘enabling businesses to start, survive and succeed’ provides Business Link services by offering start-up workshops, seminars on taxation, marketing, bookkeeping and other useful help. or info@enterprise-centre.co.uk.

The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) is the national face of the UK’s network of accredited Chambers of Commerce and campaigns to reduce burdens on business and create a more favourable business environment. For further help contact the BCC’s website: www.britishchambers.org.uk.

USEFUL CONTACTS

• Better Payment Practice Group
  For advice on getting paid on time and guidance on late payment legislation:
  www.payontime.co.uk
• British Insurance Brokers Association
  020 7623 9043
  www.biba.org.uk
• Valuation Office Agency
  Information on non-domestic rates payable on business premises.
  020 7506 1700
  www.voa.gov.uk
• Career Development Loans
  Deferred payment loans from £300 to £8,000: 0800 585 505.
  www.lifelonglearning.co.uk
• National Business Angels Network
  Information on development finance: 020 7329 2929.
  www.bestmatch.co.uk
  Or Community Development Finance Association: 020 7357 7356.
  www.cdfa.org.uk
• Employment Tribunal Service
  Details of what to do if you’re taken to an employment tribunal:
  0845 795 9775.
• Federation of Small Businesses
  01253 336000.
  www.fsb.org.uk
• Finance and Leasing Association
  Find out more about business asset finance: 0208 7836 6511.
  www.fla.org.uk
• Health and Safety Executive
  Information on health and safety rules for small businesses; free leaflets.
  HSE infoline: 08701 545500.
  www.hse.gov.uk
• Inland Revenue Helpline for the Newly Self-Employed
  To register as self-employed if you’re going into business as a sole trader
  or partnership: 08459 15 45 15.
  www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
• Inland Revenue Self-Assessment Orderline
  Forms, leaflets and factsheets on self-assessment: 0845 9000 404.
• Jobcentre Plus
  They can help you find the right person for your business: 0845 601
  2001.
  www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
• National Federation of Enterprise Agencies
  01234 354055.
  www.nfea.com
• Small Firms Loan Guarantee
  Government scheme guaranteeing loans for firms which can’t get bank finance because of a lack of security: 0114 2597308.
  www.sbs.gov.uk
• Trade associations
  Search for a trade association in your sector: www.taforum.org.
• Trading Standards Institute
  0970 872 9008.
  www.tradingstandards.gov.uk