Business Guides
If you’re starting a new business, or thinking of setting up a company, how do you know if it’s the right thing to do?
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What are trade marks? A guide for company owners
A trade mark is a way of clearly identifying your brand while also legally protecting the trade mark from being used or copied by a rival company to promote their own goods or services. Some trade marks, such as Coca Cola, Apple, Nike etc., are recognised around the globe and have achieved almost iconic status, […]
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Running your company – dealing with late payment problems
Late payments can cause small businesses a serious cash flow headache and in some cases, lead to the company going out of business altogether.
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Steps you must take when you hire your first employee
Hiring your first employee can feel like a strange and daunting task for any small company owner, particularly as it means handing over a great deal of responsibility to another person. As a business owner, you will have a new level of responsibility to ensure your staff members are paid properly, are treated correctly, and […]
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How to choose a limited company bank account
When it comes to forming a limited company, one of the key decisions you face is choosing the best bank account to support your business.
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How to value a business – common methods
If you want to sell your company at some time in the future, how do you know what it is worth? Even if you don’t use ‘traditional valuation methods’ when conducting a sale, it is vital to be able to demonstrate to a would-be buyer that you have an accurate and robust knowledge of all aspects of your business.
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20 questions to ask before you set up a new business
Running your own small company can be the most rewarding experience for many – but there are risks involved, and many small businesses fail within the first few years. Good preparation is essential to give you the best chance of building a long-lasting and thriving business. At LCH, we’ve set up and run several small […]
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Can I use my personal bank account for business?
Whether or not you need a separate business bank account depends entirely on whether you are going into business as a sole trader, or setting up a limited company.
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Are you allowed to run your business from home?
The answer to this much-asked question depends on where you live, whether you’re the property owner or tenant, and the kind of business you want to run from home.
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What is the Bribery Act, and how are small businesses affected?
Businesses of all shapes and sizes in the UK are affected by the Bribery Act and company directors need to be aware of what they should do to ensure their full compliance with the rules.
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What is jury service and how will it affect my business?
Jury service is seen as an important civic duty in the UK and is a key feature of our legal system. With few exceptions, anyone between the ages of 18 and 70 who is living in the UK and on the electoral register can be selected at random for jury service.
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How to write a business plan for your limited company
A business plan doesn’t have to be a hefty document and definitely shouldn’t be long-winded, especially if you’re trying to persuade your bank to fund your enterprise, attract new investors, or motivate staff.
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Pension auto enrolment – a guide for small company owners
As a business owner, you are probably aware that you must automatically enrol any employees into a workplace pension scheme. Here we look at how the new pension rules work, and explain why many small companies are exempt. Who needs to be enrolled on the scheme? There are several criteria you should consider when determining […]