Setting up a Business
Business start-up solicitors
Setting up a new business is an exciting career step, but it is crucial to have all the correct legal building blocks in place to set you off on the right track. There are many legal implications to consider when starting and running a business, so it is important to seek expert legal advice from the outset to ensure you have all the correct documents and contracts in place.
What do I need to consider when setting up a business?
There will be different factors to consider depending on the business and the industry you operate in.
Also the structure of the business will result in different contracts and agreements being required.
How should I structure my business/start-up?
There are a number of ways in which you can structure your new business, including:
- Sole Trader-You operate as an individual
- Limited Company-You run the business in accordance with the Companies Act 2016 and the legal liability begins and ends with the company
- Partnership-You go into business with one or more people who jointly owns the assets and debts of the company
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)-A type of partnership where the partners have limited liability which does not include their personal finances
Do I have to instruct a solicitor to set up a business?
There is no legal requirement to instruct a solicitor when you’re setting up a business, however they can advise you on your rights, responsibilities and duties relating to legalities, make sure you have the appropriate documentation and contracts in place for customers and suppliers, review the terms of your lease, ensure you have all the appropriate insurance in place, provide guidance on regulations within your industry and draft or review agreements relevant to your business.
It is especially recommend to instruct a solicitor if you are setting up a limited company as they can ensure the appropriate documentation is in place and protect the interests of all parties involved.
What contracts/agreements should I have in place?
Whilst the structure of your business will affect some of the contracts that you need, the following are essential contracts that every business should have in place to avoid problems down the line:
- Employment contracts
- Terms and conditions
- Shareholder/partnership agreement
- Confidentiality agreements/non-disclosure agreements (NDA)
- Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement
How can I protect my intellectual property?
Intellectual property law can be complex, so we would advise getting the guidance of a solicitor to apply for protection and enforce your rights.
Copyright might automatically protect your work without you having to make an application to the Intellectual Property Office, otherwise a solicitor who specialises in intellectual property can help you apply for a trademark, patent or design right.
Why use Rothera Bray for setting up a business?
Our team of experts are on hand to provide trusted professional advice and will support you in building a legally sound business.
Our advice will be tailored to your business, taking into account your sector and the legal considerations associated with it.
As part of our initial advice on the setting up of your business, we are happy to directly introduce you to our extensive network of other relevant professionals across the Midlands, from accountants to insurance brokers.
We use our extensive experience to advise small and start-up businesses on a variety of matters, including:
- Incorporation – becoming a limited company, sole trader, partnership or limited liability partnership (LLP)
- Shareholder and partnership agreements
- Employment contracts
- Restrictive covenants
- Trademarks
- Business financing options
- Terms and conditions of sale
Send us a message
“Our specialist team will ensure that your business is legally protected from the start”
Tim Gladdle
Senior Partner
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Posted 8 May 2026
Our experience of working with Kerry and Beccy has been nothing but positive. They have made what can be a very stressful experience much less stressful. The communication between us has been great, they have been prompt in responding to my emails but also with the other solicitors involved in our house sale and purchase. They have been attentive and thorough, we felt confident in their ability and service from the very beginning. I would recommend Rothera Bray to friends and family. This is the third time I have used this firm and they would be my first choice should I need a solicitor in the future.
Aimee Crawford
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Posted 8 May 2026
Ellie guided us with our help to buy payment from start to finish. She was very polite, friendly and even had to chase me up on stuff which I really appreciated as it can usually be the other way round. She continuously kept us in the loop and even let us know when she was going to be on annual leave in case we couldn’t reach her at any point. Help to buy are notorious for their lack of communication and Ellie smoothed this out for us and made this so much easier. Grace was also fantastic at taking over our account when Ellie was on annual leave and she also kept us in the loop of the proceedings. Thank you both!
Coral
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Posted 7 May 2026
I had an excellent experience working with Jo and the team at Rothera Bray throughout my first home purchase. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. They explained every step of the process clearly, which was especially helpful as a first-time buyer. The team was prompt in responding to my questions and kept me updated regularly, ensuring I felt informed and reassured. They handled the legal paperwork efficiently and smoothly, making what could have been a stressful process much more manageable. Overall, I highly recommend Rothera Bray Solicitors to anyone looking for reliable and friendly legal support when purchasing a home. Their expertise and dedication made my first home purchase a positive experience.
First Time Buyer
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Posted 6 May 2026
Following the death of our mother, we sought advice, guidance, and help with the probate and potential inheritance tax processes... We were not disappointed. From start to finish, Nelissa Hicks and Rothera Bray solicitors have provided a super-professional and speedy service. We'd recommend anyone, regardless of position and requirements to your needs, engage with them at the earliest opportunity, as we will do so again in the future.
Trevor F
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Posted 6 May 2026
Joanne handled my conveyancing case with great professionalism and patience. The volume of emails coming from the estate agent in the south was overwhelming, and the process became far more stressful than it should have been. Despite this, Joanne and Nirvair managed every stage as effectively as possible and were consistently on top of everything. I truly appreciated their dedication and professionalism throughout. I would only choose Joanne to act for me in any future conveyancing matters, and I’m confident I’ll be using her services again.
Wing
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Posted 4 May 2026
I had a really positive experience working with Will during my employment redundancy. He took the time to clearly explain all the legal jargon in a way that was easy to understand, made sure I was fully aware of my options and offered guidance wherever I needed it. What could've been a very stressful and overwhelming process felt much more straightforward and manageable. I'd highly recommend Will to anyone needing expert and approachable employment law advice.
Isha T
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Posted 2 May 2026
Very pleased with the services of Rothera Bray. Marneya did an excellent job managing a very challenging situation. He successfully secured the lease and remained extremely proactive and professional throughout the negotiations. Marneya was a pleasure to work with and would highly recommend.
Robert
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Posted 1 May 2026
The whole process was a delight and I very much appreciate the professional, straight forward way in which you dealt with myself and my sister. May I thank you very much indeed for all your work in this matter and please be assured that Rothera Bray will be my first choice for any further matters of this nature.
Dr Gregg
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Posted 30 April 2026
Great support, always keeping us in the picture. A first rate service at a very competitive price. I would not hesitate to recommend Rothera Bray conveyancing services.
Simon Wilton
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Posted 29 April 2026
Ed, thank you so much for your totally efficient service over this work and especially the speed with which you have turned everything around. You really have starred throughout. We are extremely grateful to you.
Trust clients
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Posted 28 April 2026
Rothera Bray were extremely professional and employed great communication throughout the process. They talked me through the possible scenarios and what the potential outcomes might be. Both the Paralegals and the Solicitor were clear and concise during their representation and achieved the best outcome I could've hoped for. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
AC
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Posted 28 April 2026
I cannot recommend Rothera Bray highly enough, and in particular Emily, who is truly outstanding. Emily took on my case again and from the very beginning she showed that she is unlike other solicitors. She took the time to genuinely listen to me, understand my situation, and focus on what was right for both myself and my children. That immediately set her apart. Where other solicitors had previously pushed their own views, suggesting I accept an undertaking or advising against pursuing a non-molestation order and a section 91(14) order, Emily approached things completely differently. She looked at the full picture, put the needs of the family first, and had the confidence and knowledge to push for what was truly necessary. The outcome has made a significant difference to our lives, and I genuinely believe it would not have been achieved without her. Emily is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also incredibly understanding. She puts her clients first, not what is easiest or quickest to achieve, and that level of care and commitment is rare. If you are looking for a solicitor who will truly listen, stand by you, and fight for the right outcome, I would recommend Emily and the team at Rothera Bray without hesitation.
Nathan
Tim Gladdle
Senior Partner & Head of Corporate
Tim qualified as a solicitor in 1983, giving him 40 years of legal experience. He specialises in advising a wide range of companies on corporate affairs and transactions.
Toby Preston
Partner
Toby is a Partner who specialises in corporate law and business affairs. He has been a partner for over 10 years and been involved in many high profile acquisitions and disposals. He works mainly from our Leicester and Nottingham branches.
Erica Hurst
Solicitor
Erica Hurst is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Corporate and Commercial department and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Sandeesh Samra
Solicitor
Sandeesh Samra is a Solicitor in our Corporate and Commercial team and is based at our Lace Market office in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Liam Wicks
Solicitor
Liam Wicks is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Corporate & Commercial department and is based at our Derby office.
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