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
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“Our specialist team will ensure that your business is legally protected from the start”
David Kaplan
Partner
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Posted 17 July 2026
Lauren was fantastic. Very patient and empathetic during a very difficult situation. Nothing was too much trouble for her.
James
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Posted 17 July 2026
We had a great experience with Rothera Bray Solicitors in West Bridgford when getting our wills sorted. Talita was extremely professional throughout, taking the time to clearly explain all our options and making sure we understood the implications of each decision. She made what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward and stress-free. Highly recommend for anyone needing wills advice. Thank you Talita.
Vanessa Caroli
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Posted 17 July 2026
Me and my partner were recommended Rothera Bray by our mortgage advisor for the purchase of our first property. From start to end, Abbey and Luisa were extremely helpful and responsive. They made the process so easy and always answered any questions we had. I would highly recommend Rothera Bray and will be definitely using them again for any future needs!
Shan Reid
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Posted 16 July 2026
I have recently used the service of Kerry Brown and Beccy Rodham in the conveyancing team for the sale of a property and I am currently also using their services for a transfer of ownership. The sale of the property had a few issues (one sale fell through) but Rothera Bray dealt with the whole transaction with expertise and were responsive to e-mails. Their online system was explanatory and made dealing with paperwork straightforward. Rothera Bray were proactive leading up to completion and I would highly recommend their services to others.
Ashley Parkin
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Posted 16 July 2026
We have just completed a difficult sale and purchase, throughout the conveyance Rothera Bray have been there for us. Joanne Clarke and Nirvair Kaur Singh worked hard to keep things on track and together with Jackie Murphy we are now safely in our new home. We would definitely have no problem recommending Rothera Bray based on our experience. Thank you
Barbara K
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Posted 15 July 2026
I engaged Rothera Bray for a motoring matter. They were professional, fair, honest and competent throughout - having spoken with a few other law firms, it was a very easy choice to go with them and I’m delighted that I did. Chelsey and Rebeca did an excellent job, gathering information and helping to focus on what mattered most. Anton was superb, putting me at ease “on the day”. He showed his expertise and command throughout and achieved a great outcome. Very grateful to the whole team and highly recommend.
Danny C
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Posted 15 July 2026
I recently dealt with Toby Byford at Rothera Bray who set up a will Trust for my father’s will. He was extremely polite and helpful throughout. He always responded promptly and answered my questions very clearly and in easy to understand language. He was very reassuring and made the whole process very straightforward. Thank you Toby.
Caroline D
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Posted 15 July 2026
The best experience I have ever had with solicitors. Superb from start to finish, kept me updated throughout regarding the sale of my home, were always there when I rang and really had my interests at heart. To complete in under 9 weeks was down the Rothera Bray, I can’t thank Lucy and Karen enough. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Fee’s were really reasonable and transparent.
Greg W
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Posted 14 July 2026
Cannot speak highly of the team at Rothera Bray Beeston, who helped me along to get my issue resolved. Special mention goes to Jack English, who showed incredible resilience, along with a large dose of patience whilst guiding me along the way, so that the correct result was obtained. Would have no hesitation in recommending this practice for whatever legal service you require. Thank you once more!
Lee S
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Posted 13 July 2026
My divorce was a long drawn out process thanks to my ex-husband and Sarah made it a lot less stressful due to her professional caring nature and her expertise. Thank you.
Karen
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Posted 13 July 2026
We cannot thank Rothera Bray enough for the outstanding support they provided throughout our Special Guardianship Order (SGO) process. Thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and dedication, we achieved a successful outcome, and we genuinely couldn't have done it without them. A special thank you goes to Ann-Marie and Emily, who guided us every step of the way. They were always there to offer advice, reassurance, and practical support whenever we needed it. No question was ever too much trouble, and they responded to any concerns or issues incredibly quickly, giving us confidence throughout what was a very challenging and emotional process. Their professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail are of the highest standard. They made us feel supported from start to finish and always had our best interests at heart. We are truly grateful for everything they have done for our family and would wholeheartedly recommend Rothera Bray to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you again, Ann-Marie and Emily, for making such a positive difference to our lives.
Barbara
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Posted 10 July 2026
We were extremely satisfied with the service from Rothera Bray during the process of rewriting our Wills and Side letters. Our Wills are complex and our solicitor clarified the necessary changes and took the time needed to ensure we understood the legalities involved. The service was professional but friendly.
Bob and Yvonne Bundick
Tim Gladdle
Senior Partner
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 and commercial affairs and transactions.
David Kaplan
Partner & Head of Corporate and Commercial
David Kaplan is a partner in our Corporate and Commercial team and is based at our Derby city centre office. David has been advising businesses for nearly 30 years and is recognised by Legal 500 as a Leading Individual.
Toby Preston
Partner
Toby is a Partner who specialises in corporate and commercial 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 branch.
Liz Mills
Senior Associate
Liz Mills is a Senior Associate in our Corporate and Commercial team and is based at our Derby office. Liz is recognised by Legal 500 as a Leading Associate.
Arron Halait
Senior Associate
Arron is a Senior Associate in our Corporate and Commercial team and is based at our Leicester office.
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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