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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.

England to re-enter lockdown

31 October 2020

Prime minister, Boris Johnson, announced that England will go back into lockdown from 5 November.

Following similar action by the governments of France, Belgium and Germany, England will enter a four-week lockdown following an increase in the numbers of confirmed cases, hospital admissions and deaths. The month-long lockdown will see all non-essential shops and hospitality businesses close until 2 December. Pubs, bars, and restaurants will also close except for takeaways.

People have been asked to 'stay at home' where possible. Those who can work from home, should do so. You can leave for essential shopping, medical appointments, to escape harm or for exercise.

In recognition of the impact this will have on many businesses, the prime minister announced that the furlough scheme, that was due to finish at midnight on 31 October, will be extended until December. This means that employees that are furloughed will still receive 80% of their pay.

Responding to the announcement, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said "There's no getting around the fact that these new restrictions will be a devastating blow to business communities who have done everything in their power to adapt and operate safely.

"Business and market confidence have been hit hard by the unclear, stop-start approach taken by governments across the UK over the past eight months, with little end in sight. Many firms are in a much weaker position now than at the start of the pandemic, making it far more challenging to survive extended closures or demand restrictions.

"The temporary extension of the furlough scheme will bring short-term relief to many firms, and responds to Chambers' call for business support to be commensurate with the scale of the restrictions imposed. While there is no substitute for a functioning economy, the full financial support package for businesses facing hardship, whether through loss of demand or closure, must immediately be clarified and communicated. Sustained help must be available to employers, to the self-employed and to the many businesses and individuals that have not been able to access any of the government's schemes to date."

Unlike the previous lockdown, schools, colleges and universities will remain open. The requirement for 'vulnerable' groups to shield will also not be re-introduced.

Written by Fiona Prior.

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