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Setting up a business involves complying with a range of legal requirements. Find out which ones apply to you and your new enterprise.

What particular regulations do specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm) need to follow? We explain some of the key legal issues to consider for 200 types of business.

While poor governance can bring serious legal consequences, the law can also protect business owners and managers and help to prevent conflict.

Whether you want to raise finance, join forces with someone else, buy or sell a business, it pays to be aware of the legal implications.

From pay, hours and time off to discipline, grievance and hiring and firing employees, find out about your legal responsibilities as an employer.

Marketing matters. Marketing drives sales for businesses of all sizes by ensuring that customers think of their brand when they want to buy.

Commercial disputes can prove time-consuming, stressful and expensive, but having robust legal agreements can help to prevent them from occurring.

Whether your business owns or rents premises, your legal liabilities can be substantial. Commercial property law is complex, but you can avoid common pitfalls.

With information and sound advice, living up to your legal responsibilities to safeguard your employees, customers and visitors need not be difficult or costly.

As information technology continues to evolve, legislation must also change. It affects everything from data protection and online selling to internet policies for employees.

Intellectual property (IP) isn't solely relevant to larger businesses or those involved in developing innovative new products: all products have IP.

Knowing how and when you plan to sell or relinquish control of your business can help you to make better decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

From bereavement, wills, inheritance, separation and divorce to selling a house, personal injury and traffic offences, learn more about your personal legal rights.

Small businesses offered the chance to win big

13 January 2025

The Start Up Donut will be helping one small business owner to launch their business in 2025 with a Start-up Support Package worth over £3,000.

Britain is a nation of sole traders and entrepreneurs. Over 100 businesses were started every hour in the first six months of 2024. More than 459,000 small businesses were started in the first half of the year.

The Start Up Donut has been supporting small businesses since 2009. This year, Start Up Donut will be helping one lucky small business owner to bring their business dream to life, with a Start-up Support Package worth over £3,000.

Start Up Donut has partnered with some of the UK’s best experts and biggest small business supporters to offer those thinking of starting their own business the chance to win a Start-up Support Package.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the British economy. They provide jobs for more than 16.6 million people and generate 52% of the total UK turnover. That’s why small businesses matter.

“Start-up Donut has been supporting small business owners for more than 30 years. HP is dedicated to helping small businesses unlock their potential, too. Last year, HP helped more than 53,000 small and medium-sized UK businesses with tailored IT advice and solutions, credit and leasing options and onsite support to help them keep their businesses moving forward.” Danny Nourse, SMB & Commercial PC Business Manager – UK

Alex Clansey, co-founder of Venture Planner said, “Since December 2023, we, at Venture Planner, have helped more than 50,000 businesses plan smarter and grow faster with our cutting-edge, AI-powered business planner. That’s why we're delighted to partner with Start-up Donut to help one small business to plan and start their business with confidence.”

Start-up Support Package

One lucky winner will receive:

  • HP Elitebook830 13.3" laptop
  • 12 months' business insurance from Lukango (worth up to £350)
  • A 12-month subscription to Coconut and GoSimpleTax
  • A 12-month subscription to Venture Planner, the AI-powered business planning tool
  • A 12-month subscription to ESET Small Business Security
  • One-hour 'Success Session' with leading social media expert Luan Wise and a copy of her book 'Planning for success'
  • Three one-hour start-up business mentoring sessions with Start up Donut founder, Rory MccGwire
  • 12-months free membership to their local accredited Chamber of Commerce
  • Discounted membership for IPSE - the only association dedicated to the UK's self employed

Rory MccGwire, founder of the Start Up Donut said, “Starting a business is both exciting and challenging. There are so many things to consider and start-up costs to cover that surviving the first twelve months in business is not always a given.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer one business the chance to win this Start-up Support Package to help them navigate their first months in business. We have worked with some of the best names in small business support to put together this Start-up Support Package including HP, Lukango, Coconut, Venture Planner, British Chambers of Commerce, social media expert Luan Wise, ESET and IPSE.”

The competition runs from Monday 13 January until 23.59 on 16 February. To enter, small businesses simply need to answer a quick and easy question.

You could win everything you need to start your business venture so enter today.

Written by Fiona Prior

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