https://www.contracts-direct.com2024-06-25 14:18:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/templates/b2b-e-commerce-guide2024-06-25 14:05:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/templates/confidentiality-letter-template2024-06-25 12:45:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/templates/software-development-checklist2024-06-25 12:44:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/templates/website-development-checklist2024-06-25 12:42:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/templates/generative-ai-policy-template2025-01-08 11:44:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-essentials-guideCheck out the listings for key content on commercial and corporate guidance and go to our Newsletters page for other developments.2025-01-03 09:46:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/management-contracting-vs-construction-management2024-07-03 10:37:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/introduction-to-trademarksTrademarks are a key intellectual property right for businesses- this guide introduces the topic2024-07-03 10:27:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/introduction-to-copyright-for-businessA helpful summary of what copyright is and how it can be used in business2024-07-02 09:56:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/shareholders-agreement-introductionA guide to what a shareholders' agreement says and does2024-07-01 09:04:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/earn-outsEarnouts feature in the sale and purchase of businesses and are an important way for buyer and seller to reach agreement on pricing and payment. This articles considers their use and main features and their benefits and disadvantages.2024-06-28 11:49:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/summer-24-newsletterThis edition includes selected new features in our Business Essentials section and many useful business tips for Summer.2024-06-25 14:46:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/b2c-e-commerceE-commerce has become embedded in the way goods and services are sold online to consumers. Our Guide provides much useful information for those wanting to operate in the B2C space.2024-06-25 14:46:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/b2b-e-commerceE-commerce has become embedded in the way we do business. Our Guide provides much useful information for those wanting to operate in the B2B space.2024-06-25 10:02:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/software-developmentSoftware development is a complex process that involves designing, coding, testing, and maintaining computer programs or applications. This article explores what software development entails and discuss the key points to be included in a development agreement.2024-06-24 17:31:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/software-licence-checklistSoftware is a key business asset and it's important to know what to look out for if you are involved in licensing it. This article looks at what is involved in software licensing and there's a downloadable checklist.2024-06-24 10:40:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/ai-toolkitAI and generative AI in particular are rapidly becoming workplace tools, so this "toolkit" provides essential information to help businesses understand the subject and deal with the issues that arise, including having a staff AI policy.2024-06-20 12:54:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/website-compliance-requirementsWebsites are a key communication tool for business and there are many things that need to be included and disclosed on them. This article gives guidance on the requirements on everything from cookies to third party content.2024-06-20 12:14:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/website-terms-of-use-vs-terms-and-conditionsUsers and owners of websites are frequently confused about the meaning of 'terms of use' and 'terms and condition' and think they are one and the same. They are not and this article clears up this common misunderstanding.2024-06-20 10:05:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/powers-of-attorney-for-commercial-dealsPowers of Attorney have many uses in facilitating commercial transactions and this article looks at these and at who can grant a PoA, how they are formed and revoked and at the different types of PoA and at their characteristics.2024-06-18 15:44:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/digital-vs-electronic-signaturesUnderstanding Security in English Commercial Contracts- this article considers the definitions, characteristics, and security aspects of digital and electronic signatures, and determine which is more secure for English commercial contracts.2024-06-07 14:50:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/grounds-for-termination-of-a-contractThere are times when it becomes essential to look at the options for bringing a contract to an end. This article considers the grounds for terminating an agreement.2024-06-07 14:12:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/thinking-of-terminating-a-contractWant to get out of a commercial contract? This can be complicated, so this step-by step guide for terminating a commercial contract will help the decision-making process.2024-06-04 15:58:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/cross-options-what-they-are-and-what-they-protectThe Importance of Cross-Options in Shareholders' Agreements: Ensuring Business Continuity and Protecting Shareholders. These are important provisions that can be included in a shareholders' agreement.2024-05-31 17:29:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/class-rights-what-are-theyCompanies can create shares that carry different rights for the shareholders who own them. This article looks at what class rights are, what kind of rights can be created and how the shares are established.2024-05-31 16:19:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/forming-a-limited-company-the-essentialsLimited companies are amongst the most common means of running a business. This article is provides a useful guide to the requirements to set up and register a company.2024-05-31 12:52:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/key-to-business-entitiesThere are many types of entity that can be used for business in the UK- some more popular and better known than others. This article gives some headline information on each of the main forms and their primary advantages, as an introduction to the topic.2024-05-31 10:40:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/reduction-of-share-capitalA reduction of a private company's share capital can be used for strategic planning and is a legal process. This article considers the reasons for making a reduction of share capital and the relevant procedures for carrying it out.2024-05-31 09:52:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/reduction-of-capital-and-share-buybacksPrivate companies may want to reduce their capital for a variety of reasons. This article looks at reductions of capital and its relationship to share buybacks, as they are different procedures and require different considerations.2024-05-31 09:39:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/financing-private-company-share-buybacksShare buybacks can be a strategic move for private limited companies, allowing them to repurchase their own shares from shareholders. ​ This process not only provides an opportunity for companies to manage their capital structure but also offers potential benefits such as increased earnings per share and enhanced shareholder value. ​2024-05-31 09:05:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/ananPrivate company share buybacks allow a private limited company to repurchase its own shares from shareholders. In this article, we look at the various considerations involved in a share buyback and its affects on shareholders. ​2024-05-30 10:19:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/contracting-on-another-party-s-standard-terms-and-conditions-b2bUnderstanding the implications of contracting on another party’s standard terms and conditions in B2B relationships and the importance of ensuring your required terms are incorporated into the contract.2024-05-30 09:51:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/effectively-incorporating-standard-terms-and-conditionsA guide for SMEs on how to incorporate their terms and conditions into business transactions and to protect their interests and reduce the risk of disputes and one-sided contractual obligations.2024-05-29 10:20:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/commercial-fraudFraud is on the rise. There is criminal fraud and there is civil or commercial fraud. This article looks at the differences and what kind of actions can be taken in commercial fraud cases.2024-05-29 09:39:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/agency-and-distribution-comparedAlthough they are one of the most prevalent forms of commercial relationship, agency and distribution can easily be confused, but they are very different in how they work. So, this article explains the distinctions and suggests which form is the most appropriate.2024-05-28 11:24:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/how-are-contracts-interpretedIt's important that when provisions in a contract are being argued over, that there are some rules for resolving their meaning. This article examines the basic principles that are used in the English courts for interpreting contracts.2024-05-28 10:07:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/pre-contract-discussions-their-importancePre-contract discussions are vital but can they be used to interpret the resulting agreement? This article explores the key points about the admissibility of pre-contractual negotiations and statements.2024-05-01 10:55:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/trade-secrets-and-confidential-informationRecognising and protecting trade secrets and confidential information is critical for businesses. This article looks at the difference between the two and what kind or remedies are available.2024-04-22 09:05:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/economic-crime-corporate-transparency-updatehe Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) has brought brings significant changes to corporate governance and filing requirements. This article looks at some of the key elements of the law and what directors and shareholders of SME companies should be aware of.2024-04-15 12:31:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/spring-24-newsletterOur Spring edition includes a wide range of topics from SME private company funding to important updates at Companies House and the requirement for businesses to offer flexible working to employees.2024-04-13 08:37:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/online-digital-content-for-consumersWhen providing digital content to online consumers, it is essential to have clear and comprehensive terms and conditions in place. ensuring a fair and transparent relationship. ​This article looks at the key provisions for inclusion in your ts&cs.2024-03-28 12:02:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/contractual-joint-venturesThis article looks at contractual joint ventures, a form of business collaboration providing flexibility without creating a separate legal entity for combining and exploiting different skills, assets and financial resources to achieve an agreed common business objective.2024-03-27 12:23:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/joint-venturesJVs are set to be a core business recovery structure for emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic2024-02-26 10:37:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-winter-23-24This Winter newsletter is packed with helpful information and tips for SMEs. There's more on the emerging AI trend and the editorial focuses on online "free lunches" for hard-pressed business owners.2024-02-02 03:08:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/commercial-contracts-a-guideOwning and running a business, big or small, inevitably involves commercial contracts involved- this guide helps understand them2023-10-25 08:44:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-autumn-23Our Autumn Newsletter addresses treating the cost of creating business contracts as an asset, and what a well drafted contract says about your business. We also have a range of useful contract tips for you to consider and we talk about the key issue of late payments.2023-06-19 08:36:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-summer-23Our Summer Newsletter is a great read across a range of topics that speak to SMEs day-to-day commercial issues. We cover GDPR and why it's important for small businesses, the dividend tax allowance from April '23, and how IR35 applies to partnerships, to name a few.2023-06-09 09:40:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/indemnities-what-are-theyIndemnities play an important role in commercial contracts. They help protect the parties from financial fall out when things go wrong. That's why it's vital to have some understanding of what an indemnity is and how it works. This article gives an introduction to the topic.2023-04-20 08:33:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/limiting-contractual-liabilityIn today's more litigious world, limiting liability in commercial contracts is a key part of the negotiating process. There are various ways that an effective limit can be written into contracts and this article looks at some of the more common methods.2023-03-26 10:29:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/let-s-chat-about-chatgptArtificial Intelligence (AI) will play an even more vital role in our lives than it does already. Initially launched in June 2018, the publicly available version of ChatGPT was launched by OpenAI in 2020. We wanted to find out how ChatGPT might help SMEs, so we asked it some questions and we got interesting and, on the whole, helpful replies.2023-03-25 17:27:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-spring-23Our Spring Newsletter has a host of great content to give SMEs the boost needed to develop and grow your business. SME owners represent 99.9% of the UK's total business.2023-02-22 12:26:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/the-employment-conundrumEmployee, worker or self-employed- which is to be and how do you work out which one you are or are about to engage? These questions are fraught with confusion and trip-wires, so this article looks at the important factors that help decide who is who on the employment spectrum.2023-02-15 09:09:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/the-scourge-of-late-payments"Cash is King". Anyone running a business knows this to be true. So, being paid late for goods or services can and does have a material impact on the ability to continue to trade. Late payments are tough to experience but, however unacceptable, they are a fact of business life. This article explores how to deal with slow payers.2023-01-26 09:37:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-winter-23A key reference point for SMEs wanting to keep up to date with recent developments + many useful contract tips to help stay ahead of the competition.2023-01-20 16:23:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/the-small-printThe Small Print is what so many people ignore, but it's a key component of a business' armory when it comes to making money. Terms and Conditions are highly relevant in B2B and B2C transactions and protect the business in many different ways. This article is an introduction to the importance of Ts&Cs.2023-01-13 16:55:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/escrow-agreementsWhere there is a lack of trust between parties to an agreement or where a dispute is to be settled or a contract completed, the use of an Escrow arrangement can prove to be very helpful. There are special features involved in setting up an escrow and this article introduces the topic.2023-01-02 14:59:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/the-battle-of-the-formsThis article looks at how it is decided which of two competing standard terms and conditions prevail in the formation of a contract. The outcome of the fight to get your Tc&Cs accepted can have important consequences.2022-12-15 15:45:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/employment-business-or-employment-agencyRecruitment agencies, employment agencies sound much the same thing. The common term 'agency' when used in connection with employment hides a truth- there are very different kinds of agency in law and practise. Find out here the distinctions and why they matter.2022-12-13 10:18:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/franchisingDeveloping or buying into a franchise is a good way to expand business. This article provides useful background on how franchising works. It explains the key components of franchising.2022-11-29 12:18:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/dealership-agreementsDealerships are an important marketing method for manufacturers to get their products sold in a territory. How they are set up and run depends on a variety of factors that need to be considered. This article explores the key considerations of setting up a dealership and what to look out for.2022-10-24 17:34:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-autumn-22Latest news and developments + insights and tips on what to do to help align your business for the challenging economy over the Autumn. Now is the time to take action.2022-07-28 07:55:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/all-change-for-tutor-businessesThere are major changes to the way tutoring businesses can be run due to a recent case that now requires compliance with employment agencies legislation.2022-06-20 08:35:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/commercial-starter-guideThis essential free to download Guide covers a large amount of commercial turf for business owners and managers.2022-06-17 10:16:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/marketing-to-consumersIf your are marketing to consumers in the UK, it's important to be aware of the rules and regs involved and this Guide helps business owners understand this complex area.2022-05-17 15:38:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-may-22Our Business Law Newsletters keep readers up o date with legal developments and include articles on a wide range of useful topics.2022-04-01 15:36:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-q1-22Our Business Law Newsletters keep readers up o date with legal developments and include articles on a wide range of useful topics.2022-01-07 15:28:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-law-newsletter-2021Our Business Law Newsletters keep readers up o date with legal developments and include articles on a wide range of useful topics.2021-03-06 11:49:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-vehicles-taxationA look at how are the different business vehicles are taxed2021-02-04 15:22:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/directors-powers-duties-liabilitiesCompany directors have important duties and powers they must follow- this introduction explains the essentials2021-01-08 12:32:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/company-governanceLooking at the general duties of directors to manage companies large and small2021-01-08 12:32:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-vehiclesLooking at the many different types of business vehicle2020-07-17 12:30:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/dealing-with-covid-19-debtHow £100bn+ of Covid-19 loans is going to be repaid by UK businesses2020-06-09 10:07:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/convertibles-write-offs-managing-covid-19-debt"Unsustainable debt"- a phrase we're hearing more about as companies take on Covid-19 loans2020-05-28 15:22:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/corporate-recovery-and-insolvencyWith increasing debts taken on due to Covid-19 it is important to consider how to maintain solvency & proper corporate governance2020-05-17 09:37:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/new-worldIs your business ready for the New World?2020-05-05 16:17:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/the-5-insider-tips-to-transform-your-leadership-in-a-covid-and-post-covid-worldThese tips are designed to help mange the changes and challenges required from leaders2020-05-05 16:14:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/working-from-home-survival-check-listHelpful tips and guidance on working from home2020-04-22 08:56:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/variation-of-contractsA guide on how contracts may be varied and the implications2020-04-21 14:47:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/commercial-contracts-structure-contentDemystifying some of the key provisions that turn up in commercial contracts2020-04-21 10:08:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/venture-capitalVenture capital invests in early-stage companies with strong growth potential- VC investees tend to be young and often pre-profit, and potentially even pre-revenue2020-04-21 09:45:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/private-equityPrivate equity is medium to long-term finance provided in return for an equity stake in potentially high-growth unquoted companies2020-04-21 08:28:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/business-start-up-fundingWhen Government Covid-19 financial support may not reach start-ups finding alternative funding options is critical2020-04-20 15:13:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/ordinary-secured-and-preferred-creditorsWe look at loan security & how business creditors rank in their priority, including personal guarantees2020-04-20 15:10:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/guarantees-indemnities-warrantiesAn explanation of these three important legal terms for commercial contracts and businesses2020-04-20 15:07:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/crowdfunding-explainedWe explain the essentials of Crowdfunding and give an insight to the participants, risks and platforms2020-04-09 08:30:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/managing-cashflowPractical hands-on business support from those with experience2020-04-09 08:27:00https://www.contracts-direct.com/business-essentials/critical-operational-decisions-and-actionsGuidance for taking decisions and managing change through the Covid-19 crisis