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Setting up a business involves complying with a range of legal requirements. Find out which ones apply to you and your new enterprise.

Every business needs to be aware of its obligations under minimum wage and equal pay laws, as well as recent pensions auto-enrolment changes.

What particular regulations do specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm) need to follow? We explain some of the key legal issues to consider for 200 types of business.

While poor governance can bring serious legal consequences, the law can also protect business owners and managers and help to prevent conflict.

You must comply with legal restrictions on employees' working hours and time off, or risk claims, enforcement action and even prosecution.

The right employment policies are an essential part of effective staff management. Make sure any policy is clear and well communicated to employees.

Whether you want to raise finance, join forces with someone else, buy or sell a business, it pays to be aware of the legal implications.

While sick employees need to be treated fairly, you need to ensure that 'sickness' is not being used as cover for unauthorised absence.

Marketing matters. Marketing drives sales for businesses of all sizes by ensuring that customers think of their brand when they want to buy.

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

Commercial disputes can prove time-consuming, stressful and expensive, but having robust legal agreements can help to prevent them from occurring.

As well as undermining morale, illegal discrimination can lead to workplace grievances. Employee discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Whether your business owns or rents premises, your legal liabilities can be substantial. Commercial property law is complex, but you can avoid common pitfalls.

Home, remote and lone workers are becoming increasingly commonplace. Key issues include communication and how to manage and motivate people remotely.

With information and sound advice, living up to your legal responsibilities to safeguard your employees, customers and visitors need not be difficult or costly.

The right approach to consulting with and providing information to your employees can improve employee motivation and performance.

As information technology continues to evolve, legislation must also change. It affects everything from data protection and online selling to internet policies for employees.

Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential.

Following the right dismissal and redundancy procedures helps protect your business and minimise the risk of a legal dispute at tribunal.

Intellectual property (IP) isn't solely relevant to larger businesses or those involved in developing innovative new products: all products have IP.

Employment tribunal claims are a worrying prospect for any employer. A tribunal case is a no-win situation – even if the claim is unjustified.

Knowing how and when you plan to sell or relinquish control of your business can help you to make better decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

From bereavement, wills, inheritance, separation and divorce to selling a house, personal injury and traffic offences, learn more about your personal legal rights.

Confidence boost for businesses as economy reopens

6 April 2021

Directors' optimism in the economy is at its highest level since just after the 2019 General Election, according to new data from the Institute of Directors.

As plans to reopen non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers and pubs remain on track for 12 April, it seems company directors are feeling more positive than they have for a long time. According to the Institute of Directors (IoD), the planned reopening of the economy and the Budget have boosted business spirits.

Its Spring 2021 Confidence Tracker reveals that:

  • Directors' optimism in the economy has moved further into positive territory since February (+14, up from +5);
  • 62% of company directors polled said the Budget had improved prospects for the economic recovery;
  • Net investment and hiring intentions for the year ahead have also picked up (+19 and +18 respectively).

"After an enduring year defined by challenge after challenge, the clouds are finally parting for businesses," said IoD chief economist Tej Parikh.

"The roadmap to reopen the economy, the successful vaccine rollout and the Budget have all buoyed directors' confidence in the first quarter. Having plumbed to new depths of pessimism amidst the pandemic and Brexit uncertainty last year, firms are now embracing a cautiously optimistic outlook for the year ahead."

Extensions to furlough and other government relief schemes have also "staved off fears of an impending cliff edge in support measures" he added. "As the roadmap progresses, firms can now rescale over the spring and summer months with the cushion of the government's economic package still beneath them."

However, challenges remain. Asked which factors are having a negative effect on their business, directors cited:

  • Coronavirus (62%);
  • UK economic conditions (51%);
  • New trading relationship with the EU (42%);
  • Global economic conditions (38%);
  • Compliance with government regulation (34%).

"Despite the improved economic outlook, policymakers and business leaders should take care not to slip into complacency," warned Parikh "The government should be on hand to extend cashflow support if the roadmap faces speedbumps, and firms will need ongoing help to navigate new trading terms with the EU. Businesses meanwhile should continue to invest in their skills and digital capabilities to adapt to the demands of the post-pandemic economy."

With confirmation from prime minister Boris Johnson that phase two of the roadmap out of lockdown will go ahead for England on April 12, Claire Walker, co-executive director of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Many firms will be breathing a huge sigh of relief that they will soon be able to reopen their doors to customers. The last year has taken a heavy toll on firms across the country and they will be counting down the hours until they can begin trading and rebuilding their businesses.

"The latest BCC Quarterly Economic Survey has shown that businesses are becoming more optimistic about the future. But that confidence is fragile and absolute clarity and honesty will be needed every step of the way over the weeks ahead, so that companies have a fighting chance to rebuild."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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