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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.

UK small firms need support to reach Net Zero

21 February 2023

Most small business owners say they don't fully understand what the government's 2050 Net Zero target means for them, according to new research.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has surveyed more than 1,000 businesses, of which 96% are SMEs, to find out how UK small firms are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

The findings suggest that nine out of ten firms don't fully understand what the government's target of making the UK Net Zero by 2050 means for them. While most SMEs (79%) are taking some steps to become more sustainable, there appears to be a significant divide on progress between smaller firms and larger SMEs that have more resources.

Planning for Net Zero

A total of 56% of the bigger firms (with more than 50 employees) have a "complete" or "some understanding" of the Net Zero target, compared to just 35% of the smaller ones (with less than 50 employees). Almost twice as many bigger SMEs (36%) have developed a plan for reaching Net Zero compared to smaller firms (19%).

Overall, the research shows that:

  • 69% of SMEs have installed LED lighting;
  • 34% are investing in greener vehicles;
  • 30% are using solar panels;
  • 46% are using recycling and waste management strategies;
  • 28% use renewable energy providers or tariffs.

Worryingly, one in five businesses (21%) say that using green technology will harm their productivity because of the costs, time and disruption. Just 10% say it will boost their business. However, those businesses that have embraced changes say they have seen cost savings and greater efficiency.

"Over the last 18 months we have changed the majority of our lighting to LED, and as a result have achieved a net saving of over £1,000 per annum even after the cost of [installation] is taken into account." Communications firm, Herefordshire.

Support for small businesses

When it comes to getting advice about achieving Net Zero, 42% of small firms polled said they would approach the Chambers of Commerce for support and 19% said they'd speak to business advisers such as banks, lawyers or accountants.

In response to the findings, the BCC and Lloyds Bank are working together to identify the most effective ways to target support for small firms and raise awareness.

Shevaun Haviland, BCC director general, said: "The cost-of-living crisis means many smaller firms are focused on keeping their heads above water. So, it is perhaps no surprise that researching and planning for Net Zero has slipped down the list of strategic priorities.

"But if the UK is to stand a chance of hitting its 2050 Net Zero target, then businesses must be put at the heart of the strategy to do that. They will provide one of the biggest dents in CO2 emissions by making the transition. 

"Yet, there is a real danger that smaller businesses will get left behind unless politicians, banks and business leaders come together to galvanise action. We have a position of responsibility here and it is up to us to use our influence to improve awareness of the benefits of becoming more energy efficient and how to do it."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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