Commercial contracts
Formation, terms, breach, termination, liability and contract disputes.
Fenton Marsh Legal Q&A
Business and Commercial Law
Contracts, companies, directors, shareholders, commercial disputes, insolvency, IP, data and business operations.
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Commercial disputes usually turn on who the contracting parties are, what terms were incorporated, who had authority, what was promised and performed, what loss followed, and whether company, consumer, employment, insolvency or regulatory rules overlay the contract.
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Companies and directors
Company formation, director duties, authority, liability and Companies House issues.
Shareholders and equity
Shareholder rights, shares, investment, dilution, dividends and disputes.
Partnerships, LLPs and sole traders
Partnership agreements, LLPs, sole traders and personal liability.
Business insolvency
Liquidation, administration, winding up, insolvent trading and creditor pressure.
Business debts and invoices
Unpaid invoices, guarantees, debt recovery, retention of title and payment disputes.
Consumers, products and advertising
Consumer rights, product liability, advertising and sales compliance.
Data protection and privacy
UK GDPR, personal data, breaches, marketing and privacy compliance.
Intellectual property
Trade marks, copyright, designs, confidential information and ownership.
Staff and workers
Employment, agency workers, minimum wage and workforce issues for businesses.
Commercial property and leases
Commercial leases, rent, dilapidations, break clauses and premises.
Online business and technology
E-commerce, marketplaces, SaaS, software, platforms and online terms.
Business finance
Loans, security, investment, personal guarantees and funding arrangements.
Professional advisers
Claims involving accountants, consultants, advisers and professional mistakes.
Agency, franchise and distribution
Agents, distributors, franchises, referral fees and commercial networks.
Construction and subcontracting
Construction contracts, subcontractors, variations, retention and payment.
International trade
Imports, exports, customs, sanctions and cross-border commercial issues.
More Business and Commercial Law questions
Additional practical questions that do not sit neatly inside one of the main topics above.
S
Should I operate as a sole trader or limited company?Scope creep and unpaid extra workSupplier repeatedly delivers lateSupplier refuses to honour agreed pricesSupplier increased prices during a contractSupplier changed terms without my agreementSupplier stopped supplying my businessSupplier delivered defective goodsSupplier says there are no refunds for business customersSupplier terms exclude all warrantiesSupplier refuses to refund defective equipmentSupplier failure caused me to lose customersShould I agree to indemnify a customer?Supplier wants me to accept unlimited liabilityShould I sign a personal guarantee?Supplier is chasing me under a personal guaranteeStarting a limited companyShareholder refusing to attend meetingsShareholder refusing to sign company documentsShareholder wants their money backShareholder died and family inherited sharesShareholder divorce affecting company sharesShareholder was paid different dividend from othersShare transfer being blockedShareholder refuses to register share transferSomeone has registered me as a director without permissionSomeone formed a company using my detailsShould I stop trading if the company is insolvent?Statutory demand against my companySupplier threatening insolvency proceedingsShould I liquidate or strike off my company?Selling company assets before liquidationSole trader debt and personal bankruptcyStripe or PayPal holding business fundsSelling goods made overseasSelling children's products legallySelling cosmetics legallySelling food from homeStarting a home food businessSelling alcohol from a small businessSelling alcohol onlineSelling knives or age-restricted productsSharing customer details with subcontractorsSuspected employee fraudSponsor licence responsibilitiesSkilled Worker employee leaving businessShould I offer employee a settlement agreement?Selling a business as a going concernShould I buy business assets or company shares?Seller hid problems before business saleSeller breached business sale warrantiesSeller's turnover figures were misleadingSeller opened competing business after saleSeller took customers after business saleSelling my business to another personSelling shares in my companySales agent says they are owed commissionShould I buy a franchise?Supplier appointed another distributor despite exclusivitySaaS contract disputeSoftware does not work as promisedSoftware supplier refusing refundSEO company did not deliver promised resultsSigned business contract over the phoneSalesperson lied about contract termsSigned contract without reading itSupplier is based overseasStorage company lost business stockSupplier delivered late and customer cancelledSupply chain failure and customer claimsSubscription customer stopped payingSubscription cancellation rules for consumersSomeone copied my business logoSomeone copied my business nameShould I register my business name as a trademark?Someone says my logo infringes their trademarkSoftware developer owns code created for my businessSocial media account attacking my businessShoplifting and recovering lossesService charge dispute on commercial leaseSecurity of tenure for commercial tenantSubletting commercial premisesSchedule of condition commercial leaseShop lease and redevelopment plansStreet trading licenceSocial media platform suspended business pageSupplier marketplace banned my businessSelling imported products onlineSelling electrical goods legallySelling toys legallySelling cosmetics onlineSelling supplements legallySole traders working together as partnershipShould we form an LLP?Shareholder succession planningShould business owners make a will?Spouses running business together and separatingShare option disputeSweat equity agreement disputeShareholders agreement drag-along clauseSupplier relied on employee's promiseSupplier says I accepted defective goods previouslySolicitor made mistake in business transactionSubcontractor refusing to finish jobSubcontractor workmanship complaintSubcontractor demands payment for extra workSubcontractor damaged customer's propertySupplier bypassed my business to sell to customer
C
Can I change from sole trader to limited company later?Can a director be personally liable for company debts?Can someone sue me personally if they contracted with my company?Can a verbal business agreement be legally binding?Customer says we never agreed the priceCustomer refusing to pay an invoiceClient says the work was not good enough and will not payCustomer wants a refund after work has been completedCustomer refusing to pay because of a minor complaintCan I charge interest on an unpaid business invoice?Can I add late payment charges to an invoice?Can I change my payment terms for future customers?Can I demand payment upfront?Can I ask for a deposit before starting work?Customer wants their deposit back after cancellingCan I keep a customer's deposit if they cancel?Customer cancelled after I ordered materialsCan I charge a cancellation fee?Can I make a deposit non-refundable?Customer cancelled at the last minuteCan I charge a no-show fee?Customer booked work and then disappearedCan I sue a customer for unpaid invoices?Can I stop providing services until an invoice is paid?Can I withhold completed work until payment?Can I keep a customer's property until they pay me?Customer has made a chargeback after receiving the serviceCan I challenge a customer chargeback?Customer paid by card then claimed the transaction was unauthorisedCustomer is threatening a Section 75 claimCustomer is threatening to report me to Trading StandardsConsumer says my terms are unfairCan I exclude refunds in my terms and conditions?Can I say no refunds on sale items?Cooling-off rights for services already startedCustomer cancelled online order after I dispatched itCustomer wants a refund for a personalised productCustomer wants a refund for made-to-order goodsCustomer says goods are faultyCustomer says goods are not as describedCustomer returned damaged goods and wants a refundCan I deduct money from a refund for damage?Customer has used the product and now wants a refundCan I insist on repairing goods instead of refunding?Customer wants a full refund months after purchaseConsumer rights when selling refurbished productsConsumer rights for digital productsCustomer wants refund for downloadable productCustomer wants refund for online courseCan I refuse a refund for a service already provided?Customer says service was not carried out with reasonable careCustomer wants compensation as well as a refundCan I limit my liability to customers?Can my terms exclude liability for certain losses?Can I put a cap on compensation in a business contract?Can I exclude consequential losses in my contract?Can I exclude liability for delays?Can I exclude liability for customer-supplied information?Can I disclaim responsibility for third-party services?Can terms on the back of an invoice form part of the contract?Can I rely on terms sent after the customer agreed?Customer says they never saw my terms and conditionsCan purchase order terms override my standard terms?Can I change contract terms after agreement?Can a customer change the scope of work without paying more?Customer keeps asking for extra work outside the quoteCan I charge for variations to agreed work?Customer says extra work was included in original priceCan I charge more than my estimate?Customer accepted quote then refused final invoiceCustomer says my quote was fixed priceCan I withdraw a quote before it is accepted?Can an email acceptance create a binding contract?Can a text message create a binding business agreement?Can WhatsApp messages form a business contract?Can a handshake agreement be enforced?Customer changed their mind after accepting my quoteCan I cancel a contract with a customer?Can a business customer cancel a contract whenever they want?Can I terminate a customer contract for non-payment?Can I terminate a contract immediately?Can I terminate a contract for breach?Can I end a contract because the other side is late?Customer repeatedly breaches the contractCan I cancel a supplier contract because of poor service?Can I reject faulty goods bought for my business?Can I return goods bought for business use?Commercial vehicle bought for business is faultyCan I sue a supplier for lost profits?Customer breach caused my business financial lossCan I recover future lost profits?Can I claim wasted business expenses after breach of contract?Can I recover staff costs caused by someone else's breach?Can I recover legal costs under a business contract?Can I make the losing party pay my legal fees?Customer wants unlimited indemnity from my businessCan I get out of a personal guarantee?Contract signed before company was incorporatedCan a sole trader use a trading name?Can I use a virtual registered office?Can I use my home address as registered office?Can I remove a business partner?Can I force a shareholder out of the company?Can a shareholder force me to sell my shares?Can directors ignore a minority shareholder?Can I bring an unfair prejudice petition?Can a shareholder demand repayment of their investment?Can I buy out my business partner?Can the company buy back a shareholder's shares?Can I force a compulsory share transfer?Can an ex-spouse claim shares in my business?Can a director be removed?Can a director work for a competitor?Can a director be sued for breaching duties?Can I repay myself money I lent to my company?Company owes director moneyCan a director take money out whenever they want?Can illegal dividends be recovered?Can different shareholders receive different dividends?Can I pay my spouse through my business?Can I employ a family member?Can I give shares to family members?Can I transfer shares without other shareholders agreeing?Company records do not show my sharesCompanies House information is wrongCompany registered at my address without permissionCompany accounts are overdueCan Companies House strike off my company?Company threatened with compulsory strike-offCan I voluntarily strike off my company?Can I close a company that still owes money?Can I strike off a company with unpaid creditors?Creditor objected to company strike-offCustomer owes money to a dissolved companyCompany was dissolved before collecting debtsCan I recover money owed to a dissolved company?Can I reuse the name of a liquidated company?Closing a business with debtsCompany cannot pay its debtsCan directors keep trading while company is insolvent?Can directors become personally liable after insolvency?Creditor threatening to wind up my companyCan I dispute a statutory demand?Can I negotiate with creditors before liquidation?Company voluntary arrangement for small businessCreditors' voluntary liquidationCustomer paid deposit but company may closeCan liquidator pursue a director personally?Can I repay family before company liquidation?Can I repay my own director's loan before liquidation?Can I start another company after liquidation?Can I run a new business after bankruptcy?Can creditors take my home for business debts?Can a bank cancel my business overdraft?Can a payment processor hold reserves?Customer payments frozen by payment providerCan finance company repossess my business van?Can a small business complain about a business lender?Customer suing my business for negligenceCustomer injured at my premisesCustomer damaged themselves using my productCustomer says food made them illCustomer had allergic reaction to foodCan I email previous customers with marketing?Can I send marketing texts to customers?Can I add customers to a mailing list automatically?Customer asked me to delete their personal dataCustomer made a subject access requestCan I charge for a subject access request?Customer data sent to wrong personCan I store customer data in cloud software?Can I use overseas software to store customer data?Can I record customer phone calls?Can I use CCTV in my business?Can I record staff on CCTV?Can I monitor employee emails?Can I monitor company phones used by employees?Can I stop former employee contacting my customers?Confidentiality clause in employment contractCan I change an employee's contract?Can I reduce employee hours?Can I reduce employee pay?Can I change an employee's shift pattern?Can I move an employee to another workplace?Can I change someone's job duties?Can I make employees work weekends?Can I require overtime?Can staff refuse overtime?Can I dismiss someone for poor attendance?Can I dismiss an employee for poor performance?Can I suspend an employee during investigation?Can I give a final written warning immediately?Can I dismiss someone after one disciplinary meeting?Can I dismiss someone on long-term sickness?Can I ask employee for medical evidence?Can I contact employee's doctor?Can I refuse flexible working?Can I refuse employee holiday request?Can I cancel employee's approved holiday?Can I tell staff when to take holiday?Calculating holiday payCan unused holiday be carried over?Can I make staff work bank holidays?Can I deduct money for damaged equipment?Can I deduct training costs from final wages?Can I deduct till shortages from wages?Can I withhold final pay?Can I make employee work their notice period?Can I put employee on garden leave?Can I pay in lieu of notice?Can I enforce a non-compete clause?Can I stop former employee setting up nearby?Can I search employee belongings?Can I check employee work computer?Can I read employee work emails?Can I dismiss employee for social media posts?Customer complained about employeeCan I employ someone waiting for visa decision?Can I employ overseas workers?Can I use self-employed contractors instead of employees?Contractor says they are really an employeeCan I stop offering shifts to zero-hours worker?Casual worker employment statusCan I dismiss an apprentice?Can employee claim for work-related stress?Can I discipline a whistleblower?Can I settle an employment dispute through ACAS?Can I have a protected conversation with employee?Can I withdraw a settlement offer?Can small business represent itself at Employment Tribunal?Can I recover legal costs if I win Employment Tribunal case?Can I make someone redundant and hire someone else?Can I make part-time employee redundant?Can I choose most expensive employee for redundancy?Calculating statutory redundancy payCan I dismiss employee with less than two years' service?Can someone with less than two years sue for dismissal?Can I sue seller after buying a business?Can I stop seller competing after selling business?Can I sell company without other shareholder agreeing?Commercial agent commission disputeCommission agreement between businessesCustomer introduced by former agentCan I leave a franchise early?Can franchisor stop me competing afterwards?Commercial agent termination rightsCommercial agent compensation after terminationCan supplier force me to buy minimum quantities?Contract renewed automatically without me noticingCan I cancel an auto-renewed business contract?Commercial mobile phone contract disputeCold caller signed me up to business contractCan businesses get cooling-off rights?Can I cancel a business contract for misrepresentation?Can I escape a bad business contract?Contract says English law appliesCustomer is based overseasCan I sue overseas customer for unpaid invoice?Courier lost business goodsCourier damaged customer orderCan I claim full value from courier?Carrier liability limit disputeCustomer says parcel never arrivedCustomer claims delivery was stolenCustoms broker caused business lossCan supplier rely on force majeure?Can I rely on force majeure to avoid liability?Contract frustration in business disputeCan I increase price because costs have risen?Customer refuses annual price increaseCan I renegotiate a bad business contract?Customer breached minimum purchase commitmentCan I suspend customer account for non-payment?Customer denies agreeing to recurring paymentCan I store customer's card details?Consumer Contracts Regulations and my businessConsumer Rights Act and my businessConsumer Protection from Unfair Trading rulesCan I advertise "no refunds"?Can I advertise "sale ends today" repeatedly?Customer ordered item priced by mistakeCan I cancel order after pricing error?Can I substitute another product?Customer complains advert was misleadingCompetitor says my advertising is misleadingComparative advertising against competitorCan I mention competitor by name in advertising?Can I copy competitor's prices?Competitor copied my websiteCompetitor copied my product descriptionsCompetitor copied my photographsCan I stop competitor using similar company name?Can I use a name similar to registered trademark?Can I trademark my business name?Can I trademark a slogan?Can I trademark a logo?Can I use images found online on business website?Copyright complaint over image used on websiteCan I use customer reviews in marketing?Customer demands negative review be removedCustomer posted false review about my businessCan I sue over fake business review?Competitor posting fake reviewsCan I respond publicly to customer complaint?Customer threatening bad review unless I refundCompetitor spreading false rumoursCan a company sue for defamation?Can I identify anonymous reviewer?Customer filming inside my premisesCan I stop customers filming in my shop?Customer being abusive to staffCan I ban a customer from my premises?Can I refuse service to a customer?Customer demanding service after threatening staffCan I trespass someone from business premises?Customer refuses to leave my shopCan I detain suspected shoplifter?Customer stole from my businessCan I recover civil costs from shoplifter?Customer damaged rented equipmentCustomer damaged hired machineryCan I keep hire deposit for damage?Customer refuses to return rented vehicleCustomer abandoned hired equipmentCommercial landlord increased rentCan commercial landlord evict my business?Commercial landlord changed locksCommercial landlord refusing repairsCommercial landlord charging unexpected service chargesCommercial rent arrearsCan landlord seize business goods for rent arrears?Commercial Rent Arrears RecoveryCan I negotiate commercial rent arrears?Commercial lease break clauseCan I end commercial lease early?Commercial lease renewal rightsCan landlord refuse to renew business lease?Contracted-out business leaseCan I transfer my business lease?Commercial rent deposit disputeCommercial landlord cutting utilitiesCan I run business from home?Can I appeal licence refusal?Council inspection of business premisesCan I challenge a food hygiene rating?Council closed my business temporarilyCan Trading Standards enter my premises?Consumer complaint escalated to regulatorCan regulator prosecute a small business?Country of origin labellingCan I charge card fees to customers?Can I impose minimum card spend?Can I charge administration fees?Can I charge delivery fees separately?Can I charge restocking fees?Can I charge customers for returned goods?Customer refused delivery and wants full refundCustomer says package arrived damagedCustomer returned wrong itemCustomer says item was missing from packageCustomer making repeated chargebacksCustomer claims parcel never arrived despite proofCustomer returned empty boxCustomer used product then returned itCan marketplace close my account without warning?Can I challenge platform account suspension?Customer claims imported item was unsafeCan I say my product cures something?Can I recover money from influencer?Can one partner bind the whole partnership?Can I continue trading after partner leaves?Can former partner compete with business?Can I expel a partner?Can LLP remove a member?Can family continue business after owner dies?Company with no director after deathCan family access company bank account after director dies?Can attorney run someone's business?Company shares in divorceCan ex-partner claim business they helped build?Can investor demand access to company accounts?Can company issue more shares?Can someone enforce verbal promise of company shares?Crowdfunding investment disputeCan I advertise investment opportunity online?Convertible loan agreement disputeCan shareholders sack founder as director?Can shareholder inspect company accounts?Can shareholder see board minutes?Can director refuse shareholder information?Company books and records access disputeCan former director access company records?Company accountant taking instructions from one director onlyCan one director make decisions alone?Can director sign contract without board approval?Customer dealt with someone who had no authorityCan business refuse contract signed by unauthorised staff?Company seal or signature requirementsCan business contract be signed electronically?Contract signed by wrong personCan work start under letter of intent?Can past dealings determine contract terms?Course of conduct changed contractCan I start enforcing strict terms again?Customer says I accepted late payments beforeContract changed verbally despite written variation clauseCustomer says salesperson promised something differentCan I sue my accountant?Can I claim against insurance broker?Commercial property agent disputeCan I recover consultancy fees?Consultant failed to deliver promised workCan I withhold subcontractor payment?Construction payment disputeConstruction adjudication for small businessCustomer refusing to pay builderCan business pass liability to subcontractor?Contractor owns tools left at businessContractor took customer dataContractor poached my clientCan I stop contractor working directly for my customer?Customer bypassed me and hired subcontractor directlyCommission after customer deals directCustomer company entered liquidation owing me moneyCan I reclaim goods from insolvent customer?Can I take back unpaid goods?Customer sold goods before paying meCan retention of title cover sale proceeds?
W
What is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?Who pays for materials when a customer cancels?What should I put in a letter before action?Which terms apply when both businesses have different terms?What happens if a contract has no termination clause?What counts as a serious breach of contract?What does an indemnity clause actually mean?Who is liable for a pre-incorporation contract?What information must appear on company invoices?What happens if shareholders fall out?What happens to shares when a shareholder dies?When is a company legally insolvent?Wrongful trading concernsWinding-up petition from a creditorWhat happens to employees if company closes?What happens to customer deposits if business fails?What happens to personal guarantees if company liquidates?What must be included in employment terms?What counts as gross misconduct?What can I do if employee refuses to work notice?Worker or self-employed contractor?Workplace accident reporting dutiesWorking alone health and safetyWhat counts as whistleblowing?What should employer do during ACAS Early Conciliation?What is an ET3 response?Wrongful dismissal claim against businessWhat checks should I make before buying a business?What does goodwill include in a business sale?Wholesale supply contract disputeWebsite developer disputeWeb designer failed to finish websiteWho owns my business website?Who owns website domain name?Website host suspended my siteWho owns business email accounts?Which country's law applies to business contract?Who bears risk when goods are in transit?Who bears risk for goods delivered to consumer?Warehouse damaged my stockWebsite showed item in stock but it was notWho owns copyright in work I paid for?Who owns intellectual property created by employee?When can a business refuse to serve someone?Who repairs commercial premises?Who pays business rates under lease?Who is responsible for product safety when importing?Who owns customer list after partnership ends?Who keeps business name after partnership breakup?Who keeps social media accounts after partnership split?Who owns tools and equipment after business breakup?What happens to sole trader business after death?What happens to company if sole director dies?What happens to business if owner loses capacity?Who owns business after relationship breakdown?Was family money a loan or investment?Who owns company records after director leaves?We have traded for years without written contractWaiver of contractual rightsWorker transferred from agency to businessWho is liable for subcontractor mistakes?
A
Am I personally liable for business debts as a sole trader?Are limitation of liability clauses enforceable?Are website terms and conditions legally binding?Administration for a small companyAsset finance disputeAm I liable for products made by another company?Allergen information requirementsAge-restricted sales and business liabilityAge verification for online salesAm I paying minimum wage correctly?Agency worker rightsApprentice employment rightsAsset sale versus share saleAgency agreement disputeAutomatic renewal clause in business contractAdvertising company contract disputeAutomatic renewal hidden in small printAdvertising product I cannot supplyAnother business has similar trading nameAnonymous online reviews damaging businessAssignment of commercial leaseAuthorised guarantee agreementAmazon suspended my business accountApp store removed my business appAdvertising health claimsAffiliate marketing contractAm I liable for my partner's business contract?Angel investor agreementAdvisor promised equityAuthority of director to bind companyApparent authority in business contractAre DocuSign contracts legally binding?Accountant made mistake costing business moneyArchitect or surveyor negligence affecting businessAgency claims introduction feeAgency transfer fee dispute
D
Do I need a written contract with every customer?Do consumers always have 14 days to cancel?Does the 14-day cooling-off period apply to my business?Do I have to offer a refund or can I repair the item?Do consumer rights apply to second-hand goods?Do website disclaimers protect my business?Do customers have to tick a box to accept online terms?Do I have to give notice before ending a business contract?Do businesses have the same rights as consumers?Director signed contract personally by mistakeDid I sign a contract personally or for the company?Do I need to put my legal business name on invoices?Do I need my company number on my website?Do I have to show my registered office on business documents?Do I need a shareholders' agreement?Deadlock between equal shareholdersDirector refusing to resignDirector has stopped attending to company businessDirector acting against company interestsDirector setting up a competing businessDirector took customers to a new businessDirector copied company customer listDirector using confidential information after leavingDirector's duties to the companyDirector borrowed money from companyDirector's loan account disputeDirector taking company money for personal useDirector paid company expenses personallyDividends paid when company had no profitsDirector salary versus dividendsDo I need to file confirmation statements?Director conduct investigation after liquidationDo I have to recall an unsafe product?Do I need to display allergen information?Do I need a premises licence?Do I need terms and conditions for my website?Do I need a privacy policy?Do I need a cookie policy?Do I need consent for email marketing?Do I have to delete customer records under GDPR?Do I have to disclose internal business emails?Do I have to report a data breach?Do I need a data processing agreement?Do I need employment contracts for staff?Do I have to pay employees for overtime?Do I need a performance improvement plan?Do I have to pay someone while suspended?Do I have to hold a disciplinary hearing?Do I have to make reasonable adjustments?Do I have to keep someone's job open during maternity leave?Do I have to allow compassionate leave?Do commission and overtime count in holiday pay?Deductions from employee wagesDo I need employers' liability insurance?Do I need to report accident under RIDDOR?Does employee need legal advice for settlement agreement?Discrimination claim from employeeDo I need to consult one employee about redundancy?Do employees transfer when I sell the business?Do I inherit employment liabilities when buying business?Due diligence when buying a small businessDistributor agreement disputeDistribution territory disputeDeveloper refuses to hand over websiteDelivery company refusing compensationDirect debit cancelled by customerDistance selling rules for small businessDo I have to honour an incorrect online price?Designer says they own my logo copyrightDo contractors automatically transfer intellectual property?Defamatory comments about my businessDiscrimination rules when refusing customersDamage to business premises by customerDilapidations claim after leaving premisesDo I need a licence for my business?Do I have to show VAT-inclusive prices to consumers?Dropshipping legal issuesDo I need to identify manufacturer to customers?Do influencers need to disclose paid adverts?Dilution of founder sharesDo I need FCA authorisation to raise investment?Director and shareholder rights are differentDirector refusing to hand over passwordsDirector blocking access to accounting softwareDraft contract never formally signedDid I waive right by not enforcing contract earlier?Do professionals owe my business a duty of care?Do I need adjudication before court?Do I need written subcontractor agreement?
H
How long should I give a customer to pay an invoice?How long does a customer have to reject faulty goods?How long is a quotation valid?How do I prove loss of profit?How do I keep my home address off Companies House?How do I value a partner's share of the business?How do shareholders remove a director?How do I sell shares in a private company?How do I correct Companies House records?How do I stop my company being struck off?How do I restore a dissolved company?HMRC threatening to wind up my companyHire purchase agreement for business equipmentHow do I respond to a subject access request?How do I manage poor performance legally?How do I investigate employee misconduct?How should I deal with a grievance?How do I investigate discrimination complaint?Holiday entitlement for part-time employeesHoliday entitlement for zero-hours workersHow long can a non-compete clause last?Health and safety duties for small businessesHomeworking health and safety dutiesHow much should I offer in settlement agreement?How do I respond to an Employment Tribunal claim?How much could an Employment Tribunal claim cost me?Holiday pay claim from former employeeHow do I carry out a fair redundancy?How do I select employees for redundancy?How do I sell a sole trader business?Home business and tenancy restrictionsHow can business protect against refund fraud?Have we accidentally created a partnership?How are partnership profits divided?
I
Is my cancellation fee legally enforceable?Is an unpaid invoice suitable for a small claim?Indemnity clause in business contractInvoice issued in trading name instead of company nameInvoice finance disputeInsurer refusing to pay business interruption claimInsurance policy cancelled after business claimImporter liability for defective productsIllegal working penalty riskIR35 concerns for small businessIntroducer fee agreement disputeIT support contract disputeInternational business contract disputeImport contract disputeIncoterms dispute with supplierInflation clause in business contractImprovement notice from councilInfluencer marketing legal requirementsInfluencer breached sponsorship agreementInvestor wants money backInvestor says business information was misleadingInvestor wants seat on boardInvestor loan turning into sharesInvestor veto rightsIs business bound by employee's agreement?IT consultant caused business lossInsurance broker failed to disclose exclusionInterim payment application disputeIndependent contractor confidentiality clauseIntroducer being cut out of transaction
T
Trading Standards contacted my businessTwo shareholders own 50 percent each and cannot agreeTransactions at undervalue before insolvencyTrading Standards says my product is unsafeTemporary staff employment rightsTUPE when selling my businessTake-or-pay clause in business contractTrademark infringement by another businessTemporary event business licenceTrading Standards investigationTrading Standards asking for business recordsTaking investment from friends and familyTag-along rights in company saleTwo directors disagree about company decisionTerms incorporated by course of dealingTwo recruitment agencies claiming same feeTemporary staffing agency disputeTerritory protection in business contract
B
Battle of the forms in business contractsBusiness-to-business purchase went wrongBank is enforcing my personal guaranteeBusiness contract has the wrong company nameBusiness partner wants to leaveBusiness partner stopped doing any workBusiness partner took money from the businessBusiness partner refuses to give me access to bank accountBusiness partner is spending company money without agreementBusiness partner died without a shareholders' agreementBusiness debts following me personallyBusiness loan secured on my homeBusiness overdraft with personal guaranteeBusiness bank froze my accountBusiness bank account closed without warningBank holding business fundsBusiness loan agreement disputeBusiness lender demanding early repaymentBusiness finance agreement personal guaranteeBusiness vehicle finance disputeBusiness cash advance agreementBusiness lender taking daily card paymentsBusiness insurance claim refusedBusiness insurer says I breached policy conditionsBusiness suffered a data breachBank holiday entitlement for employeesBusiness closing and staff redundanciesBuying business with existing employeesBringing outsourced work back in-houseBuying an existing small businessBusiness purchase agreement disputeBusiness was worth less than seller claimedBuying business goodwillBuyer refuses to pay final business sale instalmentBusiness broker fee disputeBusiness broadband contract cancellationBusiness energy contract disputeBusiness energy supplier changed my contractBusiness energy broker disputeBusiness utility contract rolled overBusiness software subscription cancellationBusiness bought software that is unusableBusiness social media account ownershipBusiness directory contract disputeBusiness contract was misrepresented to meBusiness contract heavily favours other sideBusiness-to-business delivery riskBusiness unable to perform contract because of unexpected eventBusiness customer wants to terminate earlyBusiness reputation damaged by false allegationsBusiness lease disputeBusiness rates disputeBreak clause conditions in commercial leaseBusiness fitted out premises and landlord wants reinstatementBusiness signage permissionBusiness licence refusedBusiness relies on one platform and account was closedBusiness paid influencer who did not post contentBrand ambassador agreement disputeBusiness collaboration without written contractBusiness partnership without formal agreementBusiness succession after owner diesBusiness assets in owner's estateBusiness divorce between husband and wifeBusiness assets in divorceBusiness crowdfunding campaign legal issuesBoard deadlock in small companyBusiness relied on incorrect professional adviceBookkeeper caused tax penaltiesBusiness consultant gave bad adviceBroker arranged wrong business insuranceBusiness insurance did not cover expected riskBusiness broker misrepresented opportunityBusiness coach refund disputeBuilder refusing to return depositBusiness customer insolvency after I supplied goods
Q
N
New business equipment broke shortly after purchaseNeed to make employee redundantNeighbour complaining about home businessNoise complaints against businessNo partnership agreement and business is breaking downNew shares issued without my agreementNo oral modification clauseNegligent misstatement between businessesNon-circumvention clause
U
Used equipment bought for business has failedUnfair prejudice by another shareholderUnregulated business lending disputeUnfair dismissal claim against small businessUnpaid wages claim from employeeUnwanted business advertising contractUnfair terms in business-to-business contractUsing music in business videosUsing customer photographs in advertisingUKCA or CE marking questionsUnsigned business contract dispute
P
Personal guarantee in a business contractPreference payments before company insolvencyPhoenix company rulesPayment processor froze my business moneyPayment platform terminated my accountPublic liability insurance disputeProfessional indemnity insurance claimProfessional negligence claim against my businessPublic liability after customer accidentProduct liability for small businessProduct recall for small businessProduct safety rules for online sellersPregnant employee health and safety dutiesPersonal guarantee hidden in contractProof of delivery disputeParcel delivered to wrong addressPrice variation clausePricing error on websitePhotographer says I cannot use business photographsPlaying music in shop or salonPersonal guarantee on commercial leasePlanning permission for business usePlanning enforcement against small businessPop-up shop legal issuesPremises licence reviewProhibition notice against businessProduct labelling requirementsPricing display rulesPlatform says I breached seller termsPlatform refuses to release moneyPrint-on-demand business legal questionsProduct compliance when importing from abroadPartner in joint venture took ideaProfit split agreement disputePartner wants to dissolve partnershipPartnership agreement disputePartner withdrew money without permissionPartner entered contract without telling mePartner left but business debts remainPartnership assets after splitPartnership debt after one partner leavesPartnership dissolved after death of partnerParents invested money into businessPrivate investor disputePre-emption rights on new sharesParties started work before contract was signedPurchase order and invoice created contractProfessional adviser contract disputePay-when-paid clause
M
Minority shareholder being ignoredMajority shareholder excluding me from the businessMissed Companies House filing deadlineMerchant account terminated without warningMerchant cash advance disputeMaternity leave rights for small businessesMinimum wage rules for small businessesMissed deadline for responding to Employment Tribunal claimManufacturer refuses to supply my businessMinimum purchase obligation disputeMarketing agency contract disputeMaterial price increases after quote acceptedMinimum contract period disputeMusic licensing for business premisesMarket stall legal requirementsMarketplace withholding business fundsMarketplace removed my listingsMember dispute in LLPMisrepresentation by sales representativeMarketing consultant did not achieve promised resultsMain contractor has not paid my invoiceMinimum sales target dispute
L
Leaver provisions in shareholder agreementLost share certificateLate company accounts filing penaltyLender increased business loan interestLeasing company repossessing business equipmentLaptop containing customer data was stolenLong-term contract I want to leaveLong-term customer contract now losing moneyLandlord threatening CRARLandlord refuses to accept break noticeLandlord and Tenant Act 1954 business tenancyLandlord wants possession when lease endsLandlord refusing consent to assign leaseLandlord refusing permission to subletLandlord wants huge repair payment after leaseLandlord refusing to return rent depositLandlord disrupting my business with building workLoss of trade due to landlord worksLease does not allow my type of businessLocal authority licensing disputeLicence conditions harming businessLimited liability partnership for small businessLLP member wants to leaveLasting power of attorney for business ownerLoan from private investorLetter of intent disputeLong-standing customer suddenly disputes payment terms
G
F
Fraudulent company appointment at Companies HouseFraudulent trading allegationFactoring company withholding paymentsFaulty product injured customerFood hygiene complaint against my businessFormer employee took customer dataFlexible working request from employeeFormer employee poaching customersFormer employee poaching staffFormer employee will not return laptopFormer employee kept company phoneFormer employee deleted company filesFranchise agreement disputeFranchisor made misleading earnings claimsFranchise fees disputeFranchisor terminated my franchiseFranchise territory disputeFranchisor opening another outlet nearbyFormer web developer controls my domainFormer employee controls business Facebook pageFormer marketing agency controls social media accountsForeign supplier delivered defective goodsFreight forwarder disputeForce majeure clause in business contractFreelancer owns work they created for meFormer employee posting damaging reviewsFormer tenant still liable under leaseFood hygiene rating disputeFraudulent customer refund claimFormer partner being chased for debtsFormer partner wants share of businessFamily member worked in business without payFamily member says they own part of businessFounder and investor disagreementFounder promised shares but nothing in writingFinancial promotion rules for small businessesFounder removed from own companyFounder owns shares but no longer controls companyFormer director controls company bank accountFranchise consultant gave bad advice
E
Equipment finance agreement problemsEmployee sold alcohol to someone underageEmployee made a subject access requestEmployee accidentally emailed customer informationEmployee accessed customer records without permissionEmployee copied confidential files before leavingEmployee started work without written contractEmployee refuses new contract termsEmployee constantly arriving lateEmployee keeps taking unauthorised absenceEmployee has stopped turning up for workEmployee performance is not good enoughEmployee made a serious mistakeEmployee refuses to attend disciplinary hearingEmployee wants to bring someone to disciplinary meetingEmployee secretly recorded disciplinary meetingEmployee appealed disciplinary decisionEmployee raised grievance against managerEmployee says they are being bulliedEmployee accused another employee of harassmentEmployee alleges discriminationEmployee says they are disabledEmployee asking to work from home as adjustmentEmployee on long-term sick leaveEmployee has repeated short-term absencesEmployee refusing occupational health assessmentEmployee pregnant and struggling with dutiesEmployee wants to return early from maternity leaveEmployee wants flexible working after maternity leaveEmployee wants to change working hoursEmployee requesting time off for dependantsEmployee needs emergency family leaveEmployee wants unpaid leaveEmployee taking too much time offEmployee booked holiday without permissionEmployee has unused holiday when leavingEmployee owes business money after leavingEmployee resigned without working noticeEmployee left and joined competitorEmployee took business property when leavingEmployee has started competing while still employedEmployee running own business during work hoursEmployee stealing from businessEmployee claimed false expensesEmployee misusing company credit cardEmployee taking cash from businessEmployee posted negative comments about business onlineEmployee criticised company on FacebookEmployee disclosed confidential business information onlineEmployee's social media harming business reputationEmployee refuses to follow reasonable instructionsEmployee swearing at customersEmployee had argument with customerEmployee accused of violence at workEmployee failed right to work checkEmployee visa has expiredEmployee says they are self-employedEmployment status of subcontractorEmploying someone under 18Employee injured at workEmployee says workplace is unsafeEmployee stress caused by workEmployee alleges whistleblowingEmployee reported business to regulatorEmployee threatening Employment Tribunal claimEmployee wants a settlement agreementEmployee rejected settlement and is threatening TribunalEmployee volunteering for redundancyEmployee does not have two years' serviceEmployee claiming automatic unfair dismissalEarn-out payment dispute after business saleExclusive distribution agreementExclusive supplier arrangementExport contract disputeEarly termination charge disputeEmployee created something valuable for businessEmployee theft versus customer theftEquipment hire contract disputeEnvironmental health complainteBay restricted my seller accountEtsy closed my shopEmployee share scheme problemsEmployee signed contract without permissionElectronic signatures on business contractsEntire agreement clause disputeExclusive agency agreement dispute
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Restrictive covenant in employment contractRight to work checks for employeesRisk assessments for small businessesReceived ACAS Early Conciliation notificationReceived Employment Tribunal claimRedundancy dispute from former employeeReferral fee not paidReseller agreement disputeRecurring payment contract disputeReceived trademark infringement letterReceived demand for payment for copyrighted photographReview blackmail or extortion against businessRental customer refuses to return equipmentRunning business from residential propertyReferral partner has not paid commissionRevenue sharing agreement disputeReward crowdfunding customer rightsRecruitment agency fee disputeRecruitment agency wants fee after employee leftRecruitment agency replacement guaranteeRetention money not releasedRetention of title clause