Startups and SMEs face many challenges - make sure you know how to overcome them by exploring our blogs for the latest news and insights across a range of accountancy and legal topics.
- (S)EIS Tax Relief
- Accountancy Best Practice
- Art and Luxury Assets
- Business Immigration
- Commercial Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Corporate Law
- Corporate Strategy
- EMI Share Option Scheme
- ESG Compliance
- Employment Law
- Fundraising Strategy
- Human Resources
- Intellectual Property
- Merger and Acquisition
- NFTs and Digital Trading
- R&D Tax Credits
- Startups & SME Advice
- Tax Advice
- UK Subsidiary
Start-up to Scale-Up: A Practical Guide for Founders
In this article, we will explore what it means to scale up your business. We will share insights from our experiences working with scale-ups and provide guidance on how to successfully navigate this critical transition in your business’ journey.
Staying Compliant: A Startup Founder's Guide to New Company Laws
New UK regulations aim for a cleaner business landscape. These changes mean stricter ID checks, physical addresses & a focus on lawful activities for startups. Companies House gains new powers to enforce these rules, with potential penalties for non-compliance.
15 Startup Essentials: Launching and Protecting Your UK Business
This article empowers startup business owners in the UK to build thriving businesses while safeguarding their ventures.
Annual Employment Related Securities (ERS) Return Due July 6th
When and how to Notify HMRC of New or Closed Employment Related Securities (ERS) Schemes like EMI, CSOP, SAYE and SIP which are tax advantaged plans in the UK.
What happens to a shareholder's shares when they die
When a shareholder dies, their shares are dealt with by the executors of their estate (if there is a will) or by the administrators under the Intestacy Rules (if there is no valid will). Both the executors and administrators are known as ‘personal representatives’ (PRs). Partner and Head of Private Client James McMullan of West End Law Firm RIAA Barker Gillette, looks at what happens to a shareholder's shares when they die.
Protecting your business should you lose mental capacity
What happens when a business owner’s mental health takes a downturn? Who can assist with business decisions in their absence? In today’s article our strategic partner RIAA Barker Gillette UK’s Partner & Head of Private Client, James McMullan looks at how business owners can protect their business interests, should they lose mental capacity.
Do you know your duties as a director?
Becoming a director is a significant achievement in any career (congratulations!), but with the achievement comes many responsibilities and the need to make significant decisions for the company. Your general legal duties are summarised in this article and you should make sure that you are familiar with and understand these fully.
Are you considering a Management Buyout?
A management buyout (an MBO) can be a big decision for everyone involved and the structure of an MBO is likely to be very complex. This article sheds some light on MBOs and what you need to consider before committing to such a transaction.
The key aspects to consider before acquiring a franchise
Are you planning to acquire a franchise in the UK? In this article, we cover the key aspects to consider before acquiring a franchise.
Incentivising Executives: Guide to Growth Share Schemes
In this week’s newsletter, Dragon Argent continues our series looking at how to incentivise employees and executives with Growth and Non-Growth Share Schemes in the UK. Learn more.
Due Diligence in M&A transactions
Due diligence helps investors and companies understand the nature of a deal, the risks involved, and whether the deal fits with their portfolio. Our Corporate & Commercial Law Solicitor, Arvin Bissessur will be covering why due diligence is important in mergers and acquisitions process in today’s newsletter.
Unapproved Share Option Schemes
In this week’s newsletter, Dragon Argent continues our series looking at how to motivate employees, this time by summarizing unapproved option schemes, otherwise known as non tax-advantaged share options. Learn more.
Share Incentive Plan (SIP) Guide 2023
A SIP also provides a tax efficient way for employees to acquire shares but unlike other schemes this is done using an Employee Benefit Trust which holds the shares on the employee’s behalf. Learn more.
Save As You Earn (SAYE) Share Option Schemes for Employees
Save As You Earn (SAYE) Share Option Schemes for UK Employees: What you need to know? Learn more.
How does a Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) Work
Starting a Company Share Option Plan (CSOP): What you need to know? A Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) is a tax-advantaged, discretionary share option plan where a company can grant CSOP options to any employee or full-time director. Learn more.
Mergers and Acquisitions Transaction FAQs
In this week’s newsletter Dragon Argent are sharing quick-fire answers to some of the most common questions we receive from business owners when they begin to plan an exit from their company. Typically, these transactions fall into the category of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and for someone exiting a business, specifically sell side M&A. Our Head of Corporate & Commercial Law, Freddie-Nicole Brace provides the answers.
Game Creators: Legal and Practical Considerations
In this week’s newsletter, Dragon Argent covers some key legal and practical considerations for anyone looking to set up an indie game studio (with particular thanks to our new Corporate & Commercial Solicitor Jamie Thornton for providing the expert analysis!).
Dealing with Copyright Infringement
“All my ideas are stolen anyway”, as once said by acclaimed British artist Damien Hirst. We see this time and again – an artist using an existing work, without that original creator’s authorisation, as the basis for their artwork. This is the subject of this week’s newsletter.
The Impact of New Legislation on B2C Business Model
If you have a B2C model, there is a new directive amending consumer legislation that it’s very important to be aware of. This legislation will impact the terms business include in consumer facing agreements like services agreements and terms and conditions. Learn more.
The Key to Successful SaaS Agreements
In this week’s newsletter, Dragon Argent take an in-depth look at a foundational document for tech-based businesses – the SaaS agreement - and share our top tips for its role in the growth journey of a startup.